Synopses & Reviews
My eyes are green
like the sea, like the sea
And my hair is dark and
blows free, blows free.
Sing of your parents, and your grandparents too, and picture a magnificent family tree. Its roots are deep, nurtured with the lives of ancestors. Some left willingly for the new land, others did not -- and many were already here! Their blood flows in yourveins; their strength lies in your heart.
Inspired by American folk art, Sheila Hamanaka, author and illustrator of the best-selling All the Colors of the Earth, has created vibrant, stunningly beautiful illustrations to tell the story of our country's family tree.
Synopsis
"From the four directions my grandparents came." Some came willingly, others did not -- and some were already here! As a young girl weaves strands of her ancestors' lives into a prose poem rich with intensity and meaning, she remembers those whose skin color, hair, heritage, and attitude have gone into making her unique and strong. A reflection of one child's multiethnic roots, this is also the story of the American family tree. Dramatic paintings bring the grandparents and parents into focus, highlighting their humanity. Inspired by American folk art, each picture has its own specially crafted frame that adds to the meaning of the piece.
Synopsis
There s a rocking motion and simplicity of focus in both text and illustrations that give this one some weight without making it too heavy
These are words and images wirth dwelling on.
About the Author
Sheila Hamanaka is an award-winning fine artist whose work has also appeared in Scholasticmagazines as well as in Permanent Connectionsby Sue Ellen Bridgers and Barbara Campbell's Taking Care of Yoki.Ms. Hamanaka lives in Tappan, New York.