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Book

Miss Crandall's School for Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color: Poems

by Elizabeth Alexander

See its constellation

Published
2007
Genre
Nonfiction
Pages
48
Words
2660

Reading measures

Accelerated Reader level
5.9
Lexile
1030L
Suggested reading age
ages 10–17

ALSC Notable Children's Book Here is the story of Miss Prudence Crandall and her black students, who endured the cruelty of prejudice and hateful actions for the sake of their education. Miss Crandall faced legal proceedings for opening her school of African American women. But her young students knew that Miss Crandall had committed no crime. They knew that the real criminals were the rich white residents of Canterbury, Connecticut, who had poisoned the school's water and set fire to the schoolhouse. But hatred could not destroy their patience and compassion. From March of 1833 to September of 1834, when persecution forced the school to close, these African American women learned that they deserved an education. What they needed was the courage to go after it. Poets Elizabeth Alexander and Marilyn Nelson have re-created the remarkable story of Prudence Crandall's school in this award-winning book, using the sonnet form with innovative style. Floyd Cooper's powerful illustrations reveal the strength and vulnerability of Miss Crandall and her students.

Collections

ALSC Notables

ISBN

ISBN-13
9781590784563
ISBN-10
1590784561

Tags

ALSC NotablesCommunity Life-SchoolNonfictionPeople-African AmericanPeople-WomenPoetrySocial Issues-Justice/Legal IssuesSocial Issues-Prejudice & DiscriminationUnited States-Connecticut