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Finding Family
Delana has never known her parents. Raised by her Aunt Tilley and a reclusive grandfather, Delana has led a sheltered existence, nurtured on her aunt's wild family histories. But when Aunt Tilley dies, Delana confronts her pent-up curiosities and embarks on a quest to unravel her aunt's fictions and draw out her mysterious grandfather. In searching for her true history, Delana finds herself, and a home in the one place she never thought to look. This moving fictional story is imagined from real antique photographs that author Tonya Bolden has collected. Bolden's well-researched historical details about 1905 Charleston, West Virginia lend authenticity, while spare, lyrical writing make this young girl's coming-of-age resonate.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2010
7 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Bolden
79 books186 followersAuthor and publisher Tonya Wilyce Bolden was born on March 1, 1959, in New York City to Georgia Bolden, a homemaker, and Willie Bolden, a garment center shipping manager. Bolden grew up in Harlem in a musical family and loved to read; she attended Public M.E.S. 146, an elementary school in Manhattan, and then graduated from the Chapin School, a private secondary school, in Manhattan in 1976. Bolden attended Princeton University in New Jersey, and, in 1981, obtained her B.A. degree in Slavic languages and literature with a Russian focus. Bolden was also a University Scholar and received the Nicholas Bachko, Jr. Scholarship Prize.
Upon graduating from Princeton University, Bolden began working as a salesperson for Charles Alan, Incorporated, a dress manufacturer, while working towards her M.A. degree at Columbia University. In 1985, Bolden earned her degree in Slavic languages and literature, as well as a Certificate for Advanced Study of the Soviet Union from the Harriman Institute; after this she began working as an office coordinator for Raoulfilm, Inc., assisting in the research and development of various film and literary products. Bolden worked as an English instructor at Malcolm-King College and New Rochelle School of New Resources while serving as newsletter editor of the HARKline, a homeless shelter newsletter.
In 1990, Bolden wrote her first book, The Family Heirloom Cookbook. In 1992, Bolden co-authored a children’s book entitled Mama, I Want To Sing along with Vy Higginsen, based on Higginsen’s musical. Bolden continued publishing throughout the 1990s, releasing Starting a Business from your Home, Mail-Order and Direct Response, The Book of African-American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters, And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women, American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm and The Champ. Bolden became editor of the Quarterly Black Review of Books in 1994, and served as an editor for 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, in 1998. Bolden’s writing career became even more prolific in the following decade; a partial list of her works include:, Our Souls: A Celebration of Black American Artists, Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century American Girl, MLK: Journey of a King, Take-Off: American All-Girl Bands During World War II, and George Washington Carver, a book she authored in conjunction with an exhibit about the famous African American inventor created by The Field Museum in Chicago.
(source; http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biogr...)
Upon graduating from Princeton University, Bolden began working as a salesperson for Charles Alan, Incorporated, a dress manufacturer, while working towards her M.A. degree at Columbia University. In 1985, Bolden earned her degree in Slavic languages and literature, as well as a Certificate for Advanced Study of the Soviet Union from the Harriman Institute; after this she began working as an office coordinator for Raoulfilm, Inc., assisting in the research and development of various film and literary products. Bolden worked as an English instructor at Malcolm-King College and New Rochelle School of New Resources while serving as newsletter editor of the HARKline, a homeless shelter newsletter.
In 1990, Bolden wrote her first book, The Family Heirloom Cookbook. In 1992, Bolden co-authored a children’s book entitled Mama, I Want To Sing along with Vy Higginsen, based on Higginsen’s musical. Bolden continued publishing throughout the 1990s, releasing Starting a Business from your Home, Mail-Order and Direct Response, The Book of African-American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters, And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women, American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm and The Champ. Bolden became editor of the Quarterly Black Review of Books in 1994, and served as an editor for 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, in 1998. Bolden’s writing career became even more prolific in the following decade; a partial list of her works include:, Our Souls: A Celebration of Black American Artists, Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century American Girl, MLK: Journey of a King, Take-Off: American All-Girl Bands During World War II, and George Washington Carver, a book she authored in conjunction with an exhibit about the famous African American inventor created by The Field Museum in Chicago.
(source; http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biogr...)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 3, 2011
This was a wonderful story about a young girl's quest to figure out her family tree, and ultimately to learn something about her parents. The use of vintage photographs in the book was a touch of genius. A most enjoyable read!!
September 14, 2010
Tonya Bolden's first foray into novel writing and an impressive one. A beautifully written coming-of-age story set in early 20th century West Virginia.
August 24, 2015
This book was really good. I saw it and picked it off the shelf one day, just for an extra read. I would definitely recommend it for an extra read.
