|
Title: The Glory Field
Author: Walter Dean Myers
Age level: Grades 7-10
Recommended by: Randall Heeres, Northern Michigan Christian High, Michigan Summary:
The novel traces the Lewis family of South Carolina from slavery (1753) to the present (1994, publication date), following Lizzy during the Civil War era, Elijah during the Jim Crow days, Luvenia during the Depression in Chicago, Tommy during the Civil Rights movement, and Malcolm in New York City. The importance of family and heritage, the power of dreams, and the struggles for justice and equality are essential to the book, which also features some sound insights into historical events, a variety of colorful characters, and a straightforward prose style.
Teaching suggestions: This novel works well with companion materials such as Eyes on the Prize or We Shall Overcome videos. Research into famous figures noted in the novel, such as Martin Luther
King, Jr., or into significant events such as the Depression or the Montgomery bus boycott makes for interesting and worthy assignments. Langston Hughes' poems "Freedom" and "I, Too, " work well when
reading about Lizzy and Luvenia. The novel also lends itself well to discussions about injustices past and present, helping students move beyond their own understanding of history, racism, slavery, and injustice.
|
