Exciting New Children's Book On The Way

[L Verge]

Bill - I am quite sure that it will have to be approved, but it could fall under the category of supplemental reading. Even one or two copies in a reading corner would be great. I have been out of the school system for so long that I don't know what the requirements are. If it could only pass the muster of the Texas system. I think they are still the largest purchaser of textbooks.

Eva - You are so right. I polished my love of history during grades 4-8 by reading the old Classic Comics series (and developed a terrible crush on Prince Valiant in the process!). As far as encouraging cartooning: During June and July, Surratt House sponsored an art competition for middle school and high school students based on the theme of What The Emancipation Proclamation Means To Me In 2013. We didn't get very many entries, but one of my favorites was a cartoon depiction of Union action figures breaking the chains of slaves and sending the the freed people to Mr. Lincoln. What made it even more special to me was the young artist's background. He is an 8th grader from Baltimore and a legal immigrant from Nigeria.

My favorite entry used the broken chain theme also, but surrounded it with drawings of graduating seniors (black, brown, Oriental, and white), athletes, entertainers, scientists, astronauts, etc. All with the same theme of equality among the races.

The winner was another 8th grader from a county about two hours away from Surratt House. She is an excellent artist and did a modern interpretation entitled Color Blind. She won a certificate and $250. Other entrants won a certificate and a $25 gift card for their efforts. We displayed all the entries in our Visitors' Center through the first weekend in August.