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A Sweet Smell of Roses
There's a sweet, sweet smell in the air as two young girls sneak out of their house, down the street, and across town to where men and women are gathered, ready to march for freedom and justice.
Inspired by the countless young people who took a stand against the forces of injustice, two Coretta Scott King Honorees, Angela Johnson and Eric Velasquez, offer a stirring yet jubilant glimpse of the youth involvement that played an invaluable role in the Civil Rights movement.
Inspired by the countless young people who took a stand against the forces of injustice, two Coretta Scott King Honorees, Angela Johnson and Eric Velasquez, offer a stirring yet jubilant glimpse of the youth involvement that played an invaluable role in the Civil Rights movement.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Angela Johnson
130 books269 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Angela Johnson is the author of the Coretta Scott King Honor picture book When I Am Old with You; as well as A Sweet Smell of Roses, illustrated by Eric Velasquez; Just Like Josh Gibson, illustrated by Beth Peck; and I Dream of Trains, which was also illustrated by Loren Long. She has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels Heaven, Toning the Sweep, and The First Part Last. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Kent, Ohio.
Angela Johnson is the author of the Coretta Scott King Honor picture book When I Am Old with You; as well as A Sweet Smell of Roses, illustrated by Eric Velasquez; Just Like Josh Gibson, illustrated by Beth Peck; and I Dream of Trains, which was also illustrated by Loren Long. She has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels Heaven, Toning the Sweep, and The First Part Last. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Kent, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
March 2, 2017
My students LOVED this book. They didn't care for the text, but they absolutely LOVED the illustrations. Also, they obsessed over how everything was black and white except for red items. They thought this was so neat.
January 31, 2021
So yes, I do indeed and very much consider Angela Johnson’s A Sweet Smell of Roses (about two young African American sisters who sneak out of their home to secretly join a Civil Rights march and rally) to be a loving and emotionally engaging tale, an evocative and tenderly caressing account which not only strives to honour the many young people who contributed to the Civil Rights Movement, but also demonstrates to young children that they can "do" that they can participate and contribute to political protests and social causes that are important to them. I would however also tend to agree with my GR friends Lisa and Krista, that while the facts presented in A Sweet Smell of Roses are certainly moving, poetic and inspiring, textually speaking, A Sweet Smell of Roses is also rather spare and slight in verbal content and does rather leave me wanting and craving more details, more historical background and political, cultural information. And consequently, I am actually and in fact a bit more moved and wowed by Eric Velasquez' evocative mostly black and white illustrations for A Sweet Smell of Roses than by Angela Johnson's narrative. For yes, with the little touches of red in the roses, the American flag and the teddy bear's ribbon, Velasquez’ featured artwork truly does feel both amazing and memorable (as to and for me, the little splashes of red amongst the black and white, they represent love, the hope for equality, but also the belief of the Civil Rights Movement in the basic democratic principles of the United States, of the Constitution, the inalienable rights of all people to be seen, to be regarded as equals, as persons). And finally, due to the spareness of the text and the lack of historical detail even in the rather short author's note, I would thus also not necessarily consider A Sweet Smell of Roses as an adequate introduction to the Civil Rights Movement. However, if used in conjunction with other, more historically detailed sources, A Sweet Smell of Roses could indeed be a wonderful way to not only pay homage to the contributions of the many young who participated in the freedom marches, but to also demonstrate that children are strong in and of themselves, that they can and should be actively involved in relevant causes, that they can certainly make a difference.
January 31, 2021
Very simple but effective. Angela Johnson is an iceberg writer; she only shows you the top, but you can feel the immensity below the surface.
Two sisters sneak out of the house and join a Freedom March with Martin Luther King, Jr.
Fine illustrations by Eric Velasquez.
Two sisters sneak out of the house and join a Freedom March with Martin Luther King, Jr.
Fine illustrations by Eric Velasquez.
February 23, 2011
This book is about two young sisters who sneak out and join in a civil rights rally and march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The author and illustrator’s notes at the beginning are helpful and it’s made clear this book was created to honor the young people that contributed to the civil rights movement. The prose is lovely and the story is moving but rather slight.
The illustrations are truly special. They could be considered black and white; they’re all in grays and browns (even the blue portions of the American flag) except for the red that’s in the roses, the American flag, and the ribbon around the neck of the younger sister’s teddy bear.
