This Is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration
What’s inside...
The story of one family’s journey north during the Great Migration starts with a little girl in South Carolina who finds a rope under a tree one summer. She has no idea the rope will become part of her family’s history. But for three generations, that rope is passed down, used for everything from jump rope games to tying suitcases onto a car for the big move north to New York City, and even for a family reunion where that first little girl is now a grandmother. Newbery Honor–winning author Jacqueline Woodson and Coretta Scott King Award–winning illustrator James Ransome use the rope to frame a thoughtful and moving story as readers follow the little girl’s journey. During the time of the Great Migration, millions of African American families relocated from the South, seeking better opportunities. With grace and poignancy, Woodson’s lilting storytelling and Ransome’s masterful oil paintings of country and city life tell a rich story of a family adapting to change as they hold on to the past and embrace the future.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the rope made the family feel connected to each other and their past?
What are some ways the rope helped the family in their daily lives during the Great Migration?
Why do you think the author chose a rope to symbolize the family's journey and connection?
Can you think of an object in our family that holds special meaning like the rope in the story?
How do you feel after hearing how the rope was used by multiple generations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly explain the historical context of the Great Migration to set the stage.
Encourage your child to reflect on each use of the rope and its significance to the family’s journey and survival.
Ask your child to draw or describe an object that is special to your family, drawing parallels to the rope in the story.
After discussing the book, relate the themes of resilience and hope to current events or personal family histories to deepen understanding.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to ask questions about the story and its themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The significance of family heritage and history
Explanation: The story uses a piece of rope as a symbol to trace the family's journey during the Great Migration, highlighting the importance of artifacts in family history.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and preserve family stories and heirlooms, fostering a sense of identity and continuity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of change
Explanation: The family in the book undergoes significant changes and challenges as they move from the rural South to the urban North, showing adaptability and resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to adapt positively to changes in their own lives, whether it's moving to a new place, changing schools, or facing any new challenge.
Example Lesson: The power of hope and dreams
Explanation: The rope in the story is not just a tool but a symbol of hope, connecting past aspirations to future accomplishments.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to dream big and have hope, understanding that their aspirations can lead to meaningful outcomes.
Example Lesson: The strength of community support
Explanation: Throughout the book, the community plays a crucial role in helping the family settle and thrive in their new environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of supporting and being supported by others, promoting empathy and cooperative interactions.