The People Could Fly: The Picture Book

Book Title: The People Could Fly: The Picture Book

Author(s): Virginia Hamilton

Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: Leo and Diane Dillon

Narrators: Virginia Hamilton and James Earl Jones

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Copyright Date: 1985; new edition with audio recording: 2004

Genre: Folklore/folktale (audiobook)

Brief Annotation: The People Could Fly is a retelling of a folktale about black slaves who are able to fly away to freedom, as well as those who are not. According to the author’s note, “There are numerous separate accounts of flying Africans and slaves in the black folktale literature.” In this story, we are told about people of long ago in Africa, some who knew magic and could fly. When they were captured by slave ships, the people shed their wings and forgot about flying amidst all the misery, all except one old man. One day a young slave woman named Sarah is beaten badly by the masters. The old man, Toby, helps Sarah and they decide she must go. He lifts his arms and whispers the magic words, and Sarah and her baby soar above the trees. The next day as slaves struggle in the heat, Toby helps them all fly away to freedom, but the ones left behind, the ones who could not fly, wait with arms outstretched.

Your Rating (1-5) and why: 4.5—This is an emotional and stirring story with powerful imagery. I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Virginia Hamilton and James Earl Jones, and found it even more moving than when I just read the text. Their voices bring the story to life; they take turns narrating and Jones does the various male parts while Hamilton does Sarah’s voice. The combination works well, with Jones’ deep and distinctive voice complementing Hamilton’s smooth and expressive voice, with just the slightest hint of an accent. The audio version of The People Could Fly gave me the opportunity study the haunting illustrations while I listened to the story, enhancing my overall experience and connection with the book.

Readers who will like this book: Readers who like folklore; children who enjoy listening to books on CD; teachers who want to incorporate a high-quality text while teaching about slavery or folklore

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud: What does it mean when a story is said to have been passed down orally? Why do you think people tell these stories from generation to generation?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level: Grade 3—5

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 3.5

3. List awards: Coretta Scott King Honor