I don’t think kids would understand what’s going on in the story unless they knew at least a little bit about the civil right’s movement of the 1950s-1960s. But, if it’s not their first book on this subject, it’s a wonderful way to communicate the concept that children can participate in making history and can make valuable contributions.
The illustrations are truly special. They could be considered black and white; they’re all in grays and browns (even the blue portions of the American flag) except for the red that’s in the roses, the American flag, and the ribbon around the neck of the younger sister’s teddy bear.
I don’t think kids would understand what’s going on in the story unless they knew at least a little bit about the civil right’s movement of the 1950s-1960s. But, if it’s not their first book on this subject, it’s a wonderful way to communicate the concept that children can participate in making history and can make valuable contributions.
August 2, 2009
I'm giving this book 4 stars, not so much for the text, which was poetic and spare, but for Eric Velazquez's outstanding black and white illustrations, with a touch of red in every picture. Two sisters sneak out to participate in a peaceful march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I think this should have won a Caldecott or a Coretta Scott King Award! It's a fine tribute to the children who participated in these marches.
March 2, 2011
Remembering that the Civil Rights Movement did not just affect adults’ lives, this book celebrates the movement through a child’s eyes. The little girl and her sister, Minnie, sneak out of the house to join the march for freedom with Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights activists. “Freedom! Freedom!” they chant as they march through the streets. They witness the good and the bad of the movement, yet are inspired and enticed by the dream…like “a sweet smell of roses.” The black and white charcoal illustrations are intricately-done and capture the people’s determination for freedom. On every page there is a touch of red (on the American flag, the teddy bear’s ribbon, and the roses). In the pictures, the young girl grasps tight onto her teddy bear, which continues to reinforce the innocence of the children during such trying times. Appropriate for 3rd to 6th grade readers, this book allows students to see and understand the Civil Rights Movement from a child’s perspective, thus, allowing them to make further connections to history. Freedom Summer (2005) by Deborah Wiles is a great book, which also shares the experiences of children who join the fight for equal rights.
November 11, 2019
Although many assume that politics is an adult affair, the reality is that children are often intimately concerned with political matters, both because they are effected by them, and because they are interested in them. Certainly, as the daughter of politically aware and active parents, I myself grew up surrounded by discussions of everything from the latest elections to the controversies surrounding my father's organization to help the homeless in our area (very unpopular with our mayor, apparently). I vividly recall, moreover, a lunchtime conversation I once had with a co-worker - an African-American woman originally from Georgia - about how she snuck out of her house, as a young girl, and defied her fearful mother's prohibition on her attending a local Civil Rights event, in order to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak. "I just had to go," she told me, "there was a feeling in me, that I had to be there."
I was strongly reminded of that lunchtime discussion, and of my own childhood and adolescent experiences (my very first protest march, at age twelve, was called by the NAACP), by A Sweet Smell of Roses, a picture-book tribute to the many unnamed children who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. A simple text follows the narrator and her younger sister Minnie as they slip out of their home, in order to participate in a march led by King, while the black and white illustrations - relived in each scene by one red element, be it the flag, or a teddy-bear's ribbon - beautifully capture each moment of the story. An outstanding book, one which captures the child's role in an important movement in American history, this is also just a beautiful work of art. The illustrations, done by Eric Velasquez in charcoal, are simple stunning! Highly recommended, to all child activists out there (and there are many of them!), and to young readers interested in the Civil Rights Movement, and the role of children in that movement.
I was strongly reminded of that lunchtime discussion, and of my own childhood and adolescent experiences (my very first protest march, at age twelve, was called by the NAACP), by A Sweet Smell of Roses, a picture-book tribute to the many unnamed children who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. A simple text follows the narrator and her younger sister Minnie as they slip out of their home, in order to participate in a march led by King, while the black and white illustrations - relived in each scene by one red element, be it the flag, or a teddy-bear's ribbon - beautifully capture each moment of the story. An outstanding book, one which captures the child's role in an important movement in American history, this is also just a beautiful work of art. The illustrations, done by Eric Velasquez in charcoal, are simple stunning! Highly recommended, to all child activists out there (and there are many of them!), and to young readers interested in the Civil Rights Movement, and the role of children in that movement.