June 23, 2012
I really enjoyed the language.
February 10, 2019
Fascinating story for young teens about how a young African-American girl discovers more about the relations she has never met, when her great-aunt dies. Illustrated with old photographs from the author's collection. Recommended.
February 1, 2020
4.5 this didn’t end how i thought it would but it was still an okay ending. The first time i started reading it i was just like its okay but then i just got hooked into it and kits blasted right through it. i totally recommend!
December 5, 2024
This book was a nice read. It tells the story of a child who does not know her parents and decides to learn her family history. This book could inspire children who may not know their parents, and also comfort them in knowing they are not alone.
January 15, 2020
Loved the story and the use of vintage photographs. This was a very satisfying read.
February 26, 2021
The ending was unsatisfactory. Delana sends a postcard to a certain family member but the book ends before she gets a response. I didn't think I had enough of a grasp on the personality of that family member to be able to decide how they would have responded. As a lover of historical fiction I wanted to know the exact time period the story was set but it's not clear, only that it's the early 20th century. The biggest problem I had with the book is that there is no plot and the problem is exacerbated by the lack of development of the characters (except for the main character). The book starts off slowly and there's a bit of mystery about halfway through the book, but if I wasn't the type of reader who has to finish every book (and who loves historical fiction) I probably wouldn't have finished it. It's too short of a book for there to be no plot or development of the other characters (for example the story between Grandpa and Miss Ida is predictable but so little mention is made of Miss Ida that it came off seeming random).
The most appealing part of this book is the concept behind it. The author collects photographs and gradually decided to write a story based on the photos she found. Delana is drawn to the photos and she imagines their stories and personalities based on how they appear in the picture. Delana has a voice. As the main character, I was relieved that she at least had some significant character development. At first, Delana accepts everything her Aunt Tilley tells her, once she dies, Delana feels lost. "Why didn't Ambertine just lay everything out for me, like Aunt Tilley and now Miss Ida laid out my clothes. What did Ambertine want me to decide-and want me to want?" (pg. 94) Delana feels lost without her Aunt Tilley not just because Aunt Tilley was fiercely protective of her and had lots of rules for her to follow but also because Delana's grandfather basically ignored her. Once Aunt Tilley has passed away, Delana is essentially all alone since her grandfather rarely talks to her. It's rewarding to see Delana growing more confident in herself. She works up the courage to talk to her grandfather along with other adults in her secret-filled family.
Finding Family suffers from too little plot (and the little there is develops very slowly) and second dimensional characters but Delana as the main character avoids being presumptuous, instead she is refreshingly average if not a little timid. Her timidity/naïveté are understandable since she's been reared by a domineering woman and once Aunt Tilley is gone, both her grandfather and herself are rather stupefied. Delana's growth is shown and that makes the book much more interactive. Plus learning about the members of Delana's family through the photos included makes this book unique and kept me turning the pages. Through the stories of Delana's family, more unusual (or at least less-well-known) aspects of the Black experience are presented, reaffirming that there is no one universal Black experience. However, my guess would be that if you don't like historical fiction, you wouldn't be particularly drawn to this book. I wish though that we could have delved deeper into the stories of Delana's relatives (especially Ambertine, Emma and Grandpa).
The most appealing part of this book is the concept behind it. The author collects photographs and gradually decided to write a story based on the photos she found. Delana is drawn to the photos and she imagines their stories and personalities based on how they appear in the picture. Delana has a voice. As the main character, I was relieved that she at least had some significant character development. At first, Delana accepts everything her Aunt Tilley tells her, once she dies, Delana feels lost. "Why didn't Ambertine just lay everything out for me, like Aunt Tilley and now Miss Ida laid out my clothes. What did Ambertine want me to decide-and want me to want?" (pg. 94) Delana feels lost without her Aunt Tilley not just because Aunt Tilley was fiercely protective of her and had lots of rules for her to follow but also because Delana's grandfather basically ignored her. Once Aunt Tilley has passed away, Delana is essentially all alone since her grandfather rarely talks to her. It's rewarding to see Delana growing more confident in herself. She works up the courage to talk to her grandfather along with other adults in her secret-filled family.
Finding Family suffers from too little plot (and the little there is develops very slowly) and second dimensional characters but Delana as the main character avoids being presumptuous, instead she is refreshingly average if not a little timid. Her timidity/naïveté are understandable since she's been reared by a domineering woman and once Aunt Tilley is gone, both her grandfather and herself are rather stupefied. Delana's growth is shown and that makes the book much more interactive. Plus learning about the members of Delana's family through the photos included makes this book unique and kept me turning the pages. Through the stories of Delana's family, more unusual (or at least less-well-known) aspects of the Black experience are presented, reaffirming that there is no one universal Black experience. However, my guess would be that if you don't like historical fiction, you wouldn't be particularly drawn to this book. I wish though that we could have delved deeper into the stories of Delana's relatives (especially Ambertine, Emma and Grandpa).
