Genre: Historical Published: 2012This recounts the historical turning point where former slaves that were living as husband and wife could register and be married in the eyes of the law. The book explains the old tradition holding hands and leaping over a broom into life together as a way slaves used to show they were married in their hearts. Today some African Americans still broom jump at their weddings in memory of the history. This is a good book to talk about traditions and to discuss slavery and the civil rights movement for African Americans. My favorite part of the book was the illustrations because they were colorful and vibrant which made the words on the page seem that way too. The details in the pictures made me feel like the illustrator took his time in making the story come alive. The author did an amazing job of creating a strong symbol such as the broom. The broom represented the traditions that Ellen and her family had before they had freedom as African-Americans. Her parents jumped the broom both times they got married and although the broom was apart of their past, it represents their future of new beginnings and hopefulness. Ellen is an energetic character that keeps the plot light with emotion due to her spunky personality. This book highlights a difficult time period in our society and that might be too much for a child to understand, but most children will be able to relate to Ellen’s personality.
A neat explanation of why the broom is important in the African American culture.
—Sheila
The writing seemed a little stilted to me. I couldn't get into the story.
—AisforAnika
Nicely told sliver of history.
—soo
Interesting history.
—jocelyn
