A tribute to the lesser-known story of America’s first Memorial Day evocatively depicts the experiences of a young boy who dresses up in his best clothes and joins his family in their Charleston community’s activities to honor fallen Civil War soldiers. Illustrations. - (Baker & Taylor)
In Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865, ten-year-old Eli and other newly freed slaves gather to honor the memory of fallen Union soldiers, an event considered to be one of the first celebrations of what is now called Memorial Day. Includes author's note. - (Baker & Taylor)
Leah Henderson’s picture book A Day for Rememberin’ is a moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper.
Today is a special day. Eli knows it’s important if he’s allowed to miss one second of school, his “hard-earned right.”
Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and white, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index.
- (Grand Central Pub)
Leah Henderson’s picture book A Day for Rememberin’ is a moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper.
Today is a special day. Eli knows it’s important if he’s allowed to miss one second of school, his “hard-earned right.”
Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and white, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index.
- (Harry N. Abrams, Inc.)
A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper
Today is a special day. Eli knows it's important if he's allowed to miss one second of school, his 'hard-earned right."
Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin' shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author's note, bibliography, timeline, and index.
- (Harry N. Abrams, Inc.)
Leah Henderson writes for young readers of all ages, and her books have been named a Children’s Africana Book Awards Notable and a Bank Street Best Book. Leah holds an MFA in writing and is on the faculty of Spalding University’s graduate writing program. Her books include The Courage of the Little Hummingbird, The Magic in Changing Your Stars, and Daddy Speaks Love. She resides in Washington, D.C.
Floyd Cooper has received a Coretta Scott King Award and three Coretta Scott King Honors for his illustrations. Mr. Cooper received a degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma. His books include Max and the Tag-Along Moon, Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, and Jump!: From the Life of Michael Jordan. He lives in Easton, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children.
- (Grand Central Pub)
Leah Henderson writes for young readers of all ages, and her books have been named a Children’s Africana Book Awards Notable and a Bank Street Best Book. Leah holds an MFA in writing and is on the faculty of Spalding University’s graduate writing program. Her books include The Courage of the Little Hummingbird, The Magic in Changing Your Stars, and Daddy Speaks Love. She resides in Washington, D.C.
Floyd Cooper has received a Coretta Scott King Award and three Coretta Scott King Honors for his illustrations. Mr. Cooper received a degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma. His books include Max and the Tag-Along Moon, Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, and Jump!: From the Life of Michael Jordan. He lives in Easton, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children.
- (Harry N. Abrams, Inc.)
Leah Henderson writes for young readers of all ages, and her books have been named a Children's Africana Book Awards Notable and a Bank Street Best Book. Leah holds an MFA in writing and is on the faculty of Spalding University's graduate writing program. She resides in Washington, D.C. Floyd Cooper has received a Coretta Scott King Award and three Coretta Scott King Honors for his illustrations. Mr. Cooper received a degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma. He lives in Easton, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children.
- (Harry N. Abrams, Inc.)
Booklist Reviews
The origins of Memorial Day have roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Henderson's historical picture book convincingly posits that the first such holiday was held on May 1, 1865, at the Washington Race Course in Charleston, South Carolina, where Union soldiers were buried when the racetrack operated as a Confederate prison camp. Remembering the soldiers and fixing up the grave sites went hand in hand, and this effort was led by formerly enslaved people, including schoolchildren, as well as abolitionists. The moving story, as seen through the eyes of a newly freed boy watching his father and others work hard in anticipation of memorial festivities, is enhanced beautifully by Cooper's illustrations, which convey determination as the men and boy work hard. On Memorial Day itself, faces full of pride are shown singing, praying, and celebrating in honor of those who lost their lives. The palette of sun gold, sky blue, dusty browns, and greens gives the pages a rooted, old-fashioned feel. A perfect book for enhancing collections celebrating national holidays and for adding to those honoring emancipation. Grades K-3. Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.