July 11, 2014
Bolden, T. (2010). Finding family. New York: Bloomsbury.
Summary: Delana, the story's 12-year-old main character, lives her life under the guardianship of her Grandpa and Aunt Tilley--that is, until Aunt Tilley passes away. Her mother had passed away shortly after she was born, and her father had run off to some unknown corners of the nation. It was after her aunt's death that Delana had a rising urge to find her father and figure out how he might fit into her life now. After many surprises and bumps along the way, Delana ends up figuring out who was her true family.
Review: Booklist starred (September 1, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 1))
Grades 4-7. Set in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1905, this novel builds a story around real-life antique photos collected by Bolden. After the great-aunt who raised her dies, 12-year-old Delana takes to heart a comment by another great-aunt (“meek ain’t weak”) and works to find the truth behind the stories she’s been told about her family. Delana’s grandfather saw his father hung and family sold apart; bought his own freedom; and became a successful businessman determined to preserve his future family and legacy. In the years after emancipation, he managed to make contact with lost relatives, who were successful in their own ways. When Delana’s mother died in childbirth, he and his sister raised the baby to be a good but sheltered girl. However, no one can keep children and grandchildren cocooned forever, and a wayward aunt reveals a secret: the father that Delana has never known is still alive. This moving, first-person narrative is told in the convincing voice of an educated child using the language of the time. The black-and-white portrait photographs bring life to the richly imagined historical details and characters, and readers will sympathize with the grandfather as well as Delana, who takes her first steps out of her privileged but constricted world by going downtown on her own to have her picture taken. Much more than just a tale of finding oneself or one’s family, this novel is a powerful, unique, and satisfying story of African American lives.
Curriculum Connection: This selection would tie in nicely with the high school social studies unit on the events surrounding the turn of the century. It could be used alongside a project on how different groups of people lived life during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
Genre: Historical fiction
Age: Intermediate grades
Summary: Delana, the story's 12-year-old main character, lives her life under the guardianship of her Grandpa and Aunt Tilley--that is, until Aunt Tilley passes away. Her mother had passed away shortly after she was born, and her father had run off to some unknown corners of the nation. It was after her aunt's death that Delana had a rising urge to find her father and figure out how he might fit into her life now. After many surprises and bumps along the way, Delana ends up figuring out who was her true family.
Review: Booklist starred (September 1, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 1))
Grades 4-7. Set in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1905, this novel builds a story around real-life antique photos collected by Bolden. After the great-aunt who raised her dies, 12-year-old Delana takes to heart a comment by another great-aunt (“meek ain’t weak”) and works to find the truth behind the stories she’s been told about her family. Delana’s grandfather saw his father hung and family sold apart; bought his own freedom; and became a successful businessman determined to preserve his future family and legacy. In the years after emancipation, he managed to make contact with lost relatives, who were successful in their own ways. When Delana’s mother died in childbirth, he and his sister raised the baby to be a good but sheltered girl. However, no one can keep children and grandchildren cocooned forever, and a wayward aunt reveals a secret: the father that Delana has never known is still alive. This moving, first-person narrative is told in the convincing voice of an educated child using the language of the time. The black-and-white portrait photographs bring life to the richly imagined historical details and characters, and readers will sympathize with the grandfather as well as Delana, who takes her first steps out of her privileged but constricted world by going downtown on her own to have her picture taken. Much more than just a tale of finding oneself or one’s family, this novel is a powerful, unique, and satisfying story of African American lives.
Curriculum Connection: This selection would tie in nicely with the high school social studies unit on the events surrounding the turn of the century. It could be used alongside a project on how different groups of people lived life during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
Genre: Historical fiction
Age: Intermediate grades
August 6, 2011
Bolden selects more than a dozen antique pictures from a collection, adds in some historical details, and unleashes her powerful imagination to weave an engaging story that will captivate young readers, teen readers and adults who have ever wondered about a close relative they’ve never met. This is a story about family, about imagination, about coming of age and wondering where you have come from, where you are going.
Young Delana’s father ran off before she ever met him and her mother is dead. She’s being raised by her stoic, almost silent grandfather and voluble Aunt Tilley who tells outrageous stories and maintains a 'Book of Bewares' to help keep Delana in line. When Tilley dies, Delana’s imagination, what Tilley called her “spacious mind,” flares and focuses on the father she’s never known. As the story progresses Delana learns more about her family than she ever imagined and discovers her place in the world.
