A Book Review: With Books and Bricks by Suzanne Slade
- thenerdyhammy
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Ages: 4 - 8
Description: Picture Book, Biography
Grade Level: Kindergarten - Grade 2
Pages: 32
Published: 2014
Location: Tuskegee, Alabama, United States of America
Time Period: 1800s
Favorite Quote(s): “Booker knew his students needed a real building. A school of their own. So he decided to build one - brick by brick."
Blurb:
“Never give up on your dreams.
Booker T. Washington wanted to go to school. But growing up as a black slave in America meant he couldn’t. So he taught himself to read.
When the Civil War ended and slaves were freed, he finally got the chance to go to school and become a teacher. He went to Tuskegee, Alabama, to share his passion for learning.
But when he got to Tuskegee, he discovered the only building available had a hole in the roof and no windows or doors! What was Booker to do? Build the school himself, of course.” (taken from the book’s inner flap)
Review:
An inspiring account of how one individual fought to gain an education and then offered that gift to others. Readers will learn about Booker T. Washington's journey towards getting a formal education and how he founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (which is still in operation). The story is told in a narrative format and has soft watercolor and pencil illustrations. Washington’s passion for learning and perseverance really shine through and readers can learn more about him in the “More about Booker” page at the back of the book.
Related Resources:
A very short article about Booker T. Washington by National Geographic Kids.
You can find videos, activities, crafts and more that relate to this book on our Pinterest boards!
Content in Summary:
An antiquated word in reference to a people group is used in an inoffensive way (located in book’s back material).
Content in Detail:
Language
A quote from Washington, in the back of the book, uses the now antiquated term “colored” to refer to black people.
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