Walking to School

by Eve Bunting

Walking to school can be hard if you live in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It's downright dangerous if you're a Catholic, like Allison, and the shortest route to your school goes through a Protestant neighborhood. But sometimes a ray of kindness cuts through the violence. That's what happens when a demonstrator rips a brass button off Allison's new school blazer, and a Protestant girl not only retrieves the button but returns it to Allison.

Once again, as in FLY AWAY HOME and the caldecott-winning SMOKY NIGHT, Eve Bunting finds a way to explore a complicated contemporary situation in terms that any young reader can immediately grasp.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Social Issues, History, Ireland, War

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2005

About the author

Also known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.

Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.

Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.

In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book tells of the "troubles" between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. Allison, a young Catholic girl, must walk to school through the Protestant section and hear all the noise, name calling, and cursing of the adults. The author said it could have easily been a Protestant child walking through the Catholic section. This book opens up the subjects of bullying, deferences between religious beliefs and groups, and Irish history. A good discussion book between children and adults.

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This woman has written 200 children's books about every sad thing in the world and I guess we're going to read them all.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking to School tells the true story of an event that happened in Northern Ireland during "the Troubles." A group of Catholic school children were harassed on their way to school by
Protestants. As the author notes, it could easily have been a group of Protestant children being harassed by Catholics.

What I liked about this story is the frank explanation of a recent clash through the eyes of a young girl, who just wants the tension to end. There is empathy as well as cruelty on both sides, with our protagonist making a friend "across the aisle." I also appreciated that the illustrations showed modern people and the author's note included the fact that the Troubles were very real, and only legally settled in 2007.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was on hold for this book for 5 months because we couldn't find it in the library. I was intrigued to see how a situation like this would be handled in a picture book. And I think it was handled well, as far as helping a reader think of what it was like for both sides. It is quite a serious book, especially considering the uncle's part. But both text and illustration worked well in conveying much without that could provide much contemplation as well as discussion with a younger reader. More of a teaching book than a storytime, lapsit, or just general pull-something-off-the-shelf read. I liked the exchange between the two girls--probably the most important part of the book.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely for older kids who are ready to read some text-heavy pages on their own. The message is great, and even though it's set in Ireland and concerns their "Troubles," it's something that a lot of kids could stand to hear right now in our own country. The book could also be used to get kids interested in a period of Irish history that isn't usually covered in public schools.

[Ondiana DeFazio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walking to School is a poignant picture book that explores the emotional and physcial relatives of school desegregation through the eyes of a young girl in Northern Ireland. The story parallels themes familiar to the US Civil Rights Movement, showing a Catholic child navigating threats and hostility on her daily walk to a Protestant school. Bunting uses sparse, powerful language to convey fear, courage, and resilience, making the emotional weight accessble to young readers. The illsturations are muted and realistic, reinfocing the seriousness of the subject matter. Critically, the book offers a sensitive yet honest portrayal of sectarian conflict, encouraging conversations about prejudice, bravery and the universal right to education- making it a powerful took for anti-bias education and fostering empthay.

[Kassi Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a young boy walking to school and noticing all the small things around him. It is a simple book but it captures such a strong message which is to slow down and appreciate what's around you. Even as an adult, I find myself hurrying through life. This book is not only a good read to children, but adults also. It helps us all to remember to take time to notice what is around us. I think I would read this book to my class and then take them on a walk outside. Let them look around to take it all the world has to offer us. Very powerful message!

[Kathy Piselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only the little children could lead us. I liked Bunting's "cold as a frog's belly" and the narrator feeling bad at thinking the worst of a girl who helps her in the crowd. Moving illustrations - the strap on mom's apron, expressions on the faces.

[Mary & Nobles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very heavy message that is portrayed in a thoughtful and historically accurate manner. I think that this book would be best suited for older elementary students, as it is rather long and quite wordy.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rather HEAVY and SAD read.
It does have a good message and it’s thought provoking.
Sometimes kindness can cut through violence.
This book could stimulate some good discussion but could be overwhelming for younger children.