Coming of age stories are a staple of young adult literature. Adolescence is a time of doubt, of reinvention, of self-discovery and also of loss; loss of childhood, often of innocence, and the loss of a sense of who you are while you are in the process of becoming a grown up. Bolden captures most of these feelings in Delana, whose coping with the loss of Aunt Tilley is a metaphor for the loss of innocence. This is foreshadowed when Tilley tells Delana that she will have a formal portrait taken when she turns 13. When Delana asks why at 13, Tilley replies, “Because that is the age of accountability...you sins start to count.” (p. 58-59)
Looking at the photographs Bolden includes it is easy to start forming impressions about the people in them. This woman looks so stern and that man seems so proud. Bolden doesn’t know the people in the photographs, almost all formal portraits of African-Americans from the latter parts of the 19th Century, but she brings them to life through her powerful story-telling skills. While the story she creates is anchored in the American South near the turn of the 20th Century, the timeless issues Bolden deals with — conflicts within families that shatter and reshape them, the value of memory and imagination, and the various guises of love — resonate strongly throughout this very accessible book.
Young Delana’s father ran off before she ever met him and her mother is dead. She’s being raised by her stoic, almost silent grandfather and voluble Aunt Tilley who tells outrageous stories and maintains a 'Book of Bewares' to help keep Delana in line. When Tilley dies, Delana’s imagination, what Tilley called her “spacious mind,” flares and focuses on the father she’s never known. As the story progresses Delana learns more about her family than she ever imagined and discovers her place in the world.
Coming of age stories are a staple of young adult literature. Adolescence is a time of doubt, of reinvention, of self-discovery and also of loss; loss of childhood, often of innocence, and the loss of a sense of who you are while you are in the process of becoming a grown up. Bolden captures most of these feelings in Delana, whose coping with the loss of Aunt Tilley is a metaphor for the loss of innocence. This is foreshadowed when Tilley tells Delana that she will have a formal portrait taken when she turns 13. When Delana asks why at 13, Tilley replies, “Because that is the age of accountability...you sins start to count.” (p. 58-59)
Looking at the photographs Bolden includes it is easy to start forming impressions about the people in them. This woman looks so stern and that man seems so proud. Bolden doesn’t know the people in the photographs, almost all formal portraits of African-Americans from the latter parts of the 19th Century, but she brings them to life through her powerful story-telling skills. While the story she creates is anchored in the American South near the turn of the 20th Century, the timeless issues Bolden deals with — conflicts within families that shatter and reshape them, the value of memory and imagination, and the various guises of love — resonate strongly throughout this very accessible book.
April 7, 2011
Its 1905, 12 yr old Delena is being raised by her grandpa and aunt Tilley. Both are very cautious when it comes to what Delena is allowed to do. (usually the answer is no) The house is filled with family photographs. Delena wonders about everyone's story. Her grandpa isn't talking and aunt Tilley only shares a little, sometimes. Since, Delena was little, her Tilley was telling what to be wary of (pretty much everything). Delena's aunt also told her many stories about the mother's she's never seen, who died giving birth and her father who was never heard from again.
In the beginning Delena's grandpa, Samuel Hannibal is very quiet. He doesn't talk much about his years in slavery. After, Delena's grandpa brought his freedom, he settled in Charleston, WV. By the end, Samuel is opening up about searching for family members by putting ads in newspapers and going to churches in hopes of hearing any news.
After aunt Tilley dies, Delena learns many of aunt's stories weren't true and there's no need to be afraid of everything.
Bolden uses her very own antique photographs in the novel. It's a beautiful touch, even more so with Delena using them to guess everyone's personalty.
" I liked the way aunt Rachel decorated herself. She had the same sense about her as Eula. Top boss of her world! And I was hoping aunt Tilley had mixed Eula up with somebody else. I wanted her name to be Emma, like was on the back of her photograph. "Emma" sounded more bouncy. Above all, may she not be passing. Or dead. that way when she came for the funeral she'd tell me all about her life as an opera singer or something that had her traveling around the world, but now she was tired, so tired. Tired of crossing oceans. Tired of keeping up with hatboxes and steamer trunks. She was ready to stay put where she had family. "
I really liked Delena and enjoyed watching her slowly begin to sort things out for herself, beginning with the photographs. Delena also learns the truth about her parents. Bolden surrounds Delana with well developed characters. I loved the straight forward telling of this novel, it made it very easy for me to connect with Delana.
