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Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington
Booker dreamed
of making friends with words,
setting free the secrets
that lived in books.
Born into slavery, young Booker T. Washington could only dream of learning to read and write. After emancipation, Booker began a five-hundred-mile journey, mostly on foot, to Hampton Institute, taking his first of many steps towards a college degree. When he arrived, he had just fifty cents in his pocket and a dream about to come true. The young slave who once waited outside of the schoolhouse would one day become a legendary educator of freedmen.
Award-winning artist Bryan Collier captures the hardship and the spirit of one of the most inspiring figures in American history, bringing to life Booker T. Washington's journey to learn, to read, and to realize a dream.
of making friends with words,
setting free the secrets
that lived in books.
Born into slavery, young Booker T. Washington could only dream of learning to read and write. After emancipation, Booker began a five-hundred-mile journey, mostly on foot, to Hampton Institute, taking his first of many steps towards a college degree. When he arrived, he had just fifty cents in his pocket and a dream about to come true. The young slave who once waited outside of the schoolhouse would one day become a legendary educator of freedmen.
Award-winning artist Bryan Collier captures the hardship and the spirit of one of the most inspiring figures in American history, bringing to life Booker T. Washington's journey to learn, to read, and to realize a dream.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published December 4, 2012
11 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Jabari Asim
35 books352 followers
Praise for Only The Strong
"Jabari Asim is such an elegant writer that you won't realize how smoothly he drew you in until you're halfway through this book. Humane and humorous, compassionate and willing to get a little rough, this describes both the writer and the novel. Only The Strong does for St. Louis what Edward P. Jones has done for Washington D.C., Raymond Chandler for Los Angeles---marked it as place on the literary map where you'll want to stay for a long while. A riveting novel." --Victor LaValle, author of The Devil in Silver
“Only the Strong is a lushly atmospheric and passionately written piece of work, bursting with colorful characters that shine on every page.” ---Bernice L. McFadden, author of Gathering of Waters
"Only the Strong effortlessly transmits Jabari Asim’s profound affection for this book's charismatic and varied characters. This is a vivid, revelatory portrait of 1970s America in the disheartened aftermath of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death." —Rafael Yglesias, author of The Wisdom of Perversity
"There's an eerie timeliness to the publication of this fictional study of Saint Louis black communities of the 1970s. Only the Strong reminds me of Chester Himes’ Harlem entertainments—in its deceptively light handling of desperately serious subject matter. Jabari Asim is a writer to watch, and to listen to closely, in these difficult times." —Madison Smartt Bell, author of All Souls’ Rising and Zig Zag Wanderer
"It is like stepping into a time capsule of my old neighborhood in the 1970s...to read about Gateway City, Jabari Asim’s fascinating rendition of St. Louis, as an adult brings back memories of time and place, and also admiration for his storytelling." —Susan Straight, author of Between Heaven and Here and A Million Nightingales
Praise for A Taste Of Honey
"A Taste of Honey has the power of memoir and the poetry of fiction. Suddenly, it is 1968 once more, with all of the hope and violence and seismic change that rocked the cities that summer. It's all here and it's all beautifully rendered. This books is a gem."
—Chris Bohjalian, author of Secrets of Eden
"Jabari Asim has written a brilliant coming-of-age tale filled with compelling characters navigating race relations in 1968, navigating familial and neighborhood demands, and triumphantly reaffirming what it means to be human. A lovely, lyrical collection of connected stories that will leave readers breathless and ecstatic with passion and joy."
—Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Yellow Moon
"Offering the bitter with the sweet, Jabari Asim's first collection of stories, A Taste Of Honey, serves up a multilayered dish. Asim ranges through and across a Midwestern African American community in the wake of the civil rights movement and the social changes of the last forty years, writing from the inside out and unforgettably bringing to life a world that still is too seldom seen in American fiction."
—John Keene, author of Annotations
"Jabari Asim's rich short stories read like a novel . . . full of people we love getting to know—Rose, Gabriel, Pristine, Ed, Reuben, and Guts. I particularly loved the male characters in these pages . . . men who live by their brains and their brawn, shelter their children, their community. They embrace their wives. They love hard, laugh deep, and cry inside."
—Denise Nicholas, author of Freshwater Road
"Asim successfully delves into politics, domestic violence, racial identity, young love, and more in this humorous and poignant collection..."
