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Steamboat School
Missouri, 1847
When James first started school, his sister practically had to drag him there. The classroom was dark and dreary, and James knew everything outside was more exciting than anything he'd find inside.
But his teacher taught him otherwise.
"We make our own light here," Reverend Meachum told James.
And through hard work and learning, they did, until their school was shut down by a new law forbidding African American education in Missouri. Determined to continue teaching his students, Reverend John Berry Meachum decided to build a new school-a floating school in the Mississippi River, just outside the boundary of the unjust law.
Based on true events, Ron Husband's uplifting illustrations bring to life Deborah Hopkinson's tale of a resourceful, determined teacher; his bright, inquisitive students; and their refusal to accept discrimination based on the color of their skin.
When James first started school, his sister practically had to drag him there. The classroom was dark and dreary, and James knew everything outside was more exciting than anything he'd find inside.
But his teacher taught him otherwise.
"We make our own light here," Reverend Meachum told James.
And through hard work and learning, they did, until their school was shut down by a new law forbidding African American education in Missouri. Determined to continue teaching his students, Reverend John Berry Meachum decided to build a new school-a floating school in the Mississippi River, just outside the boundary of the unjust law.
Based on true events, Ron Husband's uplifting illustrations bring to life Deborah Hopkinson's tale of a resourceful, determined teacher; his bright, inquisitive students; and their refusal to accept discrimination based on the color of their skin.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2016
2 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Hopkinson
105 books370 followersI write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
May 20, 2017
In the mid nineteenth century the Missouri legislators made it illegal to educate African Americans (“negroes and mulattos”), (a proud moment in Missouri history, I am sure). John Berry Meachum, a teacher of such children, figured a way around this, by moving his school to federal territory, on a steamboat in the Mississippi River. This is a fictional book based on the known events, since Hopkinson couldn’t find any memoirs of attendance in the school.
The illustrations are great, made by the first African American animator at Disney Studios (which also may point to a history of racism in the history of animation and illustration and comics). The text is pretty spare, allowing the illustrations to do the heavy lifting, textured sepia-toned drawings of the pre-Civil-War American South.
I am not sure how small kids would like this, but it is a teaching opportunity. It reminded me of a similar story, Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen, about a slave whose hand was severed for the audacity of teaching fellow slaves. Because we all know what education can do to undermine tyranny. Slaveowners knew it very well, of course. I recall my friend Jennifer teaching this book in a middle school in the Bronx. Why might some people not want you to do well in school, Jennifer wondered with the kids? How is learning itself a political act?
Also Through my Eyes, the story of Ruby Bridges, the first black child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis in 1960. Can we deny these sad stories of American history? Hopkinson and Husband flip the script and put the emphasis on the positive, one who resisted and persisted and who kept on doing the right thing.
Thanks for the recommendation, Nancy!
The illustrations are great, made by the first African American animator at Disney Studios (which also may point to a history of racism in the history of animation and illustration and comics). The text is pretty spare, allowing the illustrations to do the heavy lifting, textured sepia-toned drawings of the pre-Civil-War American South.
I am not sure how small kids would like this, but it is a teaching opportunity. It reminded me of a similar story, Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen, about a slave whose hand was severed for the audacity of teaching fellow slaves. Because we all know what education can do to undermine tyranny. Slaveowners knew it very well, of course. I recall my friend Jennifer teaching this book in a middle school in the Bronx. Why might some people not want you to do well in school, Jennifer wondered with the kids? How is learning itself a political act?
Also Through my Eyes, the story of Ruby Bridges, the first black child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis in 1960. Can we deny these sad stories of American history? Hopkinson and Husband flip the script and put the emphasis on the positive, one who resisted and persisted and who kept on doing the right thing.
Thanks for the recommendation, Nancy!
June 11, 2016
A fictional story inspired by the life of Reverend John Berry Meachum. Readers experience the story by tagging along with James, a fictional African American boy attending school for the first time. He shows readers how much bravery it took to pursue an education after the state of Missouri passes a law making it illegal for negroes or mulattoes to be instructed in reading or writing. Using an ingenious loophole, school is held on a steamboat where the long arm of the law can't reach the students.
An author's note provides historical information about the events that inspired the story and also speaks to the research the author did while writing this book. Sources for exploring the topic in depth round out the back matter and include recommended websites and further reading suggestions.
