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Loretta Little Looks Back: Three Voices Go Tell It

Loretta Little Looks Back: Three Voices Go Tell It

Published in
2022
4.22
on Goodreads (308)

Description

"Right here, I'm sharing the honest-to-goodness." -- Loretta"I'm gon' reach back, and tell how it all went. I'm gon' speak on it. My way." -- Roly"I got more nerve than a bad tooth. But there's nothing bad about being bold." -- Aggie B.Loretta, Roly, and Aggie B., members of the Little family, each present the vivid story of their young lives, spanning three generations. Their separate stories -- beginning in a cotton field in 1927 and ending at the presidential election of 1968 -- come together to create one unforgettable journey.Through an evocative mix of fictional first-person narratives, spoken-word poems, folk myths, gospel rhythms and blues influences, Loretta Little Looks Back weaves an immersive tapestry that illuminates the dignity of sharecroppers in the rural South. Inspired by storytelling's oral tradition, stirring vignettes are presented in a series of theatrical monologues that paint a gripping, multidimensional portrait of America's struggle for civil rights as seen through the eyes of the children who lived it. The novel's unique format invites us to walk in their shoes. Each encounters an unexpected mystical gift, passed down from one family member to the next, that ignites their experience what it means to reach for freedom.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
beginner
Length
288 pages

Why to read

  • Historical Insight: 'Loretta Little Looks Back' offers readers a profound glimpse into the African American experience during the civil rights era, providing a historical context that is both educational and deeply moving.
  • Unique Narrative Style: Andrea Davis Pinkney utilizes a unique storytelling approach, combining monologues, first-person narratives, and a chorus of voices to bring the characters and their stories to life, making it a distinctive reading experience.
  • Emotional Resonance: The book's powerful depiction of the struggles and triumphs of the Little family resonates emotionally with readers, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
  • Award-Winning Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney is a celebrated author known for her impactful writing in children's literature. Reading her work not only offers a compelling story but also an opportunity to engage with literature that has been recognized for its quality and significance.