—Publishers Weekly
"With his debut work of fiction, the Guggenheim Fellow proves himself to be a promising storyteller." -Library Journal
"This fiction rings true." -Kirkus Reviews
More about Jabari Asim
He is the author of What Obama Means . . . For Our Culture, Our Politics, Our Future,, The N Word
"Jabari Asim is such an elegant writer that you won't realize how smoothly he drew you in until you're halfway through this book. Humane and humorous, compassionate and willing to get a little rough, this describes both the writer and the novel. Only The Strong does for St. Louis what Edward P. Jones has done for Washington D.C., Raymond Chandler for Los Angeles---marked it as place on the literary map where you'll want to stay for a long while. A riveting novel." --Victor LaValle, author of The Devil in Silver
“Only the Strong is a lushly atmospheric and passionately written piece of work, bursting with colorful characters that shine on every page.” ---Bernice L. McFadden, author of Gathering of Waters
"Only the Strong effortlessly transmits Jabari Asim’s profound affection for this book's charismatic and varied characters. This is a vivid, revelatory portrait of 1970s America in the disheartened aftermath of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death." —Rafael Yglesias, author of The Wisdom of Perversity
"There's an eerie timeliness to the publication of this fictional study of Saint Louis black communities of the 1970s. Only the Strong reminds me of Chester Himes’ Harlem entertainments—in its deceptively light handling of desperately serious subject matter. Jabari Asim is a writer to watch, and to listen to closely, in these difficult times." —Madison Smartt Bell, author of All Souls’ Rising and Zig Zag Wanderer
"It is like stepping into a time capsule of my old neighborhood in the 1970s...to read about Gateway City, Jabari Asim’s fascinating rendition of St. Louis, as an adult brings back memories of time and place, and also admiration for his storytelling." —Susan Straight, author of Between Heaven and Here and A Million Nightingales
Praise for A Taste Of Honey
"A Taste of Honey has the power of memoir and the poetry of fiction. Suddenly, it is 1968 once more, with all of the hope and violence and seismic change that rocked the cities that summer. It's all here and it's all beautifully rendered. This books is a gem."
—Chris Bohjalian, author of Secrets of Eden
"Jabari Asim has written a brilliant coming-of-age tale filled with compelling characters navigating race relations in 1968, navigating familial and neighborhood demands, and triumphantly reaffirming what it means to be human. A lovely, lyrical collection of connected stories that will leave readers breathless and ecstatic with passion and joy."
—Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Yellow Moon
"Offering the bitter with the sweet, Jabari Asim's first collection of stories, A Taste Of Honey, serves up a multilayered dish. Asim ranges through and across a Midwestern African American community in the wake of the civil rights movement and the social changes of the last forty years, writing from the inside out and unforgettably bringing to life a world that still is too seldom seen in American fiction."
—John Keene, author of Annotations
"Jabari Asim's rich short stories read like a novel . . . full of people we love getting to know—Rose, Gabriel, Pristine, Ed, Reuben, and Guts. I particularly loved the male characters in these pages . . . men who live by their brains and their brawn, shelter their children, their community. They embrace their wives. They love hard, laugh deep, and cry inside."
—Denise Nicholas, author of Freshwater Road
"Asim successfully delves into politics, domestic violence, racial identity, young love, and more in this humorous and poignant collection..."
—Publishers Weekly
"With his debut work of fiction, the Guggenheim Fellow proves himself to be a promising storyteller." -Library Journal
"This fiction rings true." -Kirkus Reviews
More about Jabari Asim
He is the author of What Obama Means . . . For Our Culture, Our Politics, Our Future,, The N Word
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
July 16, 2020
Though the life of Booker T. Washington would fill many volumes, this book for young readers focuses exclusively on the younger Booker's extraordinary efforts to learn to read, write, and obtain an education - from his earliest days as a slave who was forbidden to learn to read, to his 500-mile journey on foot to the Hampton Institute. The illustrations by Bryan Collier are quite fascinating: a mix of watercolor and collage.
This one is my favorite. Note all the faces in the trees.
In addition to being an excellent introduction to the life of this man, Asim's book also serves as a fine reminder of just how much for granted we take the right to an education in this country.
This one is my favorite. Note all the faces in the trees.
In addition to being an excellent introduction to the life of this man, Asim's book also serves as a fine reminder of just how much for granted we take the right to an education in this country.
November 28, 2012
I like my Kindle a lot. However, when a GORGEOUS book like this comes along with raised lettering in the title, deep, rich colors, script running through the stern portrait of Booker T. Washington, I KNOW books can never be replaced. This biography for children can't be missed. Collier's illustrations are captivating (he illustrated two other favorites of mine, Dave the Potter and Rosa), and Asim's inspiring biography teaches children that with determination and drive, anything can be accomplished. Extra facts, a timeline, and author and illustrator notes at the end should not be overlooked. This is now one of my favorite 2012 picture books. It will definitely win awards!
March 29, 2013
The photograph of Booker T. Washington shown at the end of the book must have been shared early on with the illustrator for this book and he let it control him. All but one face in the entire book is solemn, unsmiling, and sad--for Booker and others. It's as if there is supposed to be a solemn funereal pall over each phase of his life. There were other elements such as the drawing of several page edges on each side, and the undercurrent of the alphabet and small amounts of money floating below and above the text that the illustrator probably had fun creating and I enjoyed. I also liked the collage effect for the clothing of the characters in the illustrations. As for the text, the overuse use of superlatives (e.g.,"The wind nipped at his weary bones and the hard ground made his feet ache.")made me feel like I had no choice in creating the story or understanding what Washington had endured. Hopefully, Booker T. Washington will be introduced to young readers through other texts.
April 29, 2022
This is the story of the very young Booker, with pictures and words that are inspirational to its intended kid audience. The focus is on his work ethic and drive as a youth and teen. I love the watercolor art, the easy to read font, the light tan paper and the extra notes at the end of the book.