March 3, 2011
A Sweet Smell of Roses, by Angela Johnson, is the story about two young sisters who sneak out of their house to join the march for the Civil Rights Movement and to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak. The text in this story is simple yet powerful and gives a child’s perspective of what it was like to be part of such an important and historical moment in our country’s history. The realistic charcoal illustrations, with an occasional splash of red, are what really make this story come to life. They effectively capture the excitement, fear, perseverance and determination of the demonstrators. Throughout the story there is reference to “a sweet smell of roses.” This sentiment captures the idea that, despite all of the chaos, something wonderful and beautiful is about to happen. The children smell the roses as they wait for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak and even as they march past the people, who scream, shout and say, “You are not right. Equality can’t be yours.” I would recommend this story for grades K-4. The story does a wonderful job of bringing history to life and would help to enhance the students’ understanding of this famous event in our history.
Related Texts:
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins, by Carole Boston Weatherford
Martins Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., by Doreen Rappaport
Related Texts:
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins, by Carole Boston Weatherford
Martins Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., by Doreen Rappaport
February 18, 2016
I've decided to read 29 children's book during Black History month 2016. This was book #24. A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. The children that took part in the civil rights movement are rarely mentioned. Most of us don't know any of their names, but the children helped to elevate the movement. This story pays honor to them. The illustrations are pencil sketches that will spark conversations for years to come. Great read. 5+ stars
November 4, 2010
A sweet smell of roses is a story from the civil rights movement. This book begins with an author’s note talking about the Civil Rights movement and some of the major people involved in it such as: Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr. to name a few. This book honors the brave children who were also a part of this movement. They also wanted to be a part of the change and could smell “the sweet smell of roses” this change was bringing.
This book is a young girl’s perspective. She talks about sneaking out of the house to hear Dr. King speak and march with him. They start out in the back, and work their way to the front. This story shows their journey as a part of the civil rights movement and the hope it brought even children.
This is an easy read with only a sentence or two on a page, however, I felt like I was there. The imagery that comes from the words is phenomenal. Throughout the story, the sweet smell of roses is referenced a few times and is a smell of hope and freedom the children had in their hearts and their lives. Another plus for this book is the illustrations. Most of the book is in black and white pencil or charcoal sketches with a tiny accent of red (symbolizing the roses and hope) throughout. The artist also had a note in the beginning of the story saying that he wanted to create simple yet powerful pictures which I believe he accomplished.
This whole book is simple, yet powerful. Very rarely is a book on civil rights from a child’s perspective. This is a great book to use in your classroom especially when talking about Civil Rights and Martin Luther King, Jr. day. It is a great historical fictional story to blend in with all the nonfiction read at this time. I could definitely smell the roses at the end of this story!
This book is a young girl’s perspective. She talks about sneaking out of the house to hear Dr. King speak and march with him. They start out in the back, and work their way to the front. This story shows their journey as a part of the civil rights movement and the hope it brought even children.
This is an easy read with only a sentence or two on a page, however, I felt like I was there. The imagery that comes from the words is phenomenal. Throughout the story, the sweet smell of roses is referenced a few times and is a smell of hope and freedom the children had in their hearts and their lives. Another plus for this book is the illustrations. Most of the book is in black and white pencil or charcoal sketches with a tiny accent of red (symbolizing the roses and hope) throughout. The artist also had a note in the beginning of the story saying that he wanted to create simple yet powerful pictures which I believe he accomplished.
This whole book is simple, yet powerful. Very rarely is a book on civil rights from a child’s perspective. This is a great book to use in your classroom especially when talking about Civil Rights and Martin Luther King, Jr. day. It is a great historical fictional story to blend in with all the nonfiction read at this time. I could definitely smell the roses at the end of this story!
April 17, 2012
A Sweet Smell of Roses tells the story of two young African American girls that march beside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. The story is emotional, yet very hopeful, for the people marching because they are talked down to a lot from the white characters in the book. It gives young readers the perspective of the Civil Rights Movement from a young person instead of an adult which is a nice change of pace and more relatable for young readers. The sentences are short and there is a nice pattern throughout the book so early readers will be able to read the book on their own. The pattern in the book is the smell of roses that the narrator continuously refers to during the entirety of the book. The context may have to be explained by an adult, but the reading level is not very high. The font of the text changes depending on who is speaking. For example, when the young girl who is narrating the story is talking the font is large but very normal. When Martin Luther King, Jr. is speaking the font is larger and bold so readers can understand the importance of his character. The illustrations are all in black and white except for a red ribbon on the neck of the bear owned by the narrator’s younger sister and an American flag that is featured throughout the book. The black and white pencil drawings set the mood so the audience knows that the book is a serious one, but the splashes of color offer hope to the readers that are just now becoming familiar with the Civil Rights Movement. There is not much text, but the sketches do a great job of not only setting the mood but telling the story.