The scratchy texture of the artwork paired with the sepia tone each scene is tinged with gives this story a historical look and feel. Recommended for sharing with grades 3 and up.
An author's note provides historical information about the events that inspired the story and also speaks to the research the author did while writing this book. Sources for exploring the topic in depth round out the back matter and include recommended websites and further reading suggestions.
The scratchy texture of the artwork paired with the sepia tone each scene is tinged with gives this story a historical look and feel. Recommended for sharing with grades 3 and up.
May 15, 2017
This is based on a pretty astonishing true story. John Berry Meachum had the genius idea to circumvent the Missouri state law which prevented African-Americans from seeking any kind of education by having a floating school on the Mississippi River. This book fills in an imagined narrative of some of the children who attended the school, emphasizing acts of everyday bravery and strong character. The illustrations are also breathtaking. Ron Husband's images are so rich and incredible, that it's no surprise that he was an animator at Disney (and the first African-American animator to boot). I'm not sure how applicable this would be to a storytime (it's long and involved), but I think it would definitely be within reach of a intermediate reader looking for something to read with a little help.
August 8, 2016
A young boy is sent to Candle School by his mother, though the truth was the he was not very excited to go. His older sister Tassie almost has to drag him there, because he wanted to stop and see everything along the way. They headed down into the dark basement of a church where there were no windows. The school was run by Reverend John who shared his own story of being born a slave and then working to earn the freedom of himself and those he loved. Then one day men came to the Candle School and declared it closed since the State of Missouri had changed the law and no children of color could be taught to read or write. The school closed, but Reverend John did not give up and soon had his school floating in the middle of the Mississippi on a steamboat where the Missouri law could not impact them.
This picture book is based on the true story of Reverend John Berry Meachum whose story is given in more detail in the Author’s Note at the end of the book. The picture book is told through the eyes of a young boy who attends Meachum’s school and then works to reestablish it on the steamboat and pass the quiet word of the school reopening. Throughout the book there is a strong sense of purpose, of the importance of learning to read but also the importance of standing up for what is right.
The illustrations by Husband are exceptional. Using muted colors and fine lines, they capture the darkness of the school and the light on the children’s faces. They show the sorry of losing the right to learn and then the joy of growing up educated and looking to the future.
A luminous look at the harrowing life of African Americans even if they were free in the 1800s, this picture book is beautiful and filled with strength. Appropriate for ages 7-9.
This picture book is based on the true story of Reverend John Berry Meachum whose story is given in more detail in the Author’s Note at the end of the book. The picture book is told through the eyes of a young boy who attends Meachum’s school and then works to reestablish it on the steamboat and pass the quiet word of the school reopening. Throughout the book there is a strong sense of purpose, of the importance of learning to read but also the importance of standing up for what is right.
The illustrations by Husband are exceptional. Using muted colors and fine lines, they capture the darkness of the school and the light on the children’s faces. They show the sorry of losing the right to learn and then the joy of growing up educated and looking to the future.
A luminous look at the harrowing life of African Americans even if they were free in the 1800s, this picture book is beautiful and filled with strength. Appropriate for ages 7-9.
May 14, 2017
Text: 5 stars
Illustrations: 5 stars
Of the thousands of children's books I've read, this is probably the most inspiring one. And it is based on true events and an actual person's life. Reverend John Berry Meachum, a former slave who bought freedom for himself, his family members, and many other enslaved African Americans, really did start a steamboat school on the Mississippi River after the state of Missouri outlawed education for "negroes and mulattoes" in 1847. Dedicated to education and hard work, Meachum devised and implemented an immensely clever response to the organized oppression forced upon him and his students.
The text gives us just enough information, allowing the art to do the rest. Masterful sepia-toned drawings, abundant with cross-hatchings and textures, evoke the setting and time period of the pre-Civil-War American South. Both the struggle and the hope leap out of these illustrations.
I'm flabbergasted as to why this beautiful, inspiring historical fiction picture book was passed up by the 2017 Caldecott committee. If you only read one book this year, make it this one.
Illustrations: 5 stars
Of the thousands of children's books I've read, this is probably the most inspiring one. And it is based on true events and an actual person's life. Reverend John Berry Meachum, a former slave who bought freedom for himself, his family members, and many other enslaved African Americans, really did start a steamboat school on the Mississippi River after the state of Missouri outlawed education for "negroes and mulattoes" in 1847. Dedicated to education and hard work, Meachum devised and implemented an immensely clever response to the organized oppression forced upon him and his students.
