Book Detail

School for Pompey Walker, A

Publication Information
Author:  Rosen, Michael J. Illustrator:  Robinson, Aminah Brenda Lynn
Title:  School for Pompey Walker, A Date:  1995
Publisher:  Harcourt Brace City:  San Diego
ISBN, paperback:  0-15-200114-X ISBN, hardback:  

Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes ESOL:  
Family:   Yes Young Adult:  
Picture:   Yes

General Information:
Book Type(s):    historical fiction, memoirs

HSE Descriptor(s):    social studies

Summary:
At the dedication of a school named for him, Pompey Walker tells how he and a white friend, Jeremiah, raised money to build a school for ex-slave children. With the help of his friend, Pompey allows himself to be sold over and over again, escaping each time and saving the money for the school.

Teaching Ideas:
Read the book aloud to capture the voice of the storyteller. How would the story be told differently if it were a listing in Who's Who or Pompey's biography in the program for the dedication of the school? Pair the book with the true story of Leon Tillage, Leon's Story, for comparison and contrast and with Paulsen's fictional Nightjohn about another ex-slave who returns to the South to fight illiteracy. Teachers might use the book at the beginning of the school year with questions such as: Why did Pompey want to learn to read and to build a school? Why do you want to read or read better? High level students could explore the audience of the book since Pompey switches between telling the story and talking to the audience at the school's dedication. Interested readers can find more information on the author, Michael J. Rosen and the book on the web site www.fidosopher.com.

Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
bullet Ethnic Groups > African-American
bullet Education > literacy
bullet Education > schools
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > compassion
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > hopes/dreams
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > group > relationships > friendships
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > life choices > taking risks
bullet Literature and Language > storytelling


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