My only let-down was that you need to read the end-notes to get to the part about why/how Booker T Washington is famous. So this can't be your very first book about Booker T Washington.
Art/design: 5*
Text: 4.5*
But missing kid-easy-incorporated couple pages that would allow this to be a first-book about Booker T., so 4* net rating.
My only let-down was that you need to read the end-notes to get to the part about why/how Booker T Washington is famous. So this can't be your very first book about Booker T Washington.
Art/design: 5*
Text: 4.5*
But missing kid-easy-incorporated couple pages that would allow this to be a first-book about Booker T., so 4* net rating.
February 21, 2018
I read this aloud to my grandson. It’s a very good, well-illustrated, abbreviated biography of Booker T. Washington. We both enjoyed it.
June 25, 2015
Bravo! This book is amazing. This book followed the life of Booker T. Washington before founding the Tuskegee Institute. This story is one that begins with Booker T. Washington as a slave; he is watching his master’s daughter as she attends college. He is not allowed to learn how to read because of the color of his skin. When I think of dream it has always been with Martin Luther King and his dream. The speech “I have a dream,” the marches and peaceful protests. However this book displays a dream for education and admiration for the teachers willing to dream too. I also thought of Malala and her dreams. The struggle to achieve their dream for education was different but both conveying its importance. Booker T. Washington followed his desperate journey to obtain an education at the Hampton Institute. Malala continued to go to school after be threatened. Washington shared his dream as he teaches at the Hampton institute and later goes n to be the founder of the Tuskegee Institute. Malala still speaks out to the dreams of every child’s right to an education. Booker T. Washington will always be a part of my lessons when teaching Black History and talking about dreams.
The author did a lot of research when writing this book which even though he didn't live the time he wrote from an authentic point of view due to his research. He reviewed literature taken from a bibliography and auto biography written by Booker T. Washington. Asim writes that he set out to portray Washington’s hard work, discipline, and self reliance as a means of racial uplift. He wanted to inspire others with his book as Washington did with this quote, “to let not obstacle prevent me from putting forth the highest effort to fit myself to accomplish the most good in the world.” This quotes is proof that Asim's mission was to use literature as a tool for inspiration and to combat ignorance. He wanted to disband the stereotypes and uplift others to overcome obstacles. A beautifully written text with amazing illustrations!!!
Bloom’s Questions:
Remembering: Who was the main character? Did he remain the same age throughout the book?
Bloom’s Questions
Understanding: Describe what is meant by fifty cents and a dream.
Applying: How are the dreams of Washington and Malala the same?
Analyzing: What is the relationship between Young Booker and his master’s daughter?
Evaluating: Do you agree with blacks not being able to learn to read? Why or why not?
Creating: Role play the story.
The author did a lot of research when writing this book which even though he didn't live the time he wrote from an authentic point of view due to his research. He reviewed literature taken from a bibliography and auto biography written by Booker T. Washington. Asim writes that he set out to portray Washington’s hard work, discipline, and self reliance as a means of racial uplift. He wanted to inspire others with his book as Washington did with this quote, “to let not obstacle prevent me from putting forth the highest effort to fit myself to accomplish the most good in the world.” This quotes is proof that Asim's mission was to use literature as a tool for inspiration and to combat ignorance. He wanted to disband the stereotypes and uplift others to overcome obstacles. A beautifully written text with amazing illustrations!!!
Bloom’s Questions:
Remembering: Who was the main character? Did he remain the same age throughout the book?
Bloom’s Questions
Understanding: Describe what is meant by fifty cents and a dream.
Applying: How are the dreams of Washington and Malala the same?
Analyzing: What is the relationship between Young Booker and his master’s daughter?
Evaluating: Do you agree with blacks not being able to learn to read? Why or why not?
Creating: Role play the story.
March 14, 2017
“Fifty Cents and A Dream,” written by Jabari Asim, is a book about Young Booker T. Washington who follows his dream to learn. This book is an inspiring story of Booker T. Washington’s journey to education. As a young child, Booker was not allowed to read, for he was a slave, and it inspired me to see Booker follow his dream to learn despite the consequences he could have faced. After given a spelling book by his mother, Booker learned the letters of the alphabet and eventually learned how to read. Each day, after a hard day’s work, Booker would race to a school to learn more. I was amazed at how devoted Booker was to learning at such a young age. In his teenage years, Booker heard of a boarding school called Hampton Institute, a college for African Americans, and was determined to get there no matter what. This story was inspiring because Booker was one of the first of his kind to attend a boarding school. Booker T. Washington didn’t have an easy journey there either; he had to hike 500 miles and, at some points, had to stop and work because he ran out of money. Eventually Booker makes it to the school, reaching his dream of learning.
This book falls under the Autobiography/biography genre, but could also be an informational book or historical non-fiction book. I would use this in grades 3 and 4 to teach perseverance, or more specifically, to follow your dreams. A lot of times in life we are faced with hurdles, just like Booker was, but if we persevere we can make it over those hurdles and reach our dream. To teach this, I would use the Again and Again strategy and have students stop me every time they heard a phrase again. Throughout this book the phrase, “He listened and dreamed,” repeated itself over and over. This act of listening to what you truly want and turning it into a dream is a characteristic that all humans share and I think that teaching to follow your dreams is a lesson that many students will feel inspired about.