The text gives us just enough information, allowing the art to do the rest. Masterful sepia-toned drawings, abundant with cross-hatchings and textures, evoke the setting and time period of the pre-Civil-War American South. Both the struggle and the hope leap out of these illustrations.
I'm flabbergasted as to why this beautiful, inspiring historical fiction picture book was passed up by the 2017 Caldecott committee. If you only read one book this year, make it this one.
December 30, 2016
Even though it is an unfortunate truth about our nation's history, it is amazing to see we had brave and bold people that went against the unfair laws against negros. This is a great story, but I really enjoyed the illustrations and how the artist incorporated the shading, lightening, and font.
August 9, 2016
This feels like it should be non-fiction, and it is based on the true story of Reverend John Berry Meachum who lived from 1789 to 1854. He purchased his own freedom, began more than once from being penniless, and bought his wife’s freedom, too. There is an author’s note and an additional sources page. Reverend Meachum conducted a ‘secret school” in his church in St. Louis, Missouri until Missouri passed a law that it was unlawful to educate blacks. He worked around it by refurbishing an old steamboat. The middle of the river was considered federal property. The story is told by a boy named James who attends the Reverend’s school, first in the basement, then on the boat. I’d love everyone to consider the persistence to be educated shown by this story when first they had to sneak down to the basement of the church, candles being their only light, his “tallow candle school”. Then there was such disappointment when the school had to close, but soon Reverend Meachum made a miracle happen, the school begins again, on the river! The children had to sneak to the wharf at dawn, eluding police and others who would stop them. And they did, day after day, to learn! Ron Hubbard’s pen and ink sketches, sometimes colored, fill the story with stealth, action, sorrow, and love as the story unfolds.
October 1, 2017
I felt uneasy after reading this book. The back cover does not have a photograph of the author so I googled her later and, as I suspected, she’s Caucasian. Whenever white writers tell stories of black individuals, there’s abundant emphasis on the good-natured fortitude of their subjects and almost none on their rage, frustration and sorrow. Perpetuating a belief in the superhuman endurance of black people is just another form of othering. There’s also much too little analysis of why whites would want blacks to stop receiving education, which I think would have made for a better theme. There’s nearly no critique at all of slavery or the justice system, anecdotes of which are relayed rather matter-of-factly. But maybe I’m being unreasonable; a children’s book will always be somewhat sanitised. My four stars are mostly for the wonderful textured illustrations, done by the first African-American animator at Disney, and for bringing to light the forgotten story of a man who found a clever way around a discriminatory law.
April 6, 2017
This is a historical fiction picture book set in Missouri 1847. Inspired by the life of Reverend John Berry Meachum, this is a story of a man, an educator, who fought for the rights of African Americans. He told his students "We make our own light here" a lesson I believe all teacher want to create in their classroom. He and his students did just that, until Missouri passed a law forbidding the education of African Americans. Instead of idly standing by, the Reverend decide to make his own school, a steamboat that would float on the Mississippi River.
What I love most about this is that in the story they included a boy, James. James, like a lot of the boys at my current school, didn't necessary enjoy school, he would rather be elsewhere. That is until he meets Reverend Meachum. This would be a great story to read to encourage students. Or during a lesson when we are talking about what makes us special. We could list the attributes of the Reverend and why he was special to James. Then students could write about someone who is special to them and why. This would be perfect to have in any classroom library but perfect for read aloud in a K-2 classroom.
What I love most about this is that in the story they included a boy, James. James, like a lot of the boys at my current school, didn't necessary enjoy school, he would rather be elsewhere. That is until he meets Reverend Meachum. This would be a great story to read to encourage students. Or during a lesson when we are talking about what makes us special. We could list the attributes of the Reverend and why he was special to James. Then students could write about someone who is special to them and why. This would be perfect to have in any classroom library but perfect for read aloud in a K-2 classroom.
September 19, 2019
This is a fiction story for children, but based on a true life man, Reverend John Berry Meachum, an African-American who ran a school for black children in St. Louis, Mo. This story tells of children who had no opportunity for education, until Rev. Meachum opened his school. Then in 1847 Missouri enacted a law which prohibited the education of black children or people. The solution found by Rev. Meachum is a part of this book, which is such a tribute to him. The illustrations that accompany the story are great, too.
