Up the Learning Tree

Description:

Henry Bell is not allowed to learn to read and write. In fact, most enslaved children, like him, are severely punished if they are even caught with a book.

Brief description:

Marcia Vaughan Crews has written numerous books for young readers, including picture books, beginning readers, and both fiction and nonfiction series. She was inspired to tell Irena Sendler's story after reading her obituary in 2008 and discovering more about her through the work of Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, an organization dedicated to bringing Irena Sendler's story to the world. Crews lives in Tacoma, Washington.

Review Quotes:

"The focus on one brave child will bring listeners close to the cruel historical facts and the message about the power of literacy." -- Booklist

"Up the Learning Tree is a very thoughtful story for young readers ages 4 to 8 with powerful underlying messages about history and personal drive." -- Midwest Book Review

"This inspiring collaboration makes a solid contribution to most collections." -- School Library Journal

Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education
South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee - South Carolina Association of School Librarians