Great historical fiction with excellent notes from author at end of book. ( )

Papa's Mark is the story of an African American family and the first time the father in that family "Papa" gets to vote in an election. This story highlights many injustices that have been legally overcome. Our main character Simms's Papa is finally able to vote. He and other African American families are worried because many people in the community are unhappy that they have the right to vote. Understandably, many African American men in the story are almost too frightened to vote. That is such an important part of history to understand. While laws may have changed, peoples' opinions did not change overnight. While many claim that racism ended when the laws changed, they clearly did not and this book shows that very well. This book is also about Papa learning to write his name. His perseverance pays off when he is able to sign his name on his voting ballot. The illustrations really helped tell the story and were interesting to look at. Overall, I enjoyed this book. ( )

Simms lives in Lamar County with his family. One day Simms travels with his father into town to do the grocery shopping. everywhere there are signs and talk of the upcoming election. Men of color are not allowed to vote at this time, but Lamar County is about to change. Simms father, Samuel T., never learned how to write his name, instead he writes an X. On the days leading up to the elections Simms teaches his father how to write his name properly so he may write his name on his ballot when he votes for the first time. On the day of the election Samuel T., Simms, and other colored men walk along side their white neighbors to vote. Lamar County is forever changed. The story reveals what is was like to be a hard working and young African American before the Civil War and equal rights. It tells the story of a young boy who has to teach his father how to write and a colored man who votes in an election for the very first time. It is a story about the change a county will now begin to go through.
The art is done in full page spreads, with very neutral colors. The illustrations reveals evidence about the time the story is being written about. ( )

This short historical fiction brings to light a piece of history that can sometimes be forgotten. The importance of literacy, citizenship and the right to vote. ( )

Summary
This book speaks about how a little boy teaches his dad how to write his name before voting so his dad will never have to use his mark again.

Personal reflection
I loved this book because it brings back to reality what African Americans felt like not knowing how to write and the first time being able to vote. This was a very simple way in teaching children about history.

Extensions
1. Have a mock voter's booth so the children get the feel of voting.
2. Ask the children if they know anyone that doesn't know how to read or write.
3. Have a day where the class assists younger children in writing. ( )