This book falls under the Autobiography/biography genre, but could also be an informational book or historical non-fiction book. I would use this in grades 3 and 4 to teach perseverance, or more specifically, to follow your dreams. A lot of times in life we are faced with hurdles, just like Booker was, but if we persevere we can make it over those hurdles and reach our dream. To teach this, I would use the Again and Again strategy and have students stop me every time they heard a phrase again. Throughout this book the phrase, “He listened and dreamed,” repeated itself over and over. This act of listening to what you truly want and turning it into a dream is a characteristic that all humans share and I think that teaching to follow your dreams is a lesson that many students will feel inspired about.
Read
June 17, 20151. Text to self: In the story, Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington, Booker is very determined to get an education as a child slave. He walks his master's daughter to school and just wishes he could read the books she has. Growing up, Booker works very hard to reach his goal of going to school. He is a determined individual who never gives up and always finds ways to help himself out. Looking at my own life, I would consider myself a very hard worker. If there is something I want, I work even harder to accomplish my goal. I'm also a person who doesn't like to ask for help, I'd rather work on my own than ask for help to accomplish a task.
2. This book is culturally specific in that it highlights the life of African Americans during slavery and then being free individuals. It shows the hardships slaves had to face with not being able to receive an education. When the Civil War ended, the book continues to show the hardships African American's faced with segregation, especially in schools.
3.
a. Name two things young Booker T. Washington longed to do as a slave during his childhood.
b. Summarize the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
c. How might Booker T. Washington be similar to yourself?
d. What evidence in the story tells you that African American's still faced hardships after slavery was abolished.
e. What choice would you have made if you were in Booker's situation when he was starving with no money, but surrounded by food?
f. What do you predict Booker will do after college?
2. This book is culturally specific in that it highlights the life of African Americans during slavery and then being free individuals. It shows the hardships slaves had to face with not being able to receive an education. When the Civil War ended, the book continues to show the hardships African American's faced with segregation, especially in schools.
3.
a. Name two things young Booker T. Washington longed to do as a slave during his childhood.
b. Summarize the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
c. How might Booker T. Washington be similar to yourself?
d. What evidence in the story tells you that African American's still faced hardships after slavery was abolished.
e. What choice would you have made if you were in Booker's situation when he was starving with no money, but surrounded by food?
f. What do you predict Booker will do after college?
September 26, 2014
While implementing this story into my future classroom, I will challenge each of my students to make connections between history and economic concepts. The famous Booker T. Washington had a dream. His dream was for him to get an education that would allow him to become financially secure. Through this story that Asim tells, my future students will be able to learn the concepts of capital as well as human resources.
July 31, 2012
In one word: Caldecott. And, let's go ahead and give him the award this time, and not just an Honor.
This story of a young Book T. Washington is a must-have for all school and library collections. See for yourself!
Story: 5 stars/5
Illustrations: 7 stars/5
This story of a young Book T. Washington is a must-have for all school and library collections. See for yourself!
Story: 5 stars/5
Illustrations: 7 stars/5
May 1, 2016
Fantastic. I regret I've lived 40 years and have known so little about this guy. Born before slavery, then navigated post-slavery world. Great historical info at the end of the book- makes it perfect for a middle school reader.
September 12, 2012
An exceptionally well-written and stunningly illustrated introduction to Booker T. Washington. This should be a strong contender for the Caldecott Medal.
March 25, 2016
Multicultural Picture Book #2: Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim
Target Audience: Primary elementary
Genre: The genre of this book is historical nonfiction because the author writes a fictional story that takes place in a particular time period in the past. This book is about Booker T. Washington who was a real person in history, born a few years before the Civil War began.
Text-to-Self: I connected this book to myself because Washington and I share a love for reading and learning. As I child, I loved words and how they form sentences, which form paragraphs, which form books. I enjoyed school, especially when I found a good book to read. In this book, the author describes how Booker T. Washington gains this love for words and reading. He watches the other children learn to read and he longs to read for himself. Later in the book, Washington embarks the long journey toward a college degree. Obviously, I can identify with this as well since I am currently in college.
Text-to-Text: I connected the book Fifty Cents and a Dream to the book A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver by Aliki. Both books are about young boys who are born slaves before the Civil War. Both authors tell the stories of young boys who long to learn more about the world around them. After reading these books, children will gain a greater understanding for what life was like for children who were slaves. Readers will also gain a greater appreciation for learning and reading.
Text-to-World: I connected this book to the world because although the Civil War only took place in the United States, the slave trade affected the continents of Europe, Africa and South America. Slaves were transported all around the world and then treated like objects by their slaveowners. Children will sympathize with Young Washington and the inhumane ways he was treated.
Target Audience: Primary elementary
Genre: The genre of this book is historical nonfiction because the author writes a fictional story that takes place in a particular time period in the past. This book is about Booker T. Washington who was a real person in history, born a few years before the Civil War began.