[Shiloah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little heavy for small children. A brief history book.

[MaryAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heavy book for older children. Useful for children going through a time of fractious tensions but would require a lot of context and supported discussion in a general setting.

[Diana Valdivia-Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is inspiring about religious conflicts and schooling. I can teach students about religious issues. The book has matte paper, full page bleed, and vignette. This reminds me of religious traditions.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright: 2008
Thoughts: This is a very authentic story about Catholic students walking to school through a Protestant neighborhood in Northern Ireland. In a note at the end of the book the author says that the roles could have been reversed (that events like this happened to both sides). The language reflects the location and the different perspectives are revealed through what the characters say. The child is confused, the Mom is apprehensive, and the Uncle is clearly feeding off of the violent atmosphere. This book presents challenging material within a historical context.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this 10 stars, I would. I feel that my 5-star ratings of other books were a waste. This is the best picture book I have read in a long time. I'm speechless.

I'm going to use this for my Anne Frank unit, even though it is about intolerance between Catholics & Protestants. Half of my own students are probably Catholic, and the other half Protestants, so this context is so much easier for them to imagine themselves in than the idea of Jewish persecution, or even racial issues.

I can't even tell you how awesome this book is--read it!

[Terry]

No less than our trusted sources loved Walking to School: Shelly Burns at Write for a Reader; Jill at the Well-Read Child, Mary Lee's review at A Year of Reading; and Sarah's review at The Reading Zone.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of Catholic children being taunted by Protestants in Northern Ireland as they try to walk through a Protestant neighborhood to go to school was painful to read. It held a note of promise, however, that I hope proves to be true in reality. An outstanding book! This would pair nicely with books like The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges.

[(NS)JenniferA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve Bunting does a wonderful job telling the story of a little girl who is attending a new school. It is especially hard for her as a Catholic there because she is teased and taunted by the protestant children. This struggle isn't easy for her but she ends up becoming friends with a protestant girl at school. The author does a wonderful job telling this story in terms that make it easier for younger children to understand.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to see picture books that can be enjoyed by older kids. This story outlines real effects of the conflcit between Protestants and Catholics in Norhtern Ireland. With realistic illustrations we are taken inside the story by the eight year old narrator as she describes walking to school through a neighbourhood intent on doing her harm. The wonderful thing is the idea that within all this hate can be found little islands of light and hope.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good text to use to highlight that racism and hate exists in the modern world and isn't something just from the past. Walking to School tells the story of a young Irish girl caught up in the conflict between Catholics and Protestants. The book also includes a positive, hopeful message. A great text to use as students learn about the Civil Rights movement and conflicts in the 1960's. Recommended for grades 3 - 5.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking to School does an excellent job of detailing the "troubles" in Ireland in a way that children will grasp. Allison must walk to her Catholic school past crowds of jeering Protestants, which of course makes her anxious about starting school. I loved the fact that the author showed that at times adults don't have all the answers and children can be incredibly brave at times. Great book, with stunning illustrations.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serviceable story about a real time in Northern Ireland. It does a nice job of showing that people on both sides were to blame for the issues and problems. The simple connection between the 2 girls is effective.

[ReadingWench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Told from the perspective of a child during the Catholic and Protestant conflict in Northern Ireland.

This book would be great for a reporr\t dealing with religious conflicts or Ireland history.

AR 3.6

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A good book to read and share when looking at all the various forms of racism that exist in the world. A story from Northern Ireland--the conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For older readers. A picture book about the violence between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland. Very realistic illustrations

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only everyone could see the world through a child's eyes!

[Elaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

review book for work

[Denni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading. Lovely message and illustrations. However, I wouldn't consider it a book for all children due to the conflict involving children.

[Tina B · Rating 3 out of 5]

"conflict in northern Ireland, well done introduction to how children are affected by mob violence in their communities"

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

really like this book about the protestant vs catholic conflict in Ireland. would be a good 'teaching tolerance' book. neat pictures and perspective