Way Up and Over Everything
What’s inside...
This story recounts the tale of the author's great-great-grandmother Jane, who meets a new slave with magical powers on the plantation. These powers, derived from a wish for freedom, were passed down through generations and remembered by Alice McGill. She recalls her great-grandmother sharing the story as a precious secret, instilling a belief in her and her siblings that certain Africans possessed the ability to fly.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered they could fly?
What do you think flying symbolizes in the story?
How would you describe the relationship between the characters in the book?
Why do you think the author chose to set the story in the past?
What would you do if you had the ability to fly over everything?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would feel in similar situations. Discuss the historical context subtly, tying it to the themes of freedom and hope. Reinforce the message of resilience and encourage your child to think about how people overcome obstacles. Use expressive reading to make the story come alive, and ask your child to draw scenes from the book to further engage with the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: In 'Way Up and Over Everything', the characters demonstrate resilience by overcoming the hardships of slavery through the magic of flight, symbolizing hope and freedom.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing challenges head-on and finding creative solutions to overcome them, instilling a sense of strength and perseverance in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The significance of cultural heritage
Explanation: The story beautifully integrates African American folk tales, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage and the power of storytelling in preserving history.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of identity and belonging through familial and community stories.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters in the book aspire for freedom and better lives, it provides a backdrop for readers to develop empathy by putting themselves in others' shoes, understanding their struggles and dreams.
Real-World Application: This can help children in developing deeper connections with people from different backgrounds, promoting inclusiveness and compassion in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of hope
Explanation: Throughout 'Way Up and Over Everything', hope is a central theme as the characters envision a world of freedom and strive towards it, despite the adversities they face.
Real-World Application: Instilling the value of hope in children encourages them to remain optimistic and persistent, even in the face of challenges, driving them to strive for their goals and dreams.