Up the Learning Tree

by Vaughan, Marcia K.

• ISBN13: 9781584300496
• ISBN10: 1584300493
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-09-01
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books

Summary

Henry Bell is not allowed to read and write. In,fact, most enslaved children, like him, are,severely punished if they are even caught with a,book. But Henry is curious. He suspects there is,something powerful in books and he wants to know,what it is. One day, Henry hides in a sycamore,tree by the schoolhouse just as the teacher begins,reading a story. His heart pounds as he listens,with astonishment and right then he decides to,learn to read. Henry's fierce determination and,bravery lead him to a special friendship and,journey of discovery that changes his life.

Author Biography

MARCIA VAUGHAN is the author of numerous children's books, including THE SECRET TO FREEDOM, a Teachers' Choices Award winner published by LEE & LOW BOOKS. Vaughan was inspired to write UP THE LEARNING TREE after reading Civil War-era oral histories of former enslaved people, many of whom risked their lives to learn to read and write. Vaughan lives in Vashon Island, Washington, with her husband and their son. DEREK BLANKS received his B.F.A. degree from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore. He has served as a painter and freelance illustrator for galleries, museums, and art publications, and he currently works as a graphic artist and photographer. A native of Mississippi, Blanks now lives in College Park, Georgia, with his wife. This is his first picture book.