August 23, 2013
I purchased this book with two other books: Rosa by Nikki Giovanni and Baracka Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes in 2009.
A Sweet Smell of Roses had penciled drawings with a define meaning and well-drawn purpose of demonstrating two young girls who sneaked out of the home to hear the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, shouting about freedom equality, and marching with other men and women as these two kids are aroused by "letting freedom ring" in their hearts and cling to the words of the speaker. Angela Johnson, the author, kept the focus on the sweet smell of roses: like the sweet justice Black people in America prayed, believed, and eventually received but also showcased how our young daughters were included in the march of such equality! It sings and rings sweet essence of unity for equality of all people and races.
Adrienna Turner, author of ten books
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Dream4More Reviews: www.dream4more.org
A Sweet Smell of Roses had penciled drawings with a define meaning and well-drawn purpose of demonstrating two young girls who sneaked out of the home to hear the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, shouting about freedom equality, and marching with other men and women as these two kids are aroused by "letting freedom ring" in their hearts and cling to the words of the speaker. Angela Johnson, the author, kept the focus on the sweet smell of roses: like the sweet justice Black people in America prayed, believed, and eventually received but also showcased how our young daughters were included in the march of such equality! It sings and rings sweet essence of unity for equality of all people and races.
Adrienna Turner, author of ten books
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Dream4More Reviews: www.dream4more.org
December 31, 2016
This is a stunningly illustrated work of history showing two young girls joining the march for freedom with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the beautiful smell of sweet roses in the air symbolizing the sweet dream of freedom. A must have addition to any elementary classroom or library.
January 31, 2022
The book tell about this time in history using chronological order and following the characters to its destination and final purpose. The purpose of this book is to explore the emotions of the black struggle in america using the five senses. The book is black and white but uses the accent of red to emphasis the importance of purity, fight, courage, and love. The book explain the importance of caring about politics and how everyone is connected through this civil rights movements. It beautiful illustration will take you into the book to feel the rush of wind, the sound of marching and the final stand of peace and glory.
November 2, 2017
A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson illustrated by Eric Velasquez is for children around five to nine years old. The book is about a girl and her sister going to march with Martin Luther King Jr. They are marching for equality during the 1960s with adults even though they are small children they are still participating in the march. They end up listening to Martin Luther King Jr.s speech and skipping away happily to their mother. The language is informal so that the students can understand the story, but I am not sure if the children will be interested in the texts. I think they would prefer the illustrations more because they have a touch red in the photos and nothing else. The illustrations are done in a black and white except for a little spot of red. Which I think is interesting and will pull the readers in. The illustrations go with the text because it shows everyone marching together and their signs they have made for the march. The march was a peaceful one so I think she accurately showed the people and did not generalize anyone during the 1960s.
This book shows girls that no matter their age they can still make a difference in the world. They can be passionate about things and if they care enough they can help to change things for the better. The genres of the book are children's, adventures, and history.
This book shows girls that no matter their age they can still make a difference in the world. They can be passionate about things and if they care enough they can help to change things for the better. The genres of the book are children's, adventures, and history.
April 23, 2018
HISTORICAL FICTION: This book is a great example of a historical fiction book. It illustrates the story of two young girls that sneak out of their house to join a march for freedom during the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King Jr. is there giving a speech and the children are inspired by his words, "walking our way to freedom." In my future classroom, I would use this story when talking about not only the Civil Rights Movement, but as an example of how young people can be involved in political and social action. It shows that no one is too young to fight for freedom and equality, and I want my students to really know that, and take action on an issue they are passionate about. This is a WOW book to me, because it includes a real historical figure to make the story more relatable.
March 24, 2016
There's a sweet, sweet smell in the air as two young girls sneak out of their house, down the street, and across town to where men and women are gathered, ready to march for freedom and justice.