Text-to-Self: I connected this book to myself because Washington and I share a love for reading and learning. As I child, I loved words and how they form sentences, which form paragraphs, which form books. I enjoyed school, especially when I found a good book to read. In this book, the author describes how Booker T. Washington gains this love for words and reading. He watches the other children learn to read and he longs to read for himself. Later in the book, Washington embarks the long journey toward a college degree. Obviously, I can identify with this as well since I am currently in college.
Text-to-Text: I connected the book Fifty Cents and a Dream to the book A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver by Aliki. Both books are about young boys who are born slaves before the Civil War. Both authors tell the stories of young boys who long to learn more about the world around them. After reading these books, children will gain a greater understanding for what life was like for children who were slaves. Readers will also gain a greater appreciation for learning and reading.
Text-to-World: I connected this book to the world because although the Civil War only took place in the United States, the slave trade affected the continents of Europe, Africa and South America. Slaves were transported all around the world and then treated like objects by their slaveowners. Children will sympathize with Young Washington and the inhumane ways he was treated.
February 10, 2014
"Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington" is a very inspirational text that will leave a lasting impact on the reader. Booker T. Washington was a leader in the African American community. He was born into slavery and became an advocate for the people and a voice for former slaves. This biography of Booker T. Washington teaches you that you can accomplish anything with the motivation, determination, and drive. In this biography, Booker T. Washington is unable to read and because he wants to learn to read, he wishes to attend a special boarding school. This school was 550 miles away, and Booker decided that he was going to walk there because he really wanted to learn to read. Of course, this trip would take awhile and Booker T. Washington would need some money, so he got day jobs on his journey. This shows the readers that he wanted so badly to learn to how to read that he was willing to walk 550 miles; to me, that is determination.
As a teacher, I would use this book as an interactive read-aloud to teach my students about determination and motivation. As a teacher you can stand in front of your class and talk to your students about these terms, but I don't think you can teach them without providing them with a story about someone who is determined to accomplish something. Through out the book I was ask questions about Booker's life and journey to ensure that the students are comprehending the text. Booker T. Washington's story is a great example of what it takes to accomplish a goal, the hardships, as well as the satisfaction. This book is a great tool to use to teach the students because it is easy to follow, incredibly interesting, and students can makes connections to the text.
As a teacher, I would use this book as an interactive read-aloud to teach my students about determination and motivation. As a teacher you can stand in front of your class and talk to your students about these terms, but I don't think you can teach them without providing them with a story about someone who is determined to accomplish something. Through out the book I was ask questions about Booker's life and journey to ensure that the students are comprehending the text. Booker T. Washington's story is a great example of what it takes to accomplish a goal, the hardships, as well as the satisfaction. This book is a great tool to use to teach the students because it is easy to follow, incredibly interesting, and students can makes connections to the text.
April 25, 2016
Booker T. Washington is a young boy who was born into slavery. His first few years as a slave were spent walking his master's daughter to school. He would sit outside the classroom and school building and watch the children learn how to read the words written inside books. He dreamed that one day he too would go to school and be able to read and write. Once young Booker was emancipated, he chased after his dream almost literally. He journeyed 500 miles mostly on foot to Hampton Institute where he found himself with only 50 cents and huge dream to get his degree. Booker worked very hard, followed his heart, and became a renowned educator.
I would use this book in my classroom for several topics. One great and seemingly obvious topic would be in our discussion of slavery and even during Black History Month. Another great way to incorporate this book into the classroom is using it to discuss character traits like perseverance. This book is a great way to inspire kids to follow their dreams and work hard for the things they want in life.
This book is a WOW book because it truly inspired me. I honestly didn't know anything about Booker T. Washington before I read this book. I finished the book and was truly amazed by his story. Walking 500 miles to pursue an education is truly inspirational and remarkable. The illustrations were so creative and unique. The book was overall just a joy to read and look at.
I would use this book in my classroom for several topics. One great and seemingly obvious topic would be in our discussion of slavery and even during Black History Month. Another great way to incorporate this book into the classroom is using it to discuss character traits like perseverance. This book is a great way to inspire kids to follow their dreams and work hard for the things they want in life.
This book is a WOW book because it truly inspired me. I honestly didn't know anything about Booker T. Washington before I read this book. I finished the book and was truly amazed by his story. Walking 500 miles to pursue an education is truly inspirational and remarkable. The illustrations were so creative and unique. The book was overall just a joy to read and look at.
August 6, 2016
Fifty Cents and a Dream, written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by Bryan Collier, is nominated for the 14-15 South Carolina Picture Book Award.
Fifty Cents and a Dream is an inspiring story about a young Booker T. Washington. It introduces young readers to this important figure, his early life as a slave, a worker in salt mines, his first days in school, and, eventually, a young man who journeys hundreds of miles just for the chance to go to college. He finally arrives--with only fifty cents in his pocket. Even then, he must work day and night to make his dream a reality.
This book shines a light on the power of words, dreams, and persistence. Booker T. Washington never gave up on his dreams of becoming an educated man, even when it would have been easier to quit. He persevered and became not only a college graduate but also a writer, professor, and leader. He founded the Tuskegee Institute and paved the way for many young men and women who would come after him.
