Up the Learning Tree

By Marcia K. Vaughan

Book Overview

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.Marcia Vaughan was inspired to write Up the Learning Tree after reading Civil War-era oral histories of former enslaved people, many of whom risked their lives to learn to read and write.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584300493
• ISBN13: 9781584300496
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.4" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 3

Customer Reviews

Fabulous!

I love this book! It is so encouraging to young students, because it shows them the obstacles that so many people had to overcome in order to learn in the past. In addition to being a great piece of historical fiction, it let's today's children see that nothing should ever stand in their way of learning. This book is perfect as a read aloud story, and one that children 9 and up can read independently. Up the Learning Tree tells the story of Henry and Ms. Hattie. Henry is determined to learn how to read, despite having a slave master who will chop off his finger if he's caught. Ms. Hattie is a teacher who moves to the south and does not believe "in slavery or in keeping people ignorant". The two work together at great personal risk. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Made and impact!

Honestly - I've never read this book. My 7-year-old nephew, all lit up and enthused, told me the story after his 1st grade teacher read it to his class. He had been so impressed by the plot and characters that he was able (and eager) to tell me, in great detail, the entire story. A book having this much impact on a young child is a truly beautiful thing. He learned much about history, the importance of learning, and compassion.

Determination to learn in spite of the threatened punishment

Up The Learning Tree is a picture book story ably written by Marcia Vaughan and set in the American South before the Civil War. In an era when black slaves were not allowed to read or write, one young boy burns with curiosity to know about the power hidden within books. His determination to learn in spite of the threatened punishment pushes him to make a remarkable discovery about himself, and to discover the highest kindness from others. Impressively illustrated by Derek Blanks, Up The Learning Tree is a very thoughtful story for young readers ages 4 to 8 with powerful underlying messages about history and personal drive.