Finding Family was very good and a pleasure to read
In the beginning Delena's grandpa, Samuel Hannibal is very quiet. He doesn't talk much about his years in slavery. After, Delena's grandpa brought his freedom, he settled in Charleston, WV. By the end, Samuel is opening up about searching for family members by putting ads in newspapers and going to churches in hopes of hearing any news.
After aunt Tilley dies, Delena learns many of aunt's stories weren't true and there's no need to be afraid of everything.
Bolden uses her very own antique photographs in the novel. It's a beautiful touch, even more so with Delena using them to guess everyone's personalty.
" I liked the way aunt Rachel decorated herself. She had the same sense about her as Eula. Top boss of her world! And I was hoping aunt Tilley had mixed Eula up with somebody else. I wanted her name to be Emma, like was on the back of her photograph. "Emma" sounded more bouncy. Above all, may she not be passing. Or dead. that way when she came for the funeral she'd tell me all about her life as an opera singer or something that had her traveling around the world, but now she was tired, so tired. Tired of crossing oceans. Tired of keeping up with hatboxes and steamer trunks. She was ready to stay put where she had family. "
I really liked Delena and enjoyed watching her slowly begin to sort things out for herself, beginning with the photographs. Delena also learns the truth about her parents. Bolden surrounds Delana with well developed characters. I loved the straight forward telling of this novel, it made it very easy for me to connect with Delana.
Finding Family was very good and a pleasure to read
July 28, 2013
Book 6 Bibliographic Citation:
Bolden, T. (2010). Finding family. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Publishing USA.
Age/Grade Level: (Ages 8–12, Grades 3–6)
Summary:
Having never known her parents and fresh from the loss of her aunt, Delana searches for her identity. Her search leads to the fulfillment of who she is along with a new relationship with her reclusive grandfather, one that is built on trust and understanding.
Awards/Reviewing Sources:
Alabama Camellia Children’s Choice Book Award Nominee 2011-2012
Booklist starred (September 1, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 1))
Horn Book (Spring 2011)
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 1, 2010)
Library Media Connection (October 2010)
School Library Journal (September 1, 2010)
Curriculum Content/Standard for 21st Century Learner:
This text would be a great addition to a 5th grade literature/social studies unit on historical fiction or African American fiction/studies as it provides an insightful look at the backdrop of West Virginia early 20th century history interwoven with tales of family foibles and strength. Finding Family also offers a plethora of primary source photographs offering opportunities for additional student discussion and research.
AASL Standards
4.1.1 Read, view, and listen for pleasure and personal growth.
4.1.2 Read widely and fluently to make connections with self, the world, and previous reading.
4.1.3 Respond to literature and creative expressions of ideas in various formats and genres.
20% of Database: Ethnicity/African American
Recommendation for student’s personal literature selection:
This text would be a great recommendation for a student who enjoys stories featuring lives of early African Americans and/or settings of the early 20th century. It would also be an interesting read to a student searching for better understanding of foster parenting, perhaps for personal reasons.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Bolden, T. (2010). Finding family. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Publishing USA.
Age/Grade Level: (Ages 8–12, Grades 3–6)
Summary:
Having never known her parents and fresh from the loss of her aunt, Delana searches for her identity. Her search leads to the fulfillment of who she is along with a new relationship with her reclusive grandfather, one that is built on trust and understanding.
Awards/Reviewing Sources:
Alabama Camellia Children’s Choice Book Award Nominee 2011-2012
Booklist starred (September 1, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 1))
Horn Book (Spring 2011)
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 1, 2010)
Library Media Connection (October 2010)
School Library Journal (September 1, 2010)
Curriculum Content/Standard for 21st Century Learner:
This text would be a great addition to a 5th grade literature/social studies unit on historical fiction or African American fiction/studies as it provides an insightful look at the backdrop of West Virginia early 20th century history interwoven with tales of family foibles and strength. Finding Family also offers a plethora of primary source photographs offering opportunities for additional student discussion and research.
AASL Standards
4.1.1 Read, view, and listen for pleasure and personal growth.
4.1.2 Read widely and fluently to make connections with self, the world, and previous reading.
4.1.3 Respond to literature and creative expressions of ideas in various formats and genres.
20% of Database: Ethnicity/African American
Recommendation for student’s personal literature selection:
This text would be a great recommendation for a student who enjoys stories featuring lives of early African Americans and/or settings of the early 20th century. It would also be an interesting read to a student searching for better understanding of foster parenting, perhaps for personal reasons.