Inspired by the countless young people who took a stand against the forces of injustice, two Coretta Scott King Honorees, Angela Johnson and Eric Velasquez, offer a stirring yet jubilant glimpse of the youth involvement that played an invaluable role in the Civil Rights movement.
Subject:
African Americans -- Juvenile fiction
Civil rights movements -- Juvenile fiction.
Political science -- Juvenile fiction
Social problems -- Juvenile fiction.
Inspired by the countless young people who took a stand against the forces of injustice, two Coretta Scott King Honorees, Angela Johnson and Eric Velasquez, offer a stirring yet jubilant glimpse of the youth involvement that played an invaluable role in the Civil Rights movement.
Subject:
African Americans -- Juvenile fiction
Civil rights movements -- Juvenile fiction.
Political science -- Juvenile fiction
Social problems -- Juvenile fiction.
April 15, 2020
1. Awards: 2 Coretta Scott King Awards
2. Kindergarten—3rd grade
3. Two young girls sneak out of their houses to see people stand up for civil rights. They go across town, ready to march with them for their freedom. There is a sweet smell of roses as they take a stand.
4. This book is inspiring for young children. It shows a real point in time and how African Americans were strong and took a stand for their rights. The illustrations and motif of the rose are incredibly beautiful.
5. In the classroom:
Teacher can lead a discussion about how the book makes them feel.
Students can do a writing activity about a time they felt brave, like the two young girls who marched for their civil rights.
2. Kindergarten—3rd grade
3. Two young girls sneak out of their houses to see people stand up for civil rights. They go across town, ready to march with them for their freedom. There is a sweet smell of roses as they take a stand.
4. This book is inspiring for young children. It shows a real point in time and how African Americans were strong and took a stand for their rights. The illustrations and motif of the rose are incredibly beautiful.
5. In the classroom:
Teacher can lead a discussion about how the book makes them feel.
Students can do a writing activity about a time they felt brave, like the two young girls who marched for their civil rights.
February 5, 2017
The author describes this book as a tribute to "the brave boys and girls who—like their adult counterparts—could not resist the scent of freedom carried aloft by the winds of change." It imagines two sisters who join a civil rights march with Dr. King, "waist high" to the crowd.
November 25, 2017
Gorgeous art and spare text tell the story of two young girls who sneak out to participate in a Civil Rights March, where they get to see Dr. King and also experience some of the anti-civil rights sentiment the protesters faced. Promotes good discussion with older elementary aged children.
January 9, 2018
This was a great book. It is all about segregation and how they were treated. They had Dr King leading the marches. The illustration were very detailed and set a picture in your mind of what their life was like.
March 17, 2008
This a very beautiful book that gets its message across without being "preachy".
June 11, 2014
Found this book in my classroom and couldn't help myself. The illustrations are awesome.
April 28, 2017
This is a great Historical Fiction picture book. The illustrations are beautiful!
January 9, 2018
This was a great book really told a lot about time back then and segregation and Dr. MLKJ's speeches at marches to stop racism.
November 25, 2019
This is probably the most beautiful book I've read in a long time. And by beautiful, I mean beautiful in terms of lyricism, illustrations, symbolism, color theory, style.....it's just wonderful. I think if I had the time, I could write an entire essay for this picture book. There are scenes in which our two main characters literally break from the frames and enter a frameless narrative, suggesting freedom and liberty. Those shouting angrily at them have the 13 stripes of the flag waving behind them, looking like stench marks. And the use of the color red to illuminate motifs such as a rose, a bow, a flag, suggest both anger and love.
This is a must-read, a you-have-to-read, a stop-what-you're-doing-and-read. It's beautiful, evocative, historical, and inspirational. So so so worth it.
Review cross-listed here!
This is a must-read, a you-have-to-read, a stop-what-you're-doing-and-read. It's beautiful, evocative, historical, and inspirational. So so so worth it.
Review cross-listed here!
November 10, 2022
A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson is a heartfelt historical fiction book that highlights the themes of courage, unity, and hope.
The story centers around two girls who attended a march for freedom during the Civil Rights Movement. They were some of the youngest people there, soaking everything in and fighting for their right to equality. Despite protestors who argued that African Americans didn’t deserve these rights, they stood tall, hand-in-hand and marched for what they believed in. As they listened to Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, they felt their hope and passion ignite for a brighter future.
