Goin’ Someplace Special
Written by Patricia McKissack
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
2002 Coretta Scott King Award Winner
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About the Book There’s a place in this
1950’s southern town where all are welcome, no matter what their skin color .
. . and ‘Tricia Ann knows how to get there. To her, it’s someplace special
and she’s bursting to go by herself. When her grandmother sees
that she is ready to take such a big step, ‘Tricia Ann hurries to catch the
bus heading downtown. But unlike the white passen- gers, she must sit in the
back behind the Jim Crow sign and wonder why life’s so unfair. Still, for each hurtful sign
seen and painful comment heard, there’s a friend around the corner reminding
‘Tricia Ann that she’s not alone. And even her grandmother’s words – “You are
some-body, a human being – no better, no worse than anybody else in this
world” – echo in her head, lifting her spirits and pushing her forward. (Antheneum Books for Young Readers, 2001. 40pp.
Interest Level: Ages 4-8) About the Author Patricia McKissack grew up
in Missouri and Tennessee, and for several years she lived with her
grandfather who was a great storyteller. His stories are some of her fondest
memories. She has been writing since the third grade and has written more than
50 books with her husband Fred McKissack. |
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About the Illustrator Jerry Pinkney is the only
illustrator to have been awarded the Coretta Scott King Award four times. In
addition to Goin’ Someplace Special,
Jerry Pinkney is the illustrator of the Patricia McKissack book Mirandy and Brother Wind, which also
won the Coretta Scott King Award. Before Read Aloud Activity Discussion & Drawing Activity Have a class discussion
about favorite places and why they are special. Write a list on the board of
the places students come up with, and then have the students draw a picture
of their favorite place. Materials needed: crayons,
construction paper. After Read Aloud Activity This is How I Feel… Working as a class, have the
students complete the included handout about how they feel after reading the
book. For younger children, write
key words on the board for them to choose from:
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This is How I Feel...
Now that your teacher or
librarian has read Goin’ Someplace
Special to you, how do you feel? Would you want to be ‘Tricia Ann? As you
discuss feelings with your classmates, answer the questions below.
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1. When ‘Tricia Ann asked
to visit her special place by herself, I felt… |
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2. When ‘Tricia Ann had to
sit in the back of the bus, I felt… |
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3. I thought it was nice
that ‘Tricia Ann gave up her seat on the bus, I felt… |
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4. The reaction to ‘Tricia
Ann being in the hotel made me feel… |
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5. I thought Blooming Mary
was a nice lady, she made me feel… |
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6. If I could not go
someplace because of my skin color, I would feel… |
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7. It made me feel (fill in below) that ‘Tricia Ann could visit the library. |
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8. I like libraries because
they make me feel… |
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9. My favorite special
place is… |
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10. It is my special place
because… |
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