Priscilla and the Hollyhocks

by Anne Broyles

Book Overview

"Priscilla is only four years old when her mother is sold to another master. All Priscilla has to remember her mother by are the hollyhocks she planted by the cow pond. At age ten, Priscilla is sold... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570916756
• ISBN13: 9781570916755
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.7" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Great story!

This is a wonderful book for ages 7-12, perhaps. I found it to be a good story, well written and great for its historic value. I have read it with my granddaughters and plan to plant some hollyhocks with them as soon as the weather permits. We will make dolls with them and read the book again. My granddaughters are home schooled so this is also school time for them.

Life is full of amazing stories

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks is one of those rare stories which weaves together the horrendous capabilities of people with the strength of spirit and goodness people possess. As a parent, I find this story important for children so that conversations will ensue and so that we may never forget what we are capable of--both good and bad. A remarkable story of truth indeed.

Poignant Priscilla

Priscilla is a worthy successor to SHY MAMA'S HALLOWEEN. Anne Broyles has once again created a compelling character, made all the more captivating because the story is based on fact. Anna Alter's illustrations beautifully represent the pain and sadness and later hope that Priscilla experiences throughout her incredible story. This book is chock full of mini-lessons waiting for the classroom teacher to share with students. An added bonus for the happy readers and listeners is the description of the hollyhock doll and how to create one. This is the perfect book for a read-aloud cum craft project. Kudos to Broyles, who has done it once again. Marina Salenikas, Children's Librarian, North Andover, MA

Heart-Filling

Strength of character, dignity of spirit, power of hope. All of these, along with the author's exquisitely rendered sentences, each polished to its essence, bring Priscilla to life. Here is a girl I know will grow into a woman of quality, and I want to introduce her to boys and girls who will be changed for the better by meeting her, as I was. Yet the story isn't teachy or preachy, though it might teach or preach as another bonus of a good story told well.

teacher friendly

As a 5th grade teacher I can see several uses for this book. It will lead to discussion of life as a slave, but also about the Cherokees and the Trail of Tears. It's another good example of Quaker beliefs, too, which I discuss when William Penn is brought up in colonial times. All done with a thread of hope for this little girl. Good read.