Horn Book Guide Reviews
Through the eyes of a formerly enslaved ten-year-old boy, Henderson recounts the story of what some consider to be the first celebration of Decoration Day, currently observed as Memorial Day. In 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina, Papa has been rising early to do man's work. Eli, who would rather be with Papa than go to school, can only imagine what kind of important work Papa and the other men are doing. When pressed, all Papa says is, We were diggin', and buildin', and paintin'. At last, Eli discovers that Papa and the men are converting a racecourse, once used as a Confederate jail, into a monument to the Union soldiers who had fought for freedom of the enslaved and died while imprisoned. Eli and his schoolmates help by painting a fence. The next day, a mile-long parade of neighbors, singing tributes to the unknown Union soldiers, marches to the site and spreads flowers among their graves. Henderson's affecting narrative resonates with reverence, and Cooper's prolific use of muted browns and yellows creates a solemn yet celebratory tone. An image of the family backed by an enormous setting sun conveys freedom and hope as Eli declares, Me, Mama, and Papa can't never be sold away no more...we will never forget what [the Union soldiers have] given of themselves for the priceless gift of our liberty. This worthy title offers another little-known fact about African American contributions that are an imperative part of America's history and traditions. Back matter includes an author's note, a timeline, source notes (acknowledging the contested history of the holiday), and a bibliography. Copyright 2023 Horn Book Guide Reviews.
Horn Book Magazine Reviews
Through the eyes of a formerly enslaved ten-year-old boy, Henderson recounts the story of what some consider to be the first celebration of Decoration Day, currently observed as Memorial Day. In 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina, Papa has been rising early to do "man's work." Eli, who would rather be with Papa than go to school, can only imagine what kind of important work Papa and the other men are doing. When pressed, all Papa says is, "We were diggin', and buildin', and paintin'." At last, Eli discovers that Papa and the men are converting a racecourse, once used as a Confederate jail, into a monument to the Union soldiers who had fought for freedom of the enslaved and died while imprisoned. Eli and his schoolmates help by painting a fence. The next day, a mile-long parade of neighbors, singing tributes to the unknown Union soldiers, marches to the site and spreads flowers among their graves. Henderson's affecting narrative resonates with reverence, and Cooper's prolific use of muted browns and yellows creates a solemn yet celebratory tone. An image of the family backed by an enormous setting sun conveys freedom and hope as Eli declares, "Me, Mama, and Papa can't never be sold away no more...we will never forget what [the Union soldiers have] given of themselves for the priceless gift of our liberty." This worthy title offers another little-known fact about African American contributions that are an imperative part of America's history and traditions. Back matter includes an author's note, a timeline, source notes (acknowledging the contested history of the holiday), and a bibliography. Pauletta Brown Bracy July/August 2021 p.82 Copyright 2021 Horn Book Magazine Reviews.
Kirkus Reviews
A community of former slaves honors the fallen heroes who made them free. It's 1865, and White people are "mad 'cause we aren't enslaved no more" (a fantastic burn!). Eli wants to follow his father to his work, but his parents are adamant that he take advantage of the education he is now entitled to and go to school. But finally, one day is so special that he gets to follow his father to work. The adult men are digging and building at the old Charleston racecourse, used as a prison for Union soldiers during the war, while Eli and the other children paint a picket fence. Finally, there's a parade that culminates in sermons, songs, and laying flowers at the graves of Union soldiers buried at the former track, both Black and White. It's Decoration Day, which will later become today's Memorial Day. Cooper's illustrations are soft and gentle, his muted color palette with many yellows, browns, and tans working well to convey the dusty workplace and the toil it takes to build a memorial site. His customary technique lends a gauzy haze to the proceedings. Henderson's choice to show the development of this day of remembrance from the perspective of a child involved in the literal work required to build it gives the story weight and meaning. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 68% of actual size.) A treasure. (author's note, timeline, notes) (Picture book. 6-10) Copyright Kirkus 2021 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.
Publishers Weekly Reviews
Transfixed by a photograph of an early assembly for Decoration Day—now observed as Memorial Day—Henderson (Together We March) was led to records of a similar ceremony held in Charleston, S.C., in April 1865. She imagines the event through the story of Eli, the 10-year-old son of a formerly enslaved man, newly freed. After Confederate surrender and subsequent emancipation, Eli's father works on a project at the racecourse, which once housed Union prisoners, many of whom died of exposure, disease, and starvation. But school comes first for Eli, according to his mother ("Masters locked away learning 'cause knowledge is its own freedom"). At last, the project is revealed: a cemetery "for the soldiers who lost their lives for our freedom." Oil erasure images by Coretta Scott King Award winner Cooper (Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History) portray Eli, his family, and their town in images whose power and presence invites lingering views. Henderson commemorates the way Eli's Black community remembers a painful piece of history—while honoring the people who experienced it. Back matter includes an author's note, information on the roots of Decoration Day, a timeline, and references. Ages 6–9. (May)¦
Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly.
