An Anti-Bias World
needs Anti-Bias Children
Children’s
Book Analysis of-
“The Black Snowman”
Written
by: Phil Mendez
Illustrations
by: Carole Byard
Year of
Publication: 1989
Description:
Jacob Miller is a young, intercity kid who hates the fact that he is poor and
black because “Everything black is bad” (Mendez 10). His views change when he
and his brother accidently awaken a snowman made from black snow with the magic
from a traditional African kente. As Jacob and his brother interact with the
magical snowman, Jacob learns about his cultural heritage, hope, and history.
Analysis:
“The Black Snowman” is an
appropriate book for children between the ages of six and eight. This book
offers an inside look into the rise from disdain for the protagonist’s own race
to pride and acceptance. This book would be a great addition to any school
bookshelf.
Both
Mendez and Byard are members of the race depicted in the children’s book “The
Black Snowman”. Their collaboration has created a wonderful coming of age
story. Phil Mendez has “sold over a million copies and won numerous honors,
including the coveted Martin Luther King ‘Living the Dream’ award” (Tehani).
This prestigious award is “awarded to a person or persons whose work for
equality and diversity makes our community a better place and celebrates the vision
of Martin Luther King, Jr.” (Living the Dream Award). Carole Byard is an
award-winning artist who “is committed to the interpretation of history—both
African and American” (Otfinski). Both Phil Mendez and Carole Byard are
experienced and gifted individuals who are qualified to tell an un-biased
story.
The
illustrations in “The Black Snowman” are beautifully done. The use of various
colors for the skin tones of Jacob and his family and the African ancestors can
be used to initiate a thoughtful discussion. If you look closely at the
artwork, Byard uses shades of purple, red, orange, and blue along with various
types of brown. Jacob, his family, and the African ancestors that the Snowman conjures
all have unique physical features that distinguish themselves from damaging stereotypes
and are realistic.
The storyline
in children’s books are very important and leave the most lasting impression. The
heroes and their lifestyle and the conflict and resolution are culturally
accurate. In “The Black Snowman”, Jacob is the protagonist and overcomes his
own hopelessness by embracing his heritage and his situation to save his
brother. At the very beginning of the children’s book, Jacob expresses rage for
his race by exclaiming that he hates being black and blames the color of skin
as the reason for his family’s financial situation (Mendez 8-10). When him and
his brother create a snowman made from blackened snow, they dress it with a
magical kente cloth that awakens the snowman. The snowman, who holds the most
wisdom in the story, teaches Jacob of his ancestors and heritage. Jacob uses
his newfound pride to help him save his brother from a burning building. “The
Black Snowman” teaches young readers that we should take pride in our heritage
and that the pride that comes from respecting your lineage can inspire acts of
courage.
I would definitely
recommend this book to teachers who are planning on teaching children about
their ancestry. To be able to have good self-esteem, you need to be fully happy
with every aspect of yourself and race and ancestry are important portions of
our identity. In “The Black Snowman” we see a young peer grow from resentment
to feeling “glad to be alive” and “good about himself” (43). These positive
thoughts are what we want to instill in children, because it will help them to
become better members of society and be able to pass on those ideals to the
next generation.
Works Cited
Living the Dream Award. (2008, March 24). Retrieved October
11, 2014.
Otfinoski, S. (2011). Byrad, Carole. Retrieved October 11,
2014.
Tehrani, S. (2011, June 12). Cinema Without Borders honored the legendary artist, Phil Mendez. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
> The Cover of “The Black Snowman”
> Ashanti Girls in Tradition Kente Clothing
>Phil Mendez, Author
> Carole Byard, Illustrator
Your analysis made me want to go read this book! It sounds like a very inspiring book and like you said about the authors: "Both Phil Mendez and Carole Byard are experienced and gifted individuals who are qualified to tell an un-biased story." I think this alone can make or break a storyline. I also liked the message that this book gives: “The Black Snowman” teaches young readers that we should take pride in our heritage and that the pride that comes from respecting your lineage can inspire acts of courage." I love this quote and I'm SO glad I read your analysis, it makes me want to encourage children to EMBRACE their heritage even more!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your blog, nicely done. I've never heard of this book before, but the way you describe it I want to read it. I liked how you included pictures to help me visualize it better. I also liked that you included pictures of the author and artist, I think it gives it more of a connection to the book and the story. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow, you picked a great book to analyz and put on a school's shelf. I learned that the name of that culture's clothing is Kente. I liked how you brought more than just the analysis of the book in the post, but of how the book related to real life culture.
ReplyDelete