An African-American man talks to his grandson about what his hands used to do. He tells him how these hands were able to tie a triple bowline knot in three seconds and many other things than show his grandson how to do the same things. The grandfather then tells his grandson that these hands were not allowed to mix dough in the bread factory but were only allowed to sweep floors and load trucks because white people did not want them toughing their bread. That all changed though when many hands joined together to sign petitions and protest so that any hands could mix dough no matter their color. the genre of this book is cultural and the format is a picture book. the reading level for this book would be middle level elementary students. this book could be used in a unit about the equal rights movement or the change in rights over the years. the theme of this book is equal rights. i think any gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status would enjoy this book but African Americans can connect to it more. Mason, M. H., & Cooper, F. (2010). These hands. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. These Hands by Margaret H. Mason & illustrated by Floyd Cooper. is about a young African American boy named Joseph who has a grandpa who can do just about anything with his own two hands. He can play the piano, throw curveballs, and even tie a triple bowline knot in three seconds. Although since it is the 1950s and 60s, Joseph’s grandfather wasn't allowed to bake bread in the Wonder Bread Factory since the boss said white people wouldn’t buy or eat bread cooked and touched by the hands of an African American. Joseph learns through this powerful story that many people are joining together to fight discrimination so that one day, Joseph hands, and many other hands can do anything at all in this world.I think this picture book was very enjoyable and teaches a very important message that all children must lean about. It teaches how past generations suffered, made sacrifices, and fought so that we today can grow up in a better and more equal society than they did. As well, so that we can have better and more opportunities than they had growing up. It teaches children about American history and the troubles of the past, which is important to teach younger generations so history doesn't repeat itself. The illustrations in this book pair perfectly well with the text and greatly enhanced the story and even the message of the story. I highly encourage all teachers and parents to read this book to their children so children can continue to learn of past mistakes made in history and the sacrifices people made so children today can grow up having a better life and more opportunities.
What do You think about These Hands (2011)?
Beautiful story of a little boy and his grandfather and the lessons he learns from his grandfather.
—kristinfowens
A story both big and small in scope. Lovely and moving.
—munnaa
Wonderful introduction to the pre-civil rights era.
—elsie