November 17, 2017
An inspirational story based on true events of a preacher and his students finding a way around the 1847 Missouri legislation against the education of black people, whether freed or enslaved. The illustrator was the FIRST African-American person to work for Walt Disney Animation Studios which is hella legit!
September 1, 2017
At first, James is not excited to attend school at all. But his dedicated teacher, Reverend Meachum, inspires James. When a law is passed forbidding African Americans to be educated in Missouri, Meachum sets to work to build a steamboat. When it is finally finished, school is held in the boat...because the boat is in the Mississippi River which is considered federal land and therefore, not part of Missouri. This is inspired by a true story. I loved the story and illustrations and was interested to read the author's note. I'd love to know more about Reverend Meachum.
October 27, 2017
The Steamboat School is inspired by the true story of Reverend John Berry Meachum's school in 1847. When Missouri made it illegal for African Americans to receive an education, he took his school out to the water where federal law ruled instead.
July 1, 2018
Interesting story, straightforwardly told, with clear, lively, compelling art.
August 8, 2018
Another recommendation from Isaac. I think this was for Black History Month. I thought the artwork was exceptional. Again I learned a little history.
September 3, 2019
a story about Missouri history I had never known - the illustrations are wonderful. Can see why this was selected as a book for literacy diversity class
November 12, 2017
I often tell my students that going to school and becoming educated, even the act of learning to read, are radical acts and acts of rebellion for many. This has been so in the past as well as this story with a fictionalized young character named James demonstrates. Like many youngsters, James is not thrilled at all about the idea of attending school, even one with a mysterious name such as the Tallow Candle School. Having to learn in the dim light of candles and without the light provided by windows makes James anxious. Readers who pay attention to the fact that the story is set in 1847 may not be surprised when the secret school is closed down by men enforcing a new state law forbidding literacy instruction to "negroes or mulattoes" (unpaged). Suddenly, the youngsters have no schooling to look forward to, and even James misses his education. But their teacher, Rev. John Berry Meachum, may be down, but he's not out for the count, and he finds a way to continue the lessons he had begun. Somehow, he finds a loophole in the law, and the students attend school each day on a refurbished steamboat that is anchored in the middle of the Mississippi River, considered federal property and not the property of any state. The back matter provides additional information about Meachum and his dedication to education as well as some background about how he managed to purchase his own freedom. Filled with shades of brown and what looks to be scratchboard artwork, the illustrations pay tribute to a courageous and persistent man and the next generation whose lives were changed by his innovation. The story kept me hooked all the way through as I waited to see how James would come to change his mind about schooling. Perhaps, once we've had the taste of freedom or seen a glimpse of what the future could be, it is impossible to return to the way we've been. This picture book would be a good addition to a social studies class and would fit nicely in a collection of books about civil rights, literacy, and individuals who made a difference.
February 28, 2023
“STEAMBOAT SCHOOL”- A Review By: Alan Amari
Robert F. Silbert Honor YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction award winning Author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator Ron Husband’s book “STEAMBOAT SCHOOL” (Published: June 7, 2016) offers you a beautiful story based on the true events of Reverend John Berry Meachum and his relentless fight for education of African Americans in the mid 1800s in St. Louis Missouri. When a law passes forbidding the educating of African American students he is forced to close his Tallow Candle School in a church basement in the year 1847. To confront the conflict he spends months refurbishing and constructing a steamboat on the Mississippi river. There he makes his new school where he rows his students there by boat. Since state law does not apply for the river he is home free and his students are freely able to continue their education.
In the book we see our story through the eyes of a boy by James. Throughout the story we get a view into both the excitement and also the fears associated with going from school in a basement void of windows to a steamboat. The story is a delight perfect for kids Grades K-2 to experience. The words do not confuse and they are simple and easy to understand. They also dive into themes fit for older kids starting more bigger levels of reading comprehension. It gives a story tackling a difficult theme and a story about issues of the past in a simple small form fit for younger children starting out or developing more reading skills. In better a basic level of history for the kids to read and learn from.
The story tackles great themes of fighting against social issues and making a change. In peculiar the story tells you a story about a fight and action against racial injustice. It tackles Racial Injustice and racism on a historical and simple form for kids to understand. It teaches kids to not back down against any oppression especially racial variety. It teaches you that if things are wrong and unjust go against the evil and in the ways of what the teacher did also work around the issues cleverly to. You can be clever in tackling issues is easily what I can say this story gives you in a theme. Sure you can’t have a school on this land but what laws apply on the water? This story is able to teach kids to think outside the box to confront a problem/ issue.
