Pitching in for Eubie

by Jerdine Nolen, E B Lewis (Illustrator)

Lily knows that nothing is more important than family. She's so proud when her sister, Eubie, wins a college scholarship. And when her family pulls together to earn the rest of the money Eubie needs, Lily wants to help out too. But she's too young to do most jobs. What can she do to pitch in for Eubie?

Through her lyrical prose, Jerdine Nolen shares a heartfelt story about people working together to make dreams come true. And as Caldecott Honor artist E. B. Lewis reminds us in his luminous, tender paintings, nothing is more important than those family ties that bind us.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Realistic Fiction, School, Childrens, Cultural, Money

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Viviana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art 5 stars

[Anne Hayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning watercolor illustrations make the family and farmhouse real, and make you feel the love and effort of an African American family working together to make a dream a reality.

[Becky Birtha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jerdine Nolen's Pitching in for Eubie captures the spirit of a close-knit family working together to make one family member's dream come true. Big sister Eubie is offered a four-year tuition scholarship to college (no doubt the dream of not just Eubie, and her immediate family, but generations), but must furnish a sum that seems impossible for room and board. Mama, Papa, Eubie, and big brother Jacob all pitch in by taking on extra paying work, in addition to what they already do. They work so hard they hardly ever eat together any more-- and they are the type of family who previously never had leftovers for Sunday dinner! Younger sister Lily, who tells the story, is full of creative ideas, but none of them work to earn money, and it takes some quick thinking for her to find the way she can contribute. E.B. White's watercolors bring us right into Lily's feelings of frustration, the love between these family members, and their farmhouse home.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with emotion-filled illustrations and a strong voice that runs through the text, this picture book describes how all the members of Eubie Shorter work to save the money she needs for college. Although she receives a merit scholarship, the university expects her to pay $3,000 for her room and board. At first, the family is shaken by the amount they will need to raise, but then they all pitch in. Even Lily, her young sister, tries to think of ways to contribute, and she puts up a stand to see iced tea, digs up night crawlers for fishing, and offers to pet sit for others. Eventually, the right opportunity comes her way, and she, too, can pitch in for Eubie. Every line on every page in this book is suffused with familial love and the recognition that Eubie's dreams represent the family's hopes and dreams.

[Christine Turner]

Lily knows that nothing is more important than family. She's so proud when her sister, Eubie, wins a college scholarship. And when her family pulls together to earn the rest of the money Eubie needs, Lily wants to help out too. But she's too young to do most jobs. What can she do to pitch in for Eubie? Through her lyrical prose, Jerdine Nolen shares a heartfelt story about people working together to make dreams come true. And as Caldecott Honor artist E. B. Lewis reminds us in his luminous, tender paintings, nothing is more important than those family ties that bind us.


Subject: Families -- Juvenile fiction
Money-making projects for children -- Juvenile fiction.
Sisters -- Juvenile fiction

[Alexis Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great book in so many ways. It shows an African American family really coming together to make their daughter/ and sister’s dream of going away to school come true. I love how you see more then the single story when reading this book. Though the family is of low economic estate, they have enough and are hard working. The book depicts a family who is working hard and not allowing their circumstances hold them back from achieving a dream. This book will encourage anyone who faces tough times or circumstances. The unity displayed in this book is inspiring. There is a great representation of family and community in this book; I highly recommend it!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm pitching in for Eubie. After all, dreams are meant to come true."

A family rallies around their oldest daughter, who has been accepted to college on a merit scholarship, but needs the money for room and board. As everyone takes on extra work, Lily, the youngest, tries to find something that she can do to "pitch in."

A beautiful story of a family working toward a dream together. Rich language, such as "A big cloud of dust came winding down our road, like a tornado on wheels" enhance the story.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong story about working hard to make a dream come true, and about everyone doing their part for one of the family. Despite getting a four-year scholarship to college, Eubie needs money for room and board. Everyone sacrifices and takes on extra jobs to make the money to send her, but what can Lily, the youngest, do? She wants to contribute, and she knows she can somehow! E.B. Lewis's illustrations show the warmth and love in this family.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lily's big sister Eubie gets accepted into her dream college, everyone is excited overjoyed until they find out that Eubie has to come up with money for her room & board. Everyone starts to pitch in by taking on second jobs, but Lily seems too small to be able to help. However, she doesn't give up.

This is a great book to teach children about family unity and the importance of giving to others.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the message about "people working together to make dreams come true", child's desire to contribute to a team effort with her family, and "nothing is more important that those family ties that bind us." Too long for church Children's Time.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book -- everybody working (or trying to) towards a common goal of getting Eubie to college!

The illustrations are fantastic and tell the story almost as well as the words!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely watercolor-illustrated book about the creativity and effort a family embarks on to fund a daughter's college dream.Well done.

[Bonnie Pohlig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice story. Lots of fun voices to do, and a good story about family.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely story about a family coming to send one of their own to college. Team work and family love all the way.

[Heila]

Lovely story. Gorgeous illustrations.
Captures the desire of a young girl to contribute to her family in a meaningful way, no matter her age.

[Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the whole family contributes for Eubie's college, can Lily be far behind?