This Is the Rope

An iconographic-animated adaptation of author Jacqueline Woodson and illustrator James Ransome's 2013 picture book, This Is the Rope focuses on the “Great Migration” of African-Americans from the rural South into more urban Northern states. The simple story follows the journey of a rope found under a shady sweet-smelling South Carolina pine, which grandpa uses to tie the family belongings to the car for the move to New York. Once in the city, the family hangs dried flowers to remind them of home and uses the rope to air-dry diapers, as a leash for a toy duck, and during skipping games with new friends. Following successive generations through family photos of graduation and pregnancy, the story culminates in a lesson about tying a hardy sailor's knot (“You want whatever you make or do in your life to last…”), coupled with a buoyant family reunion. Featuring narration by Channie Waites, music by Toshi Reagon, and a read-along option, this is recommended. Aud: E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)