The story is such a perfect choice for reading to kids as it is perfect for social justice standards to. There is a piece highlighting 6 elements of Social Justice and I'd love to tell you for further thoughtful consideration to buy this amazing kids book for it’s able to connect to 6 main key themes perfect for social justice education. Self Love And Knowledge is the first SJ element and the story delivers in giving kids a basic simple early start to learning about their past and who they were and also are. For better it talks about black people in America from the past and their struggles against racial injustice through James and through his teacher who fights this criminal law by building a school on a fixed up boat which fights against normal stories that tackle fighting racism in a clever way. It dives you into different aspects of race strayed from regular images of perception and stereotypes of race shown in the regular classroom book stream. The second element of Respect Of Others is embodied well in the story through the book breaking down stereotypes normally given off regularly. In the story you have this genius teacher who slips through the new laws in place by building this school on a boat on a body of water that is out or jurisdiction depicting cleverness and creativeness for black students against the racist stereotypes of black people being not so smart in old works. It shows a beautiful story of issue confrontation in black people. Ending on Element 3 the story tackles the main idea of issues of social justice in talking about difficult history and racism. The story talks about slavery and buying your freedom and the struggles of the everyday life here during this time period. It provides history and a side not really talked about enough the black side during the times of racial injustices. It talks about the struggle for black people which is often ignored in history books. Overall this story masterfully gives kids awareness about issues and social problems that still damage the world today.
So I would perfectly recommend this book to anyone who wants to give a class a good and simple book about the past that is efficient at tackling the injustice of the past and racism on a simple level for kids to understand. It will help teach kids to be more aware about injustices and racism and help them grow to understand other views not portrayed at face by most school. It opens them to another side of views and opens them to better understand the issues of racism and racial and normal injustices of social variety hurting the world of today. Teaching kids the past can help them avoid history repeating when they understand better what other sides went through in history. With this story you can broaden your students curiosities into exploring other famous black stories during this time period to teach them unique and different angles to the era the story takes place in. It can get your students interested in learning different sides often not dived into and broaden their minds and teach them so much more. It’s a perfect read for student in class and I rate it highly.
Robert F. Silbert Honor YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction award winning Author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator Ron Husband’s book “STEAMBOAT SCHOOL” (Published: June 7, 2016) offers you a beautiful story based on the true events of Reverend John Berry Meachum and his relentless fight for education of African Americans in the mid 1800s in St. Louis Missouri. When a law passes forbidding the educating of African American students he is forced to close his Tallow Candle School in a church basement in the year 1847. To confront the conflict he spends months refurbishing and constructing a steamboat on the Mississippi river. There he makes his new school where he rows his students there by boat. Since state law does not apply for the river he is home free and his students are freely able to continue their education.
In the book we see our story through the eyes of a boy by James. Throughout the story we get a view into both the excitement and also the fears associated with going from school in a basement void of windows to a steamboat. The story is a delight perfect for kids Grades K-2 to experience. The words do not confuse and they are simple and easy to understand. They also dive into themes fit for older kids starting more bigger levels of reading comprehension. It gives a story tackling a difficult theme and a story about issues of the past in a simple small form fit for younger children starting out or developing more reading skills. In better a basic level of history for the kids to read and learn from.
The story tackles great themes of fighting against social issues and making a change. In peculiar the story tells you a story about a fight and action against racial injustice. It tackles Racial Injustice and racism on a historical and simple form for kids to understand. It teaches kids to not back down against any oppression especially racial variety. It teaches you that if things are wrong and unjust go against the evil and in the ways of what the teacher did also work around the issues cleverly to. You can be clever in tackling issues is easily what I can say this story gives you in a theme. Sure you can’t have a school on this land but what laws apply on the water? This story is able to teach kids to think outside the box to confront a problem/ issue.