In addition to being an excellent book to use in Black History Month celebrations, I think Fifty Cents and a Dream is a fine addition to any public, classroom, school, or personal library. It shows readers the power of dreams, but it does emphasize that those dreams won't become a reality without a great deal of hard work and commitment.
Fifty Cents and a Dream is an inspiring story about a young Booker T. Washington. It introduces young readers to this important figure, his early life as a slave, a worker in salt mines, his first days in school, and, eventually, a young man who journeys hundreds of miles just for the chance to go to college. He finally arrives--with only fifty cents in his pocket. Even then, he must work day and night to make his dream a reality.
This book shines a light on the power of words, dreams, and persistence. Booker T. Washington never gave up on his dreams of becoming an educated man, even when it would have been easier to quit. He persevered and became not only a college graduate but also a writer, professor, and leader. He founded the Tuskegee Institute and paved the way for many young men and women who would come after him.
In addition to being an excellent book to use in Black History Month celebrations, I think Fifty Cents and a Dream is a fine addition to any public, classroom, school, or personal library. It shows readers the power of dreams, but it does emphasize that those dreams won't become a reality without a great deal of hard work and commitment.
October 25, 2017
Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington is an insightful read. Jabari Asim retold Washington’s story in a way that educates and generates questions and considerations, such as why Washington’s family barely had any money, and why he could not go to school. The plot is engaging, and the illustrations help to create a better mental picture for students who are also soaking up the words. I refreshed my own memory of Booker T. Washington while reading this book, and I am sure it would help introduce a new memory for students who are first learning about him. I also appreciate the honesty that comes along with this book. Washington’s home life and family situation was not swept under the rug or sugarcoated. This allows for more of those questions to formulate in children’s mind, and more questions for educators to ask them. This book demonstrates the discipline and enthusiasm for education that Booker T. Washington had, which is what the author says further drew him to his story. I believe this book could help to encourage students to be excited about education and to continue their quest for knowledge. There is also a more in depth glance at Booker T. Washington’s life at the very end of the book.
February 13, 2014
A solid picture book biography of Booker T. Washington that focus on his childhood and his pursuit of education. Text has a nice rhythm to it--it's not verse, but there is some repetition that will help make this a good read aloud/approachable text for younger to middle elementary. Collier's artwork is, as usual, stunning. I love his use of Washington's handwriting in the background of his face on the cover (I'm assuming it's Washington's writing) as well as his use of photographs in the background of one spread with trees (the faces are in the trunks of the trees). Endmatter includes good author's and illustrator's notes as well as a timeline and short bibliography. Endpapers are taken from a primer that Washington probably used when he was learning to read.
This would be stronger with more kid-friendly end matter (such as more resources on Booker T. and related issues that were written for children). Also, the text, while well written, feels distant at times. That may be the combination of the solemn art with the text, but it's hard to really "feel" with young Booker T.
All in all, though, a great picture book biography!!
This would be stronger with more kid-friendly end matter (such as more resources on Booker T. and related issues that were written for children). Also, the text, while well written, feels distant at times. That may be the combination of the solemn art with the text, but it's hard to really "feel" with young Booker T.
All in all, though, a great picture book biography!!
February 21, 2014
I was extremely impressed with this non-fiction picture book, the 2013 winner of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award.
This book takes the reader on a journey from his time as a slave, to freedom, to learning to read, to getting an education, and eventually to teaching and leading others.
After attending school and working for a few years, Washington found out about a college for negroes, the Hampton Institute in Virginia. With only fifty cents in his pocket, Washington undertook a 500 mile journey to better himself by attending this institute. He then worked his way through school and went on to graduate with honors. He later wrote his own books.
The illustrations, collage and watercolor, are some of the most creative that I have ever seen. The collage style allows for many pictures within pictures. These include the map drawn in Washington's shirt, faces of African American children in the trees around him, and numbers and letters incorporated into the walls and furniture of his school house.
This book is a great way to show any child the struggles that some people have to go through to get an education, something we often take for granted.
This book takes the reader on a journey from his time as a slave, to freedom, to learning to read, to getting an education, and eventually to teaching and leading others.
After attending school and working for a few years, Washington found out about a college for negroes, the Hampton Institute in Virginia. With only fifty cents in his pocket, Washington undertook a 500 mile journey to better himself by attending this institute. He then worked his way through school and went on to graduate with honors. He later wrote his own books.
The illustrations, collage and watercolor, are some of the most creative that I have ever seen. The collage style allows for many pictures within pictures. These include the map drawn in Washington's shirt, faces of African American children in the trees around him, and numbers and letters incorporated into the walls and furniture of his school house.
This book is a great way to show any child the struggles that some people have to go through to get an education, something we often take for granted.
May 1, 2014
Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington
Text-to-Text:
The Civil War and slavery is briefly talked about throughout elementary school. So for text-to-text, I could easy connect this book to another book about the Civil War, for example, Civil War by John E. Stanchak. This way the students would get more background information about the Civil War, as well as get to see one perspective of a young slave boy.
Text-to-Self:
I think this book has excellent messages throughout it. One reoccurring theme is to never give up. Booker T. Washington had to wake up early, work different jobs, and walk miles just to learn. But he was determined to get an education. We can all take something from this book and apply it to ourselves. We need to keep our eyes on the goal and never give up!
