mariahroze's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great story that explains how marriage was treated when there was slavery. It talked about how people weren't "legally" married when they were slaves, so they could be taken away from their loved ones if their master wanted it. This book takes place right when African-American marriage becomes allowed legally by law.
id_rather_be_reading_'s review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A lovely book on the origin of the tradition of jumping the broom in African American culture.
stenaros's review against another edition
3.0
Read for Youth Librarian Book Group
One of the things I loved about being a history major was finding out little details from the past. The author seems to have the same enjoyment because this book is based on a little bit of history she found: a list of former slave couples who were finally able to really marry once they were free. In this book, Ellen tells the story of her parents who were first married by jumping the broom, but after freedom were able to walk to the courthouse and make it official. Illustrated with lovely woodcut illustrations.
One of the things I loved about being a history major was finding out little details from the past. The author seems to have the same enjoyment because this book is based on a little bit of history she found: a list of former slave couples who were finally able to really marry once they were free. In this book, Ellen tells the story of her parents who were first married by jumping the broom, but after freedom were able to walk to the courthouse and make it official. Illustrated with lovely woodcut illustrations.
asey's review against another edition
4.0
This is a cute, historically accurate book. Recommend for ages 7-9.
line_so_fine's review against another edition
5.0
Lovely picture book that talks simply and clearly about where "jumping the broom" comes from, and the legalization of marriage for African Americans.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
4.0
A fictional story based on true experiences. The book talks about African-american family post slavery who seeks to have their marriage legally recognized.
tashrow's review
5.0
After slavery ended, Ellen’s parents’ marriage would finally be recognized by law. Until then, no slave marriages were seen as legal. The broom had always hung over the fireplace mantel in their home and all of the children knew the story of their parents jumping the broom and becoming man and wife. When the family set off to make the marriage legal, all four children came along and Ellen was honored to carry the broom. As their parents were about to be married, Ellen and her sister ran outside and decorated the plain straw broom with flowers and her mother carried the broom as a bouquet. When her parents were married, Ellen knew that the ceremony wasn’t complete until they had once again jumped the broom together as a couple.
Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.
Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.
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