Similarly, children can learn to act with courage and stand up for what they believe in. In the book, the two girls watched with amazement as more and more people filled the streets and joined the march for equality. The girls felt like their fight was strengthened when more people united together to advocate for change and equal rights for African American. In addition, children can learn the importance of using their voices. They can emulate MLK’s actions and speak peacefully to enact the change that they wish to see in the world.
I would consider this a WOW book because of the powerful message that was delivered through the two little girls. Although some could view them as young and “powerless,” they still contributed to a major movement in history. This demonstrates that every voice and every person has power, even though it may seem like they don’t matter. I also loved the pops of red that were only used for the American flag, the ribbon around the teddy bear, and the roses. It contrasted the rest of the black and white illustrations and emphasized the hopefulness that surrounded these objects.
Throughout the book, Johnson used repetition of the phrase “the sweet smell of roses” to emphasize the overarching theme of hope. In the same way that roses grow and blossom, Johnson was conveying that the Civil Rights Movement was allowing for the attainment and growth of African American rights. She also implemented sensory elements into the story, like the smell of roses, the sound of large crowds marching, and the sight of the sun becoming brighter in the sky. The sensory descriptions draw the audience in and immerse them into the setting, providing for a more vivid and interactive reading experience.
This historical fiction book is free of racial bias because it accurately portrays African Americans in the U.S. during the Civil Rights Movement. There weren’t any stereotypes or oversimplifications of any cultures, and the characters felt authentic. Although Johnson included a scene where the marchers were yelled at by White people, she presented an accurate depiction of what occurred during the time period.
The story centers around two girls who attended a march for freedom during the Civil Rights Movement. They were some of the youngest people there, soaking everything in and fighting for their right to equality. Despite protestors who argued that African Americans didn’t deserve these rights, they stood tall, hand-in-hand and marched for what they believed in. As they listened to Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, they felt their hope and passion ignite for a brighter future.
Similarly, children can learn to act with courage and stand up for what they believe in. In the book, the two girls watched with amazement as more and more people filled the streets and joined the march for equality. The girls felt like their fight was strengthened when more people united together to advocate for change and equal rights for African American. In addition, children can learn the importance of using their voices. They can emulate MLK’s actions and speak peacefully to enact the change that they wish to see in the world.
I would consider this a WOW book because of the powerful message that was delivered through the two little girls. Although some could view them as young and “powerless,” they still contributed to a major movement in history. This demonstrates that every voice and every person has power, even though it may seem like they don’t matter. I also loved the pops of red that were only used for the American flag, the ribbon around the teddy bear, and the roses. It contrasted the rest of the black and white illustrations and emphasized the hopefulness that surrounded these objects.
Throughout the book, Johnson used repetition of the phrase “the sweet smell of roses” to emphasize the overarching theme of hope. In the same way that roses grow and blossom, Johnson was conveying that the Civil Rights Movement was allowing for the attainment and growth of African American rights. She also implemented sensory elements into the story, like the smell of roses, the sound of large crowds marching, and the sight of the sun becoming brighter in the sky. The sensory descriptions draw the audience in and immerse them into the setting, providing for a more vivid and interactive reading experience.
This historical fiction book is free of racial bias because it accurately portrays African Americans in the U.S. during the Civil Rights Movement. There weren’t any stereotypes or oversimplifications of any cultures, and the characters felt authentic. Although Johnson included a scene where the marchers were yelled at by White people, she presented an accurate depiction of what occurred during the time period.
December 1, 2018
This books set during the time of the freedom marches and Martin Luther King Jr. It tells a story of two little girls who sneak out of their house to be part of the marches. The girls get to see MLK give a speech and get to march with activists. The girls end up making their way back home to their mother but are forever changed.
This books was simply amazing. I love how it highlights children at the time of the civil rights movement. Many of times we forget to notice how children also had an impact and made a change. This book can inspire young people to want to make a change themselves.
A book to connect this with would be "Freedom Summer."
The social justice issue raised is of segregation and racism. The roses in the book symbolize freedom.
This books was simply amazing. I love how it highlights children at the time of the civil rights movement. Many of times we forget to notice how children also had an impact and made a change. This book can inspire young people to want to make a change themselves.
A book to connect this with would be "Freedom Summer."
The social justice issue raised is of segregation and racism. The roses in the book symbolize freedom.