Text-to-World:
Sometimes, I think it is easy for us to forget about how tough life can be in other parts of the world. I found a statistic online that said in Sub-Saharan Africa, every third child doesn't get the chance to attend school. It is important to be reminded that we cannot take things, such as our education, for granted.
Text-to-Text:
The Civil War and slavery is briefly talked about throughout elementary school. So for text-to-text, I could easy connect this book to another book about the Civil War, for example, Civil War by John E. Stanchak. This way the students would get more background information about the Civil War, as well as get to see one perspective of a young slave boy.
Text-to-Self:
I think this book has excellent messages throughout it. One reoccurring theme is to never give up. Booker T. Washington had to wake up early, work different jobs, and walk miles just to learn. But he was determined to get an education. We can all take something from this book and apply it to ourselves. We need to keep our eyes on the goal and never give up!
Text-to-World:
Sometimes, I think it is easy for us to forget about how tough life can be in other parts of the world. I found a statistic online that said in Sub-Saharan Africa, every third child doesn't get the chance to attend school. It is important to be reminded that we cannot take things, such as our education, for granted.
December 7, 2014
The story of Booker T. Washington is told in a manner which inspires the reader and leaves them turning each page, wanting to know more. It starts out with his life as a young slave who cannot read. He is fascinated by books and the beauty of the written word. It continues his story to the time he becomes free and moves to West Virginia to work in the mines. His mother brought him a spelling book and he began to teach himself how to read. The story continues to tell Booker's story and his dream of reading and making a difference. The story ends with Booker going to school and includes an author note that details more information about his life. This story is truly inspiring and reiterates the need to follow one's dreams.
This book could be used as a author study or as an introduction to a unit that begins after the civil war. Geography could be used to examine the path the Washington's took to move from state to state. History is the obvious connection with the time period as well as the work in the mines. This would be a great text to include in a text set concerning slavery or freed men adapting to a new way of life.
This book could be used as a author study or as an introduction to a unit that begins after the civil war. Geography could be used to examine the path the Washington's took to move from state to state. History is the obvious connection with the time period as well as the work in the mines. This would be a great text to include in a text set concerning slavery or freed men adapting to a new way of life.
May 23, 2016
The language in this biography is poetic in nature..."The strange marks marched and danced across the page, making him smile and laugh with joy." "Trudging beneath the bleak skies and bitter cold, he could have given up. Then he imagined the library at Hampton, magic and mystery lining its shelves. From deep inside, he heard a voice urging him to press on. He listened, and dreamed." The beautiful language and emotion-filled collages pair to offer a glimpse into Washington's determination, hard work and perseverance. This book is more than just a biography. It also clearly demonstrates the importance of literacy and the value of discipline and effort.
I read this with my 3rd grade class and we discussed how very fortunate we are to have free education, enough food to eat, and even simple things like sheets on our beds. They were amazed that he traveled about 500 miles to go to school with only $.50 in his pocket. And it is quite remarkable...I can't imagine walking 500 miles with good shoes, plenty of food and water and money to spend. His desire to learn and to improve his life was impressive!
I read this with my 3rd grade class and we discussed how very fortunate we are to have free education, enough food to eat, and even simple things like sheets on our beds. They were amazed that he traveled about 500 miles to go to school with only $.50 in his pocket. And it is quite remarkable...I can't imagine walking 500 miles with good shoes, plenty of food and water and money to spend. His desire to learn and to improve his life was impressive!
May 25, 2013
A beautiful book about one of the most important African-American leaders at the turn of the 20th century. Booker T. Washington, born a slave, worked hard to help his family while attending school. Once he was accepted to the Hampton Institute in Hampton Virginia, he walked nearly 500 miles to attend school. He made it to Richmond, Virginia before his money gave out and he was forced to take odd jobs to earn money for the journey's completion.
While the story itself is beautiful and compelling, Bryan Collier's illustrations are marvelous. His collage's for clothing, especially using maps for Booker's shirts, add to each picture and the subdued colors are a wonderful compliment for a fantastic picture book biography. Recommended for students in grades 2 - 4, this is a great book to use with students first learning about challenges to African-Americans during the post-Civil War period.
Nonfiction text features include: Additional Facts, timeline, Author and Illustrator's notes, and bibliography.
While the story itself is beautiful and compelling, Bryan Collier's illustrations are marvelous. His collage's for clothing, especially using maps for Booker's shirts, add to each picture and the subdued colors are a wonderful compliment for a fantastic picture book biography. Recommended for students in grades 2 - 4, this is a great book to use with students first learning about challenges to African-Americans during the post-Civil War period.
Nonfiction text features include: Additional Facts, timeline, Author and Illustrator's notes, and bibliography.
February 9, 2013
Asim's approach to history was interesting, finding a slice of a famous character that fascinated him to the point of inquiry, but for which there was no additional evidence in Washington's direct records. This is the kind of point in research where historical fiction is all that is left to do! As such, Asim chose a very safe narrative, but one that is in keeping with the agenda to revive the reputation of Booker T. Washington as a vital figure.
