Show Way

Author Jacqueline Woodson narrates this colorful adaptation of her 2005 Newbery Honor and ALA Notable picture book, which features illustrations by Hudson Talbott. Chronicling the history of a family through quilt-making and anecdotes, Show Way focuses on young Soonie's older female relatives, who were sold into slavery and would later stitch messages into map-like (“show way”) quilts. The narrative follows eight generations down the line (starting with Soonie's great-grandma, who taught Big Mama), telling stories of women who “jump the broom,” raise children (“she loved that baby up”), work, and learn. Threading illustrative depictions of life for the women (including some dramatic patchwork scenes of escape and being chased by dogs), with quotes from luminaries such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Langston Hughes, Show Way serves up snippets of family historical background up through the Civil Rights era and the present (ending with Woodson's own daughter). Featuring a read-along option, DVD extras include a bonus interview with Woodson. A 2013 ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Video selection, this is recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (J. Williams-Wood)