I Have Heard of a Land

By Joyce Carol Thomas

Book Overview

This "lyrical tribute to the pioneer spirit"* from an acclaimed author-artist team "is a powerful tribute to the African-American pioneers who participated in the Oklahoma land runs"** and was recognized as a Coretta Scott King Honor Book.

In the late 1880s, signs went up all around America: land was free in the Oklahoma territory. And it was free to everyone: Whites, Blacks, men and women alike. All one needed to stake a claim was hope and courage, strength and perseverance. Thousands of pioneers, many of them African-Americans newly freed from being enslaved, headed west to carve out a new life in the Oklahoma soil.

Drawing on her own family history, National Book Award winner Joyce Carol Thomas has crafted an unforgettable anthem to these brave and determned people. Richly illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award honoree Floyd Cooper, I Have Heard of a Land is a glorious tribute to the Afrian-American pioneer spirit.

"Thomas and Cooper both have their roots in Oklahoma, where this book is set. Thomas' wonderful author's note tells the story of her great-grandparents, who ran for land in the Oklahoma Territory, and illuminates the experience of African Americans 'surviving and thriving' in a place where freedom was more than a word."*

This picture book is perfect for shared family history projects at home or in the classroom, as well as units on pioneers, life in post-Civil War America, Oklahoma history, and lesser-known aspects of the expansion west in the United States.

I have heard of a land / Where the imagination has no fences...

*Booklist starred review; **School Library Journal

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0064436179
• ISBN13: 9780064436175
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.2" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 3

Customer Reviews

a beautiful book for everyone

I bought this book as a memento of Oklahoma's centennial celebration for my adult daughter. She wants to be a children's book illustrator herself and has an art degree, so she is very selective about books like this. This book meets all her and my criteria for a beautiful children's book. It has artistically beautiful illustrations and a very positive message. It appeals to adults and children and to all races. The characters in this book are African-American, but the story is universal, and the values expressed are timeless and universal. For me it was very nostalgic when it talked of pioneer times and farm living, especially the brush arbor church services. It also spoke with reverence of a beautiful land, which I think Oklahoma is. This book might be a little advanced for pre-schoolers to listen to, but first grade and up will enjoy the story whether they can read it themselves or need someone to read it to them. I think the activities mentioned in the story would make a very good starting point for many more stories and activities for young children. It makes me, a native Oklahoman, proud of our state and people, especially knowing the auther and illustrator are both Oklahomans, too. So if the only pictures of Oklahoma you have ever seen are the old dust bowl days or the Oklahoma City bombing, you will be surprised by the beauty of our state. But it is the people who settled this state and who remained to make it a great state who earned us the title of The Heartland.

I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK

BECAUSE OF ITS BEAUTIFUL POETRY, I THINK I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND IS EXCELLENT READING FOR YOUNG AND OLDER PEOPLE

excellent story about midwest black heritage

Everyone should read this story.I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND is very informing and inspirational. I personally love the poetry along with the images.

This book is truly a work of art!

I Have Heard of a Land presents a colorful lesson in American history, in such a way that readers of all ages can enjoy. With an eloquent tone and beautiful illustrations, I Have Heard of a Land is sure to be cherished for time to come. Ms.Thomas has done it again! She has created yet another timeless work of art.