Genre: Historical Fiction
April 21, 2012
Photograph - REM w/Natalie Merchant
I found this photograph
Underneath the picture glass
Tender face of black and white
Beautiful, a haunting sight
Looked into an angels smile
Captivated all the while
From the hair and clothes she wore
I'd place her in between the wars
Was she willing when she sat?
Posed the pretty photograph
Save her flowering and fair
Days to come, days to share
A big smile for the camera
How did she know?
The moment could be lost forever
Forever more
I found this photograph
Stashed between the old joist walls
In a place where time is lost
Lost behind, where all things fall
Broken books and calendars
Letters script in careful hand
Music too, a standard tune by
Some forgotten big brass band
From the threshold what's to see
Of our brave new century?
The television's just a dream
Radio, silver screen
Big smile for the camera
How did she know?
The moment could be lost forever
Forever more
Was her childhood filled with rhymes
Stolen hooks, impassioned crimes?
Was she innocent or blind
To the cruelty of her time?
Was she fearful in her day
Was she hopeful, did she pray?
Were there skeletons inside
Family secrets, sworn to hide?
Did she feel the beat that stirs
The fall from grace of wayward girls?
Was she tempted to pretend
The love and laughter, until the end?
I found this photograph
Underneath the picture glass
Tender face of black and white
Beautiful, a haunting sight
Looked into an angels smile
Captivated all the while
From the hair and clothes she wore
I'd place her in between the wars
Was she willing when she sat?
Posed the pretty photograph
Save her flowering and fair
Days to come, days to share
A big smile for the camera
How did she know?
The moment could be lost forever
Forever more
I found this photograph
Stashed between the old joist walls
In a place where time is lost
Lost behind, where all things fall
Broken books and calendars
Letters script in careful hand
Music too, a standard tune by
Some forgotten big brass band
From the threshold what's to see
Of our brave new century?
The television's just a dream
Radio, silver screen
Big smile for the camera
How did she know?
The moment could be lost forever
Forever more
Was her childhood filled with rhymes
Stolen hooks, impassioned crimes?
Was she innocent or blind
To the cruelty of her time?
Was she fearful in her day
Was she hopeful, did she pray?
Were there skeletons inside
Family secrets, sworn to hide?
Did she feel the beat that stirs
The fall from grace of wayward girls?
Was she tempted to pretend
The love and laughter, until the end?
July 29, 2016
t the turn of the 20th century, Delana Hannibal is comfortable living with her grandfather and Aunt Tillie in Charleston, WV. She's learned from Aunt Tillie not to question and to beware of many dangers. Delana loves her Aunt Tillie, though, especially the funny family stories she tells that accompany family photos. The two people that Aunt Tillie never talks about are Delana's parents. She assumes that talking about her mother makes Grandpa said and Delana was told her father was a wastrel who ran off. When Aunt Tillie dies unexpectedly, Delana's whole world changes. A surprise visitor, Delana's cousin Ambertine, arrives and tells Delana stories about her family that contradict what Aunt Tillie has told Delana. Delana begins to wonder about her parents and their relationship. As she searches for answers, she finds her wings and learns to fly. This is a coming-of-age story about an African-American girl whose family life has been affected by slavery. The family stories in the book are made up stories about people in the author's antique photo collection. The stories sound like they could be real and the photos are magnificent. The plot of the novel is interesting and engaging. It kept my attention and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Delana's parents. The coming-of-age story is wonderful and unique. The lessons are subtle and not too heavy-handed. I really liked this book and I hope there's a sequel!
Read
December 6, 2012Bolden, Tanya. (2010). Finding Family. New York: Bloomsbury. 192 pp. ISBN 978-1-599-90318-7 (Hard Cover); $15.99.
Delana does not know her parents. Aunt Tilley has provided Delana with a very comfortable picture of who she is, but when Aunt Tilley dies, cousin Ambertine, “Trash and trouble,” is asking Delana to look deeper. Ambertine turns many of Aunt Tilley’s stories upside down forcing Delana to find her own truths about Aunt Tilley, Ambertine, and the parents she never knew. Finding her family forces Delana to also find herself.
Tanya Bolden, like Walter Dean Myers and many others, collects old photographs of Black people that she finds. In this novel she uses these antique photographs as characters in her novel. The inserted portraits of Black people from Bolden’s large collection of photographs match this book exceptionally well. It is almost as if these pictures come from Bolden’s own family. Using these photos as characters is exceptionally creative, so much so that it compensates for an ending that is a bit lacking. The historical details are evocative and the writing is lush. I can envision teachers using a version of Bolden’s picture characters in the classroom, perhaps with magazine pictures or yearbook out-takes, or student scrap book pictures. Purchase this one for middle school and even elementary libraries.
