Papa's Mark

Gr 1-5--It is election time in Lamar County as Simms and his father drive into town in their wagon for their weekly shopping trip. Simms notices that instead of signing his name, Papa simply writes an "x" at the bottom of the receipt. Simms desperately wants to help his father learn how to write so he can sign his name when he casts his vote for the first time. As Election Day draws near, Papa practices with the patient guidance of his thoughtful son. Will he learn how to write his name in time? Beautiful oil paintings with rich colors of browns, blues, yellows, and greens fill each page and capture Simms and his family's determination. Bootman's final illustrations show pride on the faces of men who are able to vote for the very first time as they enter the town courthouse together, "in unity." This heartwarming story about a boy who is dedicated to helping his father has language simple enough for a primary student to understand as a read-aloud, but older elementary students will also benefit from reading this beautiful picture book independently. An author's note provides a bit of historical background on the 13th Amendment, slavery, and the importance of the Voting Rights Act. VERDICT A fine lesson in persistence for any classroom setting.--Kerra Mazzariello

At the start of this affecting story, Simms and his papa ride into their Southern town on their weekly shopping trip. It's a few weeks before election day, when African-Americans will be allowed to vote for the first time. The kind white shopkeeper gives Simms a poster announcing the election and, after the purchases are completed, asks Samuel to put his "mark" on the store pad. "Every Saturday Simms watched Papa put an X on the pad. Simms's gaze fell to the floor," explains the understated narrative. When they return home, the boy offers to show his father how to write his name so he'll "never have to make that X again," but Samuel gently rebuffs the offer. Yet late that night, the sleepless boy arises and spies his father hunched over a piece of paper, producing letters that, in his own words, look "like chicken scratch." Soon the father asks for his son's help, which is willingly given. In a triumphant denouement, Samuel signs his name on voting day and asks Simms to join him in putting the ballot in the box. Battle-Lavert (previously teamed with Bootman for The Music in Derrick's Heart) broadens the historical scope of her story with references to blacks' hesitancy about voting, as they fear trouble from angry whites. Bootman's oil paintings contrast emotion-filled character studies with softly focused backdrops of the rural landscape or with relatively spare interiors. Judicious use of light and shadow underscores the message of hope. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

Copyright 2004 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.