January 23, 2022
I should be the "outsider" of this book. The book tells a story about two girls participating in the march during the MLK revolution period. And how black people behave for the right of equality. The book memorized the great people MLK and the efforts. As a Chinese person, I only know MLK in my history book in my high school, and I started to know more when I arrived in the U.S and saw the march on MLK day. The book makes me look through the window and know things in another race. To be the outsider of the book makes children see history in another way.
March 24, 2014
Booklist (February 1, 2005 (Vol. 101, No. 11))
K-Gr. 2. History and politics get personal for young readers in this dramatic, large-size picture book about an African American child and her younger sister who steal out of the house to join the Civil Rights marchers and listen to Dr. King speak. The child's clear, first-person narrative draws on the language of the struggle ("we look farther down the road"), and Velasquez'realistic charcoal pictures, in black and white with an occasional touch of red, evoke the news footage of the time. The protestors confront the glowering police, and there are children among the racists who yell, "You are not right. Equality can't be yours."But this book is not only about segregation; it's also about the crowds of people "walking our way toward freedom,"the thrilling portrait of Dr. King, and the two brave kids who cross the line.
Horn Book (Fall 2005)
The young black narrator and her little sister join a march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The poetic text is powerful, but the improbability of the girls' blithely unchaperoned participation undercuts the tension of the actual events. Velasquez's illustrations capture the emotion of the march, but the girls' central role (they march in front with Dr. King) feels artificial.
Kirkus Reviews (January 1, 2005)
Two children take part in a freedom march in the days of the civil-rights struggle in the south. Martin Luther King Jr. is there, inspiring them with his words and actions. But the marchers are mostly ordinary citizens, old and young, "walking our way to freedom." Johnson carefully chooses simple, descriptive words and phrases that reach all the senses. The children listen to King's words, feel the bright sunlight, and smell the flowers along the road, as more and more people join the march, singing and clapping. They pass the haters, screaming at them from the side of the road. At day's end they return home, having played a small role in history. Velasquez's illustrations are marvelous, perfectly complementing the text and giving the words an extra punch and impact. He draws them entirely in charcoal with just a touch of red to draw the eye to the teddy bear's ribbon, the American flag, and the roses whose sweet smell accompanies the girls throughout the day. Powerful and moving. (Picture book. 6-10)
Publishers Weekly (January 3, 2005)
According to an author's note, Johnson's (When I Am Old with You) story pays tribute to the children who played a role in the civil rights movement, the "brave boys and girls who-like their adult counterparts-could not resist the scent of freedom carried aloft by the winds of change." Velasquez (The Sound That Jazz Makes) notes that his art pays homage to Harvey Dinnerstein and Burt Silverman, whose artwork "help[ed] spread the news of an oppressed community's fight for justice and equality." Together, text and art evoke the gumption of two spirited sisters who sneak out of their home one day to participate in a march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "After a night of soft rain/ there is a sweet smell of roses/ as my sister, Minnie, and I slip/ past Mama's door and out of the house/ down Charlotte Street," opens the spare, poetic narrative. The smell of roses surfaces repeatedly-as the group marches past hecklers, as Dr. King addresses the marchers, and as the girls return home to their worried mother, at which point the scent emanates from blooms in a window box of their house. Some readers may wonder what prompted the sisters to surreptitiously join the march, but most will appreciate experiencing the event from a child's eye-view. Velasquez's understated, realistic charcoal illustrations make effective use of color, seen only in the red stripes of the American flag, the red ribbon around a teddy bear's neck and the red roses in the window. Ages 5-8. (Jan.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal (March 1, 2005)
K-Gr 3-This quiet, gentle story pays tribute to the many unnamed children who participated in the African-American struggle for civil rights. It opens: "After a night of soft rain there is a sweet smell of roses as my sister, Minnie, and I slip past Mama's door and out of the house down Charlotte Street." They head toward the curb market where folks, mostly adults, are gathering to listen to and march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Large, powerful charcoal images dominate the pages with particular attention paid to facial expressions. The artist shows the strength and resolve of the marchers in the face of "people who scream, shout, and say, `You are not right. Equality can't be yours.'" Once the speeches are over, the sisters race home and are met at the door by their worried mother, "And as we tell her about the march, the curtains flow apart, and there is a sweet smell of roses all through our house." The only color that appears in this book is the deep red of the ribbon around the neck of Minnie's teddy bear, the U.S. flag, and the roses. Without going into much detail, this book nonetheless drives home the fact that children were involved in the movement and makes the experience more real for those just learning about this chapter of American history.-Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
K-Gr. 2. History and politics get personal for young readers in this dramatic, large-size picture book about an African American child and her younger sister who steal out of the house to join the Civil Rights marchers and listen to Dr. King speak. The child's clear, first-person narrative draws on the language of the struggle ("we look farther down the road"), and Velasquez'realistic charcoal pictures, in black and white with an occasional touch of red, evoke the news footage of the time. The protestors confront the glowering police, and there are children among the racists who yell, "You are not right. Equality can't be yours."But this book is not only about segregation; it's also about the crowds of people "walking our way toward freedom,"the thrilling portrait of Dr. King, and the two brave kids who cross the line.