Delana does not know her parents. Aunt Tilley has provided Delana with a very comfortable picture of who she is, but when Aunt Tilley dies, cousin Ambertine, “Trash and trouble,” is asking Delana to look deeper. Ambertine turns many of Aunt Tilley’s stories upside down forcing Delana to find her own truths about Aunt Tilley, Ambertine, and the parents she never knew. Finding her family forces Delana to also find herself.
Tanya Bolden, like Walter Dean Myers and many others, collects old photographs of Black people that she finds. In this novel she uses these antique photographs as characters in her novel. The inserted portraits of Black people from Bolden’s large collection of photographs match this book exceptionally well. It is almost as if these pictures come from Bolden’s own family. Using these photos as characters is exceptionally creative, so much so that it compensates for an ending that is a bit lacking. The historical details are evocative and the writing is lush. I can envision teachers using a version of Bolden’s picture characters in the classroom, perhaps with magazine pictures or yearbook out-takes, or student scrap book pictures. Purchase this one for middle school and even elementary libraries.
November 6, 2011
Set during the early part of the 20th century, twelve-year-old Delana Hannibal lives with her Aunt Tilly and grandfather in rural West Virginia. Delana’s mother died shortly after childbirth and she was told that her father had run-off and left her. Aunt Tilly loved Delana as if she were her own and shared rich stories with her about her family’s past. She would take out pictures of kinfolk on Sunday afternoons and place them all around the living room. Then she and Delana would take a walk around and discuss each of the relatives; however, they never really spoke of Delana’s mother because Aunt Tilly said that it was too painful for her grandfather. Suddenly, Aunt Tilly dies and Delana’s life is turned upside down when she is visited by a long-lost cousin that Aunt Tilly warned her about. Soon, Delana finds out that her Aunt Tilly was quite a storyteller and begins a quest for the truth.
This wonderful story is set amongst photographs that the author has collected over the years. She has envisioned the lives of the subjects and woven them all together to create this wonderfully complex story of family and friendship.
This wonderful story is set amongst photographs that the author has collected over the years. She has envisioned the lives of the subjects and woven them all together to create this wonderfully complex story of family and friendship.
October 23, 2014
While wondering if the stories handed down from her Aunt Tilley are truth or misinterpretations, misinformation, or downright lies, Delana sets her mind to a fact-finding mission of family truths. Set in motion because of Tilley's death, Delana wonders who will be there for her now...will it be her aging grandfather (and does he really love her?), her kindly neighbor Miss Ida, or the long-lost, never-met father she has only heard ominous things about.
After Tilley's funeral, Delana is visited by Ambertine, who has been banished from the family by her 'wild' ways. Ambertine tells her some truths about her father, her deceased mother, and family ties. Bolstered by photographs of family members who she knows little about, Delana hopes to discover where the truth really lies. Her grandfather, she finds out, only wanted to protect her and keep her close...and he dearly loves her. But, sometimes, you have to give someone wings to hold them close.
Finding Family captures imagination through photographs, which portray emotions about family. Delana is on the road to becoming the young woman her mother, and all her family for that matter, hoped she would one day be.
After Tilley's funeral, Delana is visited by Ambertine, who has been banished from the family by her 'wild' ways. Ambertine tells her some truths about her father, her deceased mother, and family ties. Bolstered by photographs of family members who she knows little about, Delana hopes to discover where the truth really lies. Her grandfather, she finds out, only wanted to protect her and keep her close...and he dearly loves her. But, sometimes, you have to give someone wings to hold them close.
Finding Family captures imagination through photographs, which portray emotions about family. Delana is on the road to becoming the young woman her mother, and all her family for that matter, hoped she would one day be.
January 7, 2011
For many years the author collected 19th and early 20th century photographs, tintypes, postcards, etc. She spent a lot of time looking at the faces of the long gone people in the pictures and she imagined stories for them. She thought about the post cards and how they could fit into these people's lives. And Finding Family is the result.
Delana was raised by her widowed grandfather and his sister after her mother died. She knows nothing about her father, not even his name--her great-aunt clearly disliked and mistrusted him; and because she has been told that any mention of her mother will sadden her grandfather unbearably, she knows nothing about her mother either. However, Aunt Tilley does have a collection of pictures of other relatives, she has stories about all of them, and she makes sure Delana knows the people's names and their stories.
And then Aunt Tilley dies. Delana has all sorts of questions, both about her own parents and about the people attending the funeral. Over time, she uncovers secrets, fosters reconciliations, and gets quite a few surprises.
