Ellen's Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons

Title: Ellen's Broom
Author: Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
ISBN:978-0-399-25003-3

Review:


A family heritage is something we should all treasure and embrace. The good and bad of our past is what makes us strong as we move forward into the next generation. Kelly Starling has done an excellent job in showing young readers the importance of family in Ellen's Broom.

Ellen sat in church with her family on a day that meant more than all the others. They were free. Slavery days were over. For Ellen's family this meant that in the eyes of the law she and her family would never have to be separated. At home, her mother looks at the old broom above the hearth. It represented the only wedding slaves were allowed to have. A broom wedding was how Ellen's parents were married. During that time a couple would have their Deacon say a few words and then together they would jump over a broom. Now that they are free, Ellen's parents want to be married legal just like everybody else. Ellen has been put in charge of making sure the broom makes it to the court house, to once again bear witness to their union.

Parents and teachers can utilize this wonderful story to discuss the importance of family and heritage. This would be a great opportunity for children to bring in old photos to the classroom and share their stories. At home parents can open the family photo album to share the family history. Ellen's Broom will help remind us all that we should never take our freedom for granted.

Kelly Starling Lyons is a children’s book author whose mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. She is the author of CCBC Choices-honored picture book, One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books), and chapter book, NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal (Just Us Books).