I really enjoyed Sweet Land of Liberty by Deborah Hopkinson because it highlighted an important issue in American history using a historical narrative. I thought that the message of the book and the illustrations were consistent, and it signed a light on those who continuously strived to make our country an equal place. The story begins with a young Oscar Chapman who is expelled from his school after hanging a photo of Abraham Lincoln in his classroom. Although slavery had been abolished, our country had not accepted the change fully, and this angered young Chapman. After obtaining a law degree, he continuously fought for civil rights and equality, and he found a great opportunity to do so when he planned a concert for Marian Anderson in front of the Lincoln memorial. Over 75,000 people attended the concert to show their support and encourage a change in our nation. At the end, the author mentions the importance of our childhood memories and how they impact our future decisions. I thought this book was a beautiful tale of unity. ( )

Oscar Chapman group up in a small town in Virginia. When one was a boy, after rising five dollars selling candy, he was sent to buy a decoration for his classroom. Unknowingly, Oscar bought a picture of Abraham Lincoln and hung it on the wall. It was soon after the Civil War and some did not agree with equal rights, therefore, Oscar was being expelled. Oscar had witnessed injustice before, and made a promise to himself when he grew up he would continue to stir things up and fight for change. Oscar did just that after orchestrating a free concert at then foot of the Lincoln Memorial fro Marian Anderson, an African American singer, who was not allowed to perform at Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution bc she was not white. Twenty-four years later Martin Luther King made his famous speech in the exact same spot. Oscar Chapman did many other things to fight against the injustice toward African Americans. The story reveals the story of Oscar Chapman's life, what he did for arian Anderson, and what life was still like after the Civil War. The story shows that by working hard and working together injustice can be overcome.
The art is abstract and colorful, bleeding onto the pages The mixed media is colorful and interesting. ( )

Lots of focus of the civil rights movement is on the 50's and 60's and on the stories of Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and MLK, who all have really interesting and engaging stories. However, this story is set two decades before all that and is really interesting because it is not a well known one. I found myself totally engaged by this story and I think children would be too, especially children who love history. ( )

Genre: This biographical book tells the story of a woman named Marian Anderson. This book gives real life accurate details of her life and of the performance at the Lincoln memorial. This book does not exaggerate anything in the story.

Setting: The setting of this book is in Washington DC, with the main part of the story at the Lincoln memorial.

Media: Acrylic Paint ( )