Collier's mixed media collage, along with his painting is fresh. I was struck by his use of photographs of faces, which feels unusual to me. There is a beautiful page with a painting of Washington in the foreground but the forest of trees in the background is made entirely of photos of faces. I looked for a long time.
The end material was very good. Not only a timeline and additional fact sheet, but also an author's note and an illustrator's note gave me a sense of research and honesty about the inquiry. The bibliography gives about 4-5 key works for additional reading, none of which are children's books (which is fine!)
Collier's mixed media collage, along with his painting is fresh. I was struck by his use of photographs of faces, which feels unusual to me. There is a beautiful page with a painting of Washington in the foreground but the forest of trees in the background is made entirely of photos of faces. I looked for a long time.
The end material was very good. Not only a timeline and additional fact sheet, but also an author's note and an illustrator's note gave me a sense of research and honesty about the inquiry. The bibliography gives about 4-5 key works for additional reading, none of which are children's books (which is fine!)
February 9, 2014
This book was very inspirational and would be a great resource for teaching your students to never give up when following their dreams. Booker T. Washington wanted to learn how to read and wanted to attend a boarding school called Hampton. He walked almost 550 miles to reach the boarding school and picked up day jobs along the way to pay for him to eat. When he arrived he only had 50 cents and tuition was seventy dollars a year, but he worked as a janitor to pay tuition. This book depicts the life of Booker when he was younger so elementary students will be able to relate to him and be even more inspired by his story as a young boy.
I would use this book in the classroom as a hook for having my students write about one dream they have and give ways they plan to reach it and what possible hardships they might face. This book is very engaging and it's pictures really help tell the stories, so I think it is a great lead in to get students started on thinking about what dreams they have and how they plan to reach them.
I would use this book in the classroom as a hook for having my students write about one dream they have and give ways they plan to reach it and what possible hardships they might face. This book is very engaging and it's pictures really help tell the stories, so I think it is a great lead in to get students started on thinking about what dreams they have and how they plan to reach them.
April 11, 2014
Dreams can be like bubbles of light, drifting, floating, soaring. In this book, Washington's dreams float around the pages as circles of light. These collage and watercolor illustrations are detailed, and reward the careful eye with bits of history, like the map pattern on his shirt. The endpapers are especially appealing, showing actual pages from Webster's "The American Spelling Book"
Even without the text, one can follow his early life as he carries books for the white girl, watches the school from outside, travels, works, and grows into a young man.
The text brings his early life to meaning for young readers. The additional facts and author's note give information about some of the controversies surrounding him. Sometimes simplicity distorts history, and although I'm not an expert on Booker T., this book feels right, sounds right, and I look forward to trying it out as a read aloud. It provides students with another American hero that dreamed big and worked hard to make his dreams a reality.
Even without the text, one can follow his early life as he carries books for the white girl, watches the school from outside, travels, works, and grows into a young man.
The text brings his early life to meaning for young readers. The additional facts and author's note give information about some of the controversies surrounding him. Sometimes simplicity distorts history, and although I'm not an expert on Booker T., this book feels right, sounds right, and I look forward to trying it out as a read aloud. It provides students with another American hero that dreamed big and worked hard to make his dreams a reality.
October 11, 2016
Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington was a very inspiring book to read. I feel kids would get a great lesson out of this book because it talks about slavery and what African Americans weren't able to do which could also lead a teachers class into discussion about what slavery was, how it ended and more. This is book is great as well because it shows kids how one man followed his dreams by hoping to one day read and he loved reading so much he wanted to go to school and made his way there by foot. It shows dedication, which is something that kids need these days because a lot of things are just now handed to them. The pictures in this book were also amazing, they were so well drawn and sometimes they seemed to come at you like a 3-D affect because if feel the author wanted to give you the full affect. All together this book was well written and easy to read which made it a great book.
May 15, 2018
This is a partial biography of Booker T Washington that focuses on his road to Hampton Institute. It was a journey full of obstacles, but the author gives an idea of what inspired Booker to press on, despite the great challenges. Together, the text and the illustrations tell an engaging story. I like the single words that appear on the panels on the pages--they help a reader to focus on the main idea of the page. Like with many good picture book biographies, I learned things I did not know (that he worked at a salt furnace in WV and later in a coal mine; that he walked the 500 miles to Hampton Institue, stopping along the way in Richmond to earn enough money to continue on), and am inspired to want to know more (Who was the "colored man" from Ohio who could read? What forces are in play that cause Washington to be treated so cruelly by history, as noted in the Author's note, for "unprincipled accomodation"?).
August 14, 2016
This book did what any well written story on an important historical figure does: impassioned me to learn more. After sharing this perfect biographical picture book on Booker T. Washington’s youth and terrifying solitary journey toward enlightenment, I immediately logged onto our public library website and ordered more. What a fascinating individual! Booker T. Washington was born in the final years of slavery and stopped at nothing to better himself and learn the secrets that lived in books. Both the narrative and illustrations are captivating, drawing you into a distant time and dream. I LOVED the additional information Jabari Asim provided in the afterward about Washington and how some of his controversial choices caused him to be vilified and for a time tarnished what he accomplished. Curious, can’t wait to read more.
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