Goin' Someplace Special
What’s inside...
1950s Nashville, Tennessee is segregated, and black people are persecuted, but young Tricia Ann is determined to venture on her own across town to someplace special. Through moving prose and beautiful watercolors, a Coretta Scott King Award and Caldecott Medal–winning author-illustrator duo collaborate to tell the poignant tale of Tricia Ann who faces segregation. Despite the challenges, she finds solace in her grandmother's reassuring words and discovers a welcoming place where all are accepted, irrespective of skin color.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tricia Ann
Discussion points
Why do you think the 'special place' was so important to Tricia Ann?
How did Tricia Ann feel when she faced challenges on her way? Can you relate to any of her feelings?
What does this story teach us about perseverance and courage?
How do you think we can learn from people who are different from us?
What would you have done if you were in Tricia Ann’s shoes at any point in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief overview of the segregation era to give context to the story’s setting.
Pause at pivotal moments to ask your child how they predict Tricia Ann might react or feel, fostering empathy and prediction skills.
After reading, relate the story to your child's personal experiences with overcoming obstacles or feeling different.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their own 'special place' and what makes it special to them, linking their personal world with Tricia Ann's story.
Discuss the different characters' reactions in the book and ask your child why they think each character behaved the way they did, promoting critical thinking about behavior and consequences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Tricia Ann, demonstrates resilience as she navigates the challenges of segregation in her quest to reach a special place where all are welcome.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to overcome obstacles and persist in achieving their goals despite difficulties, fostering a resilient mindset in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Equality and Inclusion
Explanation: The book portrays the importance of inclusive spaces that welcome everyone, regardless of race. Tricia Ann’s journey to the public library, a place for all, underscores this theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of treating everyone equally and the importance of supporting inclusive environments in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Self-Belief
Explanation: Despite encountering discouragement and obstacles due to the segregated setting of the 1950s, Tricia Ann maintains her self-belief, spurred on by her grandmother's empowering words, 'You are somebody, a human being — no better, no worse than anybody else in this world.'
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by believing in their own worth and capabilities, contributing to their self-esteem and confidence in varied life contexts.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Tricia Ann shows courage by journeying alone to the 'special place' despite the societal barriers and personal fears she faces.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of courage in pursuing personal goals and standing up against injustices, fostering bravery in unfamiliar or challenging situations.
Example Lesson: History Awareness
Explanation: The setting and challenges depicted in the book introduce young readers to historical struggles against racial segregation, making them aware of past injustices.
Real-World Application: This awareness can help children develop a deeper understanding of history and empathy for the experiences of others, enhancing their social consciousness.