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appaloosa05's review
3.0
Stories within a story, beautifully illustrated. Overall they convey the theme of courage very well.
emmaraeempowered's review
5.0
This was so sweet! And the Authors Note was also very sweet as the author describe the inspiration of the story stemming from his own relationship with his Papa.
The way Big Papa shows his grandson aspects of his life was very sweet and touching. I always find it interesting when you reach the age where you realize the adults around you are people other than just mom, dad, grandparent, auntie, guardian...etc. They all have lives and many stories to share and teach. Sometimes they share lots and lots, sometimes they share little.
This story heavily highlighted bravery and courage, specifically with African-American people. Since this story begins with the grandson not wanting to go to school I thought it was historically important that the author showed a time when Big Papa was a kid (called Little Papa in this moment) as he was trying to "go to school". A man comes up behind him and rips up the paper telling him he ain't ever gonna go to school and working in the fields is all he is good for. Grandson asks if Big Papa ever went to school, which he responds no. and then he asks if being scared ever goes away, and Papa responds with no. This whole part displayed the strength of connection and the importance of honesty between adults and children. The bravery and courage Big Papa had displayed through his life was admirable.
The way Big Papa shows his grandson aspects of his life was very sweet and touching. I always find it interesting when you reach the age where you realize the adults around you are people other than just mom, dad, grandparent, auntie, guardian...etc. They all have lives and many stories to share and teach. Sometimes they share lots and lots, sometimes they share little.
This story heavily highlighted bravery and courage, specifically with African-American people. Since this story begins with the grandson not wanting to go to school I thought it was historically important that the author showed a time when Big Papa was a kid (called Little Papa in this moment) as he was trying to "go to school". A man comes up behind him and rips up the paper telling him he ain't ever gonna go to school and working in the fields is all he is good for. Grandson asks if Big Papa ever went to school, which he responds no. and then he asks if being scared ever goes away, and Papa responds with no. This whole part displayed the strength of connection and the importance of honesty between adults and children. The bravery and courage Big Papa had displayed through his life was admirable.
izzy1026's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
abigailbat's review
When a young boy is scared to start a new school, his grandfather takes him in a time machine to show him times in his own life where he had to be brave. This is a celebration of family history wrapped in a whimsical, colorful package.
jgoins's review
5.0
Oh man this one got me! I was already teary by the end of the book with how touching the story of this boy and his grandfather was - but then the author's note at the end finished me off! Crying in the library. This book about our family's histories and the ways we have to be brave every day if we ever want to grow was WONDERFUL! Read it.
erine's review
4.0
A story brimming with love and courage. A young child travels back in time with their grandfather, listening to (and watching) his tales from the past. The grandfather had little schooling, had to leave home to make a life for himself, met his wife, and took care of his grandchild. Each moment had to be met with courage both small and large. In the end, the young child is then able to face up to going to school with a little more bravery. The illustrations are friendly and bright, and portray the time travel scenes as dreamy with a nostalgic glow.
Our main character, afraid to go to school, is not designated as a particular gender and can be read in whatever way resonates with the reader. And the Author's and Illustrator's notes at the end are simply lovely.
Our main character, afraid to go to school, is not designated as a particular gender and can be read in whatever way resonates with the reader. And the Author's and Illustrator's notes at the end are simply lovely.
roxanne_can_read's review
5.0
Absolutely fantastic book! This teaches that bravery is not the absence of fear. It encourages kids to be brave although they are afraid. It also gently touches on the privilege of education. The author's note at the end was so touching. I wish his Papa could have seen this book in completion, but I know he must be proud. I love that the book showcased AAVE it was so comforting to have the story in a familiar voice. The art style was so fitting too! It's like watercolors and crayons!
shayemiller's review
4.0
This is a tender-hearted story about the love between a grandfather (AKA Papa) and his grandson, who doesn’t want to go to school. Papa takes him back through time, showing him moments where bravery was necessary in order to move forward.
There’s an author’s note in the back about Daniel Bernstrom’s childhood of growing up adopted and not knowing about his history. He didn’t meet his grandfather until he was eighteen — that’s when he learned about his African American story. There’s also an illustrator’s note about the challenges of interpreting this story of time travel in artwork. The artist used patience, skill, mixed media, pen, alkyd paint, and digital media tools to create the illustrations in this book.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
There’s an author’s note in the back about Daniel Bernstrom’s childhood of growing up adopted and not knowing about his history. He didn’t meet his grandfather until he was eighteen — that’s when he learned about his African American story. There’s also an illustrator’s note about the challenges of interpreting this story of time travel in artwork. The artist used patience, skill, mixed media, pen, alkyd paint, and digital media tools to create the illustrations in this book.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!