The story is such a perfect choice for reading to kids as it is perfect for social justice standards to. There is a piece highlighting 6 elements of Social Justice and I'd love to tell you for further thoughtful consideration to buy this amazing kids book for it’s able to connect to 6 main key themes perfect for social justice education. Self Love And Knowledge is the first SJ element and the story delivers in giving kids a basic simple early start to learning about their past and who they were and also are. For better it talks about black people in America from the past and their struggles against racial injustice through James and through his teacher who fights this criminal law by building a school on a fixed up boat which fights against normal stories that tackle fighting racism in a clever way. It dives you into different aspects of race strayed from regular images of perception and stereotypes of race shown in the regular classroom book stream. The second element of Respect Of Others is embodied well in the story through the book breaking down stereotypes normally given off regularly. In the story you have this genius teacher who slips through the new laws in place by building this school on a boat on a body of water that is out or jurisdiction depicting cleverness and creativeness for black students against the racist stereotypes of black people being not so smart in old works. It shows a beautiful story of issue confrontation in black people. Ending on Element 3 the story tackles the main idea of issues of social justice in talking about difficult history and racism. The story talks about slavery and buying your freedom and the struggles of the everyday life here during this time period. It provides history and a side not really talked about enough the black side during the times of racial injustices. It talks about the struggle for black people which is often ignored in history books. Overall this story masterfully gives kids awareness about issues and social problems that still damage the world today.
So I would perfectly recommend this book to anyone who wants to give a class a good and simple book about the past that is efficient at tackling the injustice of the past and racism on a simple level for kids to understand. It will help teach kids to be more aware about injustices and racism and help them grow to understand other views not portrayed at face by most school. It opens them to another side of views and opens them to better understand the issues of racism and racial and normal injustices of social variety hurting the world of today. Teaching kids the past can help them avoid history repeating when they understand better what other sides went through in history. With this story you can broaden your students curiosities into exploring other famous black stories during this time period to teach them unique and different angles to the era the story takes place in. It can get your students interested in learning different sides often not dived into and broaden their minds and teach them so much more. It’s a perfect read for student in class and I rate it highly.
August 14, 2016
According to his blog, the illustrator Ron Husband first did sketches, then used mechanical pen and ink to make the finished drawings, then he added color in photoshop over an aged paper background to finish the illustrations. Only a little color is used here and there, some dark blues and dark reds, but mostly browns, blacks and whites. The result is that the illustrations resemble photographs from that era. The illustrations also do an excellent job of depicting the action in the story, and helping readers see what life was like for African Americans at that time. The fictional story (set in the mid 1800s) is based on the true story of a preacher/teacher, who got around Missouri's law of not educating African Americans by constructing a steamboat in the middle of the Mississippi River, and rowing the students out to it.
July 26, 2016
A fictional story about a young African American boy, James, who is attending school for the first time. This book is inspired by the life of Reverend John Berry Meachum. The story tells about how much bravery it took to pursue an education after the state of Missouri passed a law making it illegal for negroes to be instructed in reading or writing. Reverend John uses a loophole and holds class on a steamboat.
A detailed author's note provides key historical information and additional sources are offered for exploring the topic in-depth. The sepia artwork makes the book very historical looking. Possible Caldecott? Highly recommended for use in history classes Gr. 3 and up.
A detailed author's note provides key historical information and additional sources are offered for exploring the topic in-depth. The sepia artwork makes the book very historical looking. Possible Caldecott? Highly recommended for use in history classes Gr. 3 and up.
December 29, 2016
A good historical fiction story inspired by the life of Reverend John Meachum whose school was shut down as a result of an 1847 Missouri law disallowing any person from keeping a school for the instruction of 'negroes' in reading, or writing. To get around this prejudicial law Meachum opened up a school on the Mississippi River out of reach of the law. Looking forward to this read aloud when we return from winter break. It focuses on historical fiction and it also promotes the value of learning and school.
August 24, 2016
Very moved by this book not only for the content but the illustrations are very evocative and are a perfect complement to the text. Geared toward an older audience (3rd grade and up). Hopkinson takes some liberty with the story but her Author's Note at the end of the story explains things.
July 23, 2016
A must have book if you teach civil rights.
I loved reading this story in this historical fiction book, amazing the courage people had to do what is right.
I loved reading this story in this historical fiction book, amazing the courage people had to do what is right.
Read
September 14, 2016Based on a true story.
November 17, 2016
Based on a true story of a steamboat school anchored in the Mississippi that allowed African Americans to attend school despite Missouri laws preventing their education.
