Module 5- SLIS 5420

Goin' Someplace Special
by Patricia McKissack

McKissack, P. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Summary

'Tricia Ann is ready to step out into the world on her own, and there's one place that she wants to go first. It's her favorite place to go, the library, or as she calls it, "someplace special". After assuring her grandmother she is ready to go alone, she must face the outside world, full of ignorance and hate towards blacks. The story takes place during the time of segregation-signs and attitudes everywhere threaten to make 'Tricia Ann give up her journey and go back home. But as she remembers the words of strenghth from her grandmother, she presses on until she reaches her goal, with her head held high.

Impressions

This is a wonderful representation of what life was like during the time of segregation. McKissack did a great job of creating the characters and giving them an accurate voice in the story, using language and the style of speaking that were known for that time period. 'Tricia Ann is a sweet and innocent representation of African American culture, and her sadness and confusion about the attitudes of society are relatable and palpable, even now. This book would be a wonderful choice when discussing civil rights and that time period.

Reviews

There are many books about a child's first trip alone, and many books about racism and the struggle for civil rights, but this book is about more than either: it is the story of a child facing a difficult time sustained by the support of the adults in her life. McKissack and Pinkney strike just the right balance in a picture book for young readers and listeners: informative without being preachy; hopeful without being sentimental.

Smith, R. (2001). Goin' Someplace Special. Horn Book Magazine, 77(6), 736-737.


In an eye-opening journey, McKissack takes the child through an experience based upon her own personal history and the multiple indignities of the period. She experiences a city bus ride and segregated parks, restaurants, hotels, and theaters and travels toward "Someplace Special." In the end, readers see that 'Tricia Ann's destination is the integrated public library, a haven for all in a historical era of courage and change.


Elam, M., Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., & Larkins, J. (2001). Goin' Someplace Special (Book Review). School Library Journal, 47(9), 199.

Suggestions for Use

Before reading, have a brief discussion about segregation to be sure the students have an understanding of it. After reading, offer students the opportunity to tell you how they felt at different parts of the story. For example, How did you feel when you first met ‘Tricia Ann? How did you feel when she got on the bus? How did you feel when she was discovered in the hotel? How did you feel at the end when she reached the library? Ask students to think of a time when they felt defeated or knocked down and what caused them to feel that way, and how did they get past that feeling to be successful?