Follow the Drinking Gourd

Illus. in full color. "Winter's story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song's directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that's compelling. A fine rendering of history in picturebook format."--(starred) Booklist.  
  • WINNER | 1988
    Booklist Books for Youth Editors' Choice
  • WINNER | 1988
    Library of Congress Children's Books of the Year
  • WINNER | 1988
    Reading Rainbow Feature Books
Jeanette Winter, whose My Name is Georgia was a Publishers Weekly Best Book among other accolades, lives in Pipe Creek, Texas. View titles by Jeanette Winter
“A fine rendering of history in picture book format.”–Booklist, Starred

“An extraordinary and inspiring tribute to a unique part of African-American
history.”–Boston Globe

“The artist’s hauntingly muted pictures propel the story forward and make
it memorable.”–Washington Post Book World

About

Illus. in full color. "Winter's story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song's directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that's compelling. A fine rendering of history in picturebook format."--(starred) Booklist.  

Awards

  • WINNER | 1988
    Booklist Books for Youth Editors' Choice
  • WINNER | 1988
    Library of Congress Children's Books of the Year
  • WINNER | 1988
    Reading Rainbow Feature Books

Author

Jeanette Winter, whose My Name is Georgia was a Publishers Weekly Best Book among other accolades, lives in Pipe Creek, Texas. View titles by Jeanette Winter

Praise

“A fine rendering of history in picture book format.”–Booklist, Starred

“An extraordinary and inspiring tribute to a unique part of African-American
history.”–Boston Globe

“The artist’s hauntingly muted pictures propel the story forward and make
it memorable.”–Washington Post Book World

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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