Up the Learning Tree

by Marcia K. Vaughan

Henry Bell is not allowed to learn to read and write. In fact, most enslaved children, like him, are severely punished if they are even caught with a book. But Henry is curious. He suspects there is something powerful in books, and he wants to know what it is. One day Henry finishes his chores quickly, then runs to the schoolhouse. He hides in a sycamore tree just as the teacher begins reading a story. His heart pounds as he listens with astonishment, and right then he makes up his mind to learn to read. Henry’s fierce determination and bravery in the face of serious consequences lead him to a special friendship, and a journey of discovery that changes his life forever. Set in the pre-Civil War South, UP THE LEARNING TREE is a story of hope and humanity during difficult times, and a poignant reminder that the freedom to learn should never be taken for granted.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, History, African American

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

About the author

Marcia Vaughan became a librarian in 1975 so that she could inspire children to read. After a short while, she began writing her own books. Her first two stories were never published but her third, ‘Wombat Stew’, illustrated by Pamela Lofts, was published in 1984. It might now be considered a classic of Australian children’s literature.

Reviews

[Rie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Bell has the unfortunate circumstance of living pre-civil war. Henry takes a huge risk one day when he ends up finishing his chores early and decides to hurry down to the schoolhouse. Education intrigued him and he wanted to know what the other kids were learning. He wanted to learn how to read. Henry ended up hiding in a sycamore tree and listening outside the window as the teacher, Miss Hattie, taught her lessons. As he listened, he recited what he heard and carved the words he didn't know into the bark of the sycamore tree. Miss Hattie soon realizes that Henry has been sneaking around and eaves dropping on private reading lessons, which were not allowed. She decides to help Henry because she believes that all people have the right to an education, but she is found out and fired from her job as a schoolhouse teacher. Before she left, Miss Hattie expressed to Henry that he should keep trying to learn to read and to not let his status in life keep him from what he truly wants to do.

[Matthew Yung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pre-civil war era picture book in which a slave boy named Henry wants to learn how to read and write. His curiosity brings him up a sycamore tree and that is where he meets a teacher names Miss. Hattie. After a while however Miss. Hattie gets caught and fired from her job but not without leaving Henry with strength and courage to keep moving on.

I would recommend this picture book for children 3rd to 5th grade as they might be able to understand how valuable education is and not take it for granite. The lesson learned from this picture book is to always cherish what you have and always strive for a better future.

[Sabrina Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young slave boy who was trying to learn to read. He would walk his master's son to school each day and then after completing his chores, he would go back to the school, climb up in a Sycamore tree and try to learn to read and write. He was determined to learn and risked the possibility of having his fingers cut off by his master.
He persevered among many things and actually learned. He also got some assistance from a teacher and this caused her some trouble due to the fact that slaves were not allowed to read because it can cause their freedom; she had to leave the town.

The storyline is interesting and very motivating. The illustrations were just simple awesome, with huge,soft colors. I recommend this book be read to older children and be used for comprehension tasks or as a motivational piece.

[Dan Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent book about the importance of reading. The storyline was very motivating to me. The illustrations were amazing because they were large with soft colors. This book is about a young slave boy who was trying to learn to read. He would walk his master's son to school each day and then after completing his chores, he would go back to the school, climb up in a Sycamore tree and try to learn to read and write. He was determined to learn and risked the possibility of having his fingers cut off by his master. He persevered among many things and actually learned. He also got some assistance from a teacher and this caused her some trouble due to the fact that slaves were not allowed to read because it can cause their freedom; she had to leave the town.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

My personal reaction to this book was i loved the courage of the main character. For example when he risked getting his fingers cut off just to do what he wanted, now that is some bravery.

This would be a great read aloud to make a curriculm connection about slaves and the war. Showing the chilren different perspectives of the past when slaves like him were not allow to learn how to read.

This would be a good independent read for upper elementary with a specifc focus in historical war times. A student could relate to wanting to learn and would capture their hearts with his courage.

This would all be good for a narrative teaching liteary elements about how a teacher can go above and beyond for her students. The teacher that helped him had to leave town for her efforts.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the message it gives readers. Even though Henry's body is bound by slavery, his mind is not. He has a passion to learn to read and is determined to do so. In the story the school teacher helps him to accomplish his goal, knowing that if she were to get caught nothing good would come about it. Even after she was caught teaching a slave she was able to keep her head high because she knew she was doing the right thing. Overall great book about historical events, and how even in tough situations one can overcome them.

[Oana Cerchezan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This extraordinary book reflects the impact of learning in the times when slavery was present . It truly is a touching book to present to students. Reading this book aloud to the kids will bring them a sense of history. They will see that not everyone had an equal education. It is important to discuss with the students how times have changed and ask them why they think learning is important to them.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up the Learning Tree is a beautifully illustrated work of historical fiction set in the pre-civil war south. A young slave boy repeatedly risks a severe punishment in his pursuit of literacy. This book is perfect when covering slavery or the importance of reading; a gift that if often under appreciated.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slave boy gets an education because he walks his master's boy to school and hides in the sycamore tree outside the classroom writing letters in the bark. He learns because he decides his freedom depends on it and he won't let anything stop him. Beautiful book!!!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grades 2-4
Reviews: School Library Journal
Summary: An inspiring story of a young slave boy who wants to learn to read and a teacher who does what she can to help.
Curriculum Connection:
Slave conditions Love for/of reading

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine wanting to learn to read so bad that you would risk getting your hand cut off to do it! This is a great book about a slave boy who takes initiative to learn to read.

[Miri Gifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really lovely story and, again, beautiful illustrations. Probably could've been 4 stars just as well... It gets hard to decide after so many.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really beautiful book. My kids asked for this one multiple times too.

[Missmath144 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slave boy risks having his fingers cut off for learning to read.

[Kitty Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's picture book of a young slave boy who is determined to learn to read. Excellent.

[Karen Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the importance/joy of reading.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could share this book with every child who denies themselves the right to the education being provided to them - I wish I could share it with children who think school is a joke and not relevant in their lives. From 1619 - 1865 children of African descent were denied the right to learn. Henry Bell teaches himself, with the help of Miss Hattie, the local school teacher, despite the fear she will be run out of town, and he will lose a finger as a punishment for learning to read.

Heartbreaking, yet full of grit and determination - this book is a powerful lesson in how important school can be; especially when it is not allowed.