November 30, 2017
(School Library Journal)
James, his sister, and his mother, a laundress, are free blacks living in Missouri in the 1840s, but being free does not give them equal rights. James and his sister attend school in the basement of a church. The secretive space is lit only by candles, but Reverend John, the teacher, tells James, "We make our own light here." A state law passed in 1847, however, makes it illegal to have any kind of school for "negroes or mulattoes," slave or free.
This is a historical fiction picture book based on the real life of John Berry Meachum and his “tallow candle school” which was held in the dark basement of First African Baptism Church. When closed by the new state law against educating black, the story describes how Reverend John got around the law by building a steamboat and holding classes on the Mississippi River, which was considered federal property.
The illustrations by Ron Husband, the first black animator at Walt Disney Studios are awesome. People’s faces are extremely expressive and have the look and feel of the time period. Rendered mostly in brown and black tones, his detailed, cross-hatching style has the appearance of pen and ink.
The author, Deborah Hopkinson, has written other notable picture books, fiction and nonfiction and was nominated for a Sibert medal for her nonfiction book Titanic: Voices from the Disaster.
An author's note shares more of Meachum's life, describing how he worked in a mine to make enough money to buy freedom for himself and his father. Walking from Kentucky to Missouri, Meachum then worked as a carpenter and cooper in order to purchase his wife's and children's freedom.
Comments
I find it very ironic that children today who are receiving free public education and are going to school often hate it, take it for granted, or do as little work as possible while there. Children who are denied education by either poverty, government limits, or physical location feel cheated and will do almost anything to go to school.
Interesting to note that water has always been a "safety zone" for regulations. That must be why so many casinos are water based.
Best for grades 1-4—
March 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this Jane Addams Award winning book. It is a very neat story giving a true representation of what African Americans have had to face in their life through education. This story would most likely be more appropriate for the older range of young readers because of the cultural knowledge. I think it is an amazing story to show children today how education should not be taken for granted and to show the inequality that once was in our nation. The illustrations throughout the book give the overall feel of this story being set in past times. The style of the illustrations seems to be realism as the art realistically portrays the setting of the story. The illustrations span the whole pages and each one focuses on what James, the narrator is feeling or experiencing. The realism style includes background images that bring more details for the reader to focus on and learn from. The medium of the illustrations seems to be pencils and colored pencils. The whole color scheme throughout the book is very dull colors: brown, grey, white, and black. These dull colors add to the disappointing mood of the book in the ways African Americans were being treated. There are pops of color on each page that catch the readers eye. These pops of color are mostly objects that help the reader understand the culture of this time: the feathered pencil, the little boy holding the chicken, James' pants he wears throughout the whole book, articles of clothing, etc. The illustrations of the characters throughout portray the feelings they felt and how others felt towards them. The white men are portrayed as being angry and mean and the African Americans are portrayed as being afraid and sad. But even though this book is a very hard reality for many readers, I think it can be used with children to teach them about the culture and to show them that at one time people fought for education.
June 7, 2021
I was drawn to this book as it is based on the true story of Reverend John Barry Meachum. Meachum is a former slave who relentlessly fought for freedom and education of African Americans. It takes place in St. Louis, Missouri during 1847, and accounts the injustice that African Americans encountered. This book is one that all students should read and I will be definitely including in my future classroom!
James and his sister, Tassie, are so happy to get to go to school. Through the eyes of James, readers learn what it is like to attend school in windowless room in the basement of a church. However, when a state law is passed that forbids Meachum from continuing to educate African Americans, he is forced to close his school. Thankfully, Meachum has an idea - He will open up a "floating school" on the Mississippi River on federal property! Meachum and his students work to scrub and paint the steamboat so that they can create their own school through a loophole in the law. James is excited to attend school aboard the steamboat, but is fearful that he will get caught, as him and his sister snuck in the wharf at dawn each morning.
This book is a wonderful resource to have as students are quick to say "I don't want to be here!" when coming to school. However, how would they feel if they were told they couldn't learn? The right to education can sometimes be taken for granted, as it is something that they have always had. When presented with historical events, such as this one, the students will be reminded that their education had to be fought tirelessly for. In the classroom, the students could compare and contrast school on the steamboat with school today. Also, they could discuss the theme of perseverance, as Reverend Meachum demonstrates this quality when opening up his "Tallow Candle School" and the school aboard the steamboat. The students can use text evidence to find examples of this theme.