Horn Book (Fall 2005)
The young black narrator and her little sister join a march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The poetic text is powerful, but the improbability of the girls' blithely unchaperoned participation undercuts the tension of the actual events. Velasquez's illustrations capture the emotion of the march, but the girls' central role (they march in front with Dr. King) feels artificial.
Kirkus Reviews (January 1, 2005)
Two children take part in a freedom march in the days of the civil-rights struggle in the south. Martin Luther King Jr. is there, inspiring them with his words and actions. But the marchers are mostly ordinary citizens, old and young, "walking our way to freedom." Johnson carefully chooses simple, descriptive words and phrases that reach all the senses. The children listen to King's words, feel the bright sunlight, and smell the flowers along the road, as more and more people join the march, singing and clapping. They pass the haters, screaming at them from the side of the road. At day's end they return home, having played a small role in history. Velasquez's illustrations are marvelous, perfectly complementing the text and giving the words an extra punch and impact. He draws them entirely in charcoal with just a touch of red to draw the eye to the teddy bear's ribbon, the American flag, and the roses whose sweet smell accompanies the girls throughout the day. Powerful and moving. (Picture book. 6-10)
Publishers Weekly (January 3, 2005)
According to an author's note, Johnson's (When I Am Old with You) story pays tribute to the children who played a role in the civil rights movement, the "brave boys and girls who-like their adult counterparts-could not resist the scent of freedom carried aloft by the winds of change." Velasquez (The Sound That Jazz Makes) notes that his art pays homage to Harvey Dinnerstein and Burt Silverman, whose artwork "help[ed] spread the news of an oppressed community's fight for justice and equality." Together, text and art evoke the gumption of two spirited sisters who sneak out of their home one day to participate in a march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "After a night of soft rain/ there is a sweet smell of roses/ as my sister, Minnie, and I slip/ past Mama's door and out of the house/ down Charlotte Street," opens the spare, poetic narrative. The smell of roses surfaces repeatedly-as the group marches past hecklers, as Dr. King addresses the marchers, and as the girls return home to their worried mother, at which point the scent emanates from blooms in a window box of their house. Some readers may wonder what prompted the sisters to surreptitiously join the march, but most will appreciate experiencing the event from a child's eye-view. Velasquez's understated, realistic charcoal illustrations make effective use of color, seen only in the red stripes of the American flag, the red ribbon around a teddy bear's neck and the red roses in the window. Ages 5-8. (Jan.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal (March 1, 2005)
K-Gr 3-This quiet, gentle story pays tribute to the many unnamed children who participated in the African-American struggle for civil rights. It opens: "After a night of soft rain there is a sweet smell of roses as my sister, Minnie, and I slip past Mama's door and out of the house down Charlotte Street." They head toward the curb market where folks, mostly adults, are gathering to listen to and march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Large, powerful charcoal images dominate the pages with particular attention paid to facial expressions. The artist shows the strength and resolve of the marchers in the face of "people who scream, shout, and say, `You are not right. Equality can't be yours.'" Once the speeches are over, the sisters race home and are met at the door by their worried mother, "And as we tell her about the march, the curtains flow apart, and there is a sweet smell of roses all through our house." The only color that appears in this book is the deep red of the ribbon around the neck of Minnie's teddy bear, the U.S. flag, and the roses. Without going into much detail, this book nonetheless drives home the fact that children were involved in the movement and makes the experience more real for those just learning about this chapter of American history.-Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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