Kim L. Siegelson

"Toby is now old enough to join his family at the ring-shout in this story that draws on the African-American tradition of circle dances accompanied by call-and-response singing. Each family member brings something to play at the annual harvest celebration that “speaks from his own heart straight to God’s ears.” Sister Pearl brings a dry gourd because the sound of the seeds reminds her of cornstalks rattling in the wind and she is “happy for the wind on hot days.” Toby, with the wise help of his grandfather, learns that just clapping his hands allows him to speak with everything he has, and what he has most is family. Cohen’s boldly colored, flat illustrations swirl across the pages in circular patterns that provide just the right touch for this warm family story of faith and upholding tradition. An author’s note gives a brief history. (Picture book. 4 –7)" www.kirkusreviews.com… (més)

This story was unlike many slavery stories. This story encompassed not just the hardship of being brought to the new world, but also the pain of leaving behind their homeland's culture. This story kept alive the African traditions that ran deep in the character's souls. It painted the picture that their ancestry was stronger than the mind numbing new world's tasks. This story was emotional to say the least, that nationalism was stronger than family at one point that heroism had to rise to the occasion to save their traditions. This story shows the longing for freedom unites even the most oppressed. That even when their minds grew faint on their ancencestry, they were not alone. They came together to hold their traditions throughout generations to come. This story is an empowering one that gets the point across that one must become stronger than their burdon or that burdon will tear away at their soul. Without determination and strength one's will to remember who they are will deteriorate.… (més)

Based on an old Gullah legend, 'In The Time of Drums' is an inspirational tale which takes place during the time of slavery and African slave ships completing the middle passage. The story revolves around grandmother Twi and her young grandson Mentu. Mentu is too young to work in the fields so Twi takes this opportunity to teach him how to play the goatskin drums and chant the songs she grew up with in Africa. Mentu was born on Gullah, so she is instilling her history into him which he will then pass on to his children and so on for generations to come. I chose to make the target audience grades 3-6 because the abstract concept of people choosing suicide over slavery may be difficult for younger children to grasp.… (més)