James and his sister, Tassie, are so happy to get to go to school. Through the eyes of James, readers learn what it is like to attend school in windowless room in the basement of a church. However, when a state law is passed that forbids Meachum from continuing to educate African Americans, he is forced to close his school. Thankfully, Meachum has an idea - He will open up a "floating school" on the Mississippi River on federal property! Meachum and his students work to scrub and paint the steamboat so that they can create their own school through a loophole in the law. James is excited to attend school aboard the steamboat, but is fearful that he will get caught, as him and his sister snuck in the wharf at dawn each morning.
This book is a wonderful resource to have as students are quick to say "I don't want to be here!" when coming to school. However, how would they feel if they were told they couldn't learn? The right to education can sometimes be taken for granted, as it is something that they have always had. When presented with historical events, such as this one, the students will be reminded that their education had to be fought tirelessly for. In the classroom, the students could compare and contrast school on the steamboat with school today. Also, they could discuss the theme of perseverance, as Reverend Meachum demonstrates this quality when opening up his "Tallow Candle School" and the school aboard the steamboat. The students can use text evidence to find examples of this theme.
November 1, 2021
Steamboat School, by Deborah Hopkinson and Ron Husband, won the Jane Addam’s Childrens Book Award in 2017. Steamboat School is set in 1847 and follows James's learning journey. James is an African American in Missouri and went to a small school that got shut down due to the new law that denied blacks school instruction for reading and writing. Reverend John fixed up a steamboat and taught his class in the middle of the Mississippi River because the Missouri law could not alter their education if they technically were not in Missouri. Strengths of the print are the headings, and different colored font. Hopkinson sectioned the book to keep the story line moving, and to help readers understand what is going on in the story. The headings are extremely helpful, as most of them point to the setting or character that the author is writing about. Also, important laws, dialogue, and statements are written in red large font. This conveys to the audience that it is important to the overall story line and leads up to the resolution of the conflict. Visually, the illustrations are thorough and detailed. Husband uses the hatching technique to create texture in the images, and the illustrations look like they are all hand drawn. There are millions of lines going in every direction to create texture, motion, and direction, and displays the beautiful work and effort of Husband. This book would be great for social studies teachers to utilize because it is inspired by a true story, and dives into the history of how blacks were treated in the 1800s. Teachers could also utilize this book for an art project that involves shading using the hatching technique.
May 16, 2019
This is a fictionalized account of the work to educate African Americans in St. Louis in 1847.
Picture book, fiction
by Deborah Hopkinson; illustrated by Ron Husband
Disney Hyperion, 2016
YHBA nominee, 2019
3 out of 5 stars
The life of Reverend John Berry Meachum is a story of resourcefulness and determination. The author's note at the back of this book gives a brief accounting of this amazing man's life. The author has chosen to tell a portion of Meachum's story through the eyes of a fictional boy who attends Meachum's steamboat school in St. Louis in 1847.
I am not sure why the author did not choose to tell this story from Meachum's point of view. Since this is a fictionalized accounting anyway, I feel the story might have had more depth that way. Told from the point of view of James, the story seemed a little flat and lacking in understanding of the difficulties that Meachum must have had in his quest to educate African Americans.
The illustrations of Ron Husband match the tone of the story perfectly. I am always somewhat leery of books about African American history that are written by white people, but it is good to give Meachum's story light so it may be known. There are a few resources in the back of the book, but not much relates directly to further information about John Berry Meachum. Most is about civil rights and education in general.
Picture book, fiction
by Deborah Hopkinson; illustrated by Ron Husband
Disney Hyperion, 2016
YHBA nominee, 2019
3 out of 5 stars
The life of Reverend John Berry Meachum is a story of resourcefulness and determination. The author's note at the back of this book gives a brief accounting of this amazing man's life. The author has chosen to tell a portion of Meachum's story through the eyes of a fictional boy who attends Meachum's steamboat school in St. Louis in 1847.
I am not sure why the author did not choose to tell this story from Meachum's point of view. Since this is a fictionalized accounting anyway, I feel the story might have had more depth that way. Told from the point of view of James, the story seemed a little flat and lacking in understanding of the difficulties that Meachum must have had in his quest to educate African Americans.
The illustrations of Ron Husband match the tone of the story perfectly. I am always somewhat leery of books about African American history that are written by white people, but it is good to give Meachum's story light so it may be known. There are a few resources in the back of the book, but not much relates directly to further information about John Berry Meachum. Most is about civil rights and education in general.
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