Delana was raised by her widowed grandfather and his sister after her mother died. She knows nothing about her father, not even his name--her great-aunt clearly disliked and mistrusted him; and because she has been told that any mention of her mother will sadden her grandfather unbearably, she knows nothing about her mother either. However, Aunt Tilley does have a collection of pictures of other relatives, she has stories about all of them, and she makes sure Delana knows the people's names and their stories.
And then Aunt Tilley dies. Delana has all sorts of questions, both about her own parents and about the people attending the funeral. Over time, she uncovers secrets, fosters reconciliations, and gets quite a few surprises.
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August 2, 2013Intermediate (4-6)
Reviewed by School Library Journal on 09/01/2010 (retrieved from titlewave)
Finding Family portrays a young lady who is faced with a traumatic event when her loving Aunt Tillie dies. She is then secretly introduced to her estranged cousin who informs Delana of the lies she has been told by Aunt Tillie, and more importantly that her father is still alive. She confronts her last remaining caregiver, her grandfather, about these lies. Her grandfather soon realizes his mistake and provides Delana the information she has been waiting for regarding the whereabouts of her living father.
The story of Delana is an exquisit source to achieve AASL standards 1.1.3(Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding) and 1.1.4 (Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions) due to the fictional aspect of the historical time period portrayed.
*Diversity is illustrated in this book in the category of ethnicity.
Bolden, T. (2010) Finding Family. New York: Bloomsbury
Reviewed by School Library Journal on 09/01/2010 (retrieved from titlewave)
Finding Family portrays a young lady who is faced with a traumatic event when her loving Aunt Tillie dies. She is then secretly introduced to her estranged cousin who informs Delana of the lies she has been told by Aunt Tillie, and more importantly that her father is still alive. She confronts her last remaining caregiver, her grandfather, about these lies. Her grandfather soon realizes his mistake and provides Delana the information she has been waiting for regarding the whereabouts of her living father.
The story of Delana is an exquisit source to achieve AASL standards 1.1.3(Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding) and 1.1.4 (Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions) due to the fictional aspect of the historical time period portrayed.
*Diversity is illustrated in this book in the category of ethnicity.
Bolden, T. (2010) Finding Family. New York: Bloomsbury
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Monica Sheffo for TeensReadToo.com
Delana has never known her parents. Raised by her Grandpa and Aunt Tilley, she has very few clues to her past. And when Aunt Tilley suddenly dies, she fears that the last bit of her mother died, too.
An unexpected visit from a relative leads Delana to discover that everything she had been told about her parents was a lie. Can she piece together her mysterious past to discover who she truly is? Find out in FINDING FAMILY.
Tonya Bolden creates a story rich in Southern history in her latest novel. Using the perfect blend of unique characters and photographs from the time period, she leaves the reader feeling completely satisfied from beginning to end.
Delana has never known her parents. Raised by her Grandpa and Aunt Tilley, she has very few clues to her past. And when Aunt Tilley suddenly dies, she fears that the last bit of her mother died, too.
An unexpected visit from a relative leads Delana to discover that everything she had been told about her parents was a lie. Can she piece together her mysterious past to discover who she truly is? Find out in FINDING FAMILY.
Tonya Bolden creates a story rich in Southern history in her latest novel. Using the perfect blend of unique characters and photographs from the time period, she leaves the reader feeling completely satisfied from beginning to end.
July 23, 2011
"Delana has never known her parents. Raised by her Aunt Tilley and a reclusive grandfather, Delana has led a sheltered existence, nurtured on her aunt's wild family histories. But when Aunt Tilley dies, Delana confronts her pent-up curiosities and embarks on a quest to unravel her aunt's fictions and draw out her mysterious grandfather. In searching for her true history, Delana finds herself, and a home in the one place she never thought to look. This moving fictional story is imagined from real antique photographs that author Tonya Bolden has collected. Bolden's well-researched historical details about 1905 Charleston, West Virginia lend authenticity, while spare, lyrical writing make this young girl's coming-of-age resonate"
January 19, 2011
Sweet story set in the (early 1900s? one of my complaints about the book was that it was never clear what the date was, but sometime fairly soon after the end of slavery) about a girl who lives with her grandfather and her aunt, leading a somewhat sheltered life. When her aunt dies, she decides to learn more about her extended family and who her mother and father really were. It becomes a mystery when she learns that the story wasn't exactly the same as she was told growing up. Gentle, sweet story...the mystery pulls you along, but otherwise, I'm not sure if elementary schoolers would be that interested.
January 13, 2014
Finding Family was a quick and easy read. Delano's is living a sheltered life with her great aunt and grandfather. She has been told very little about her mother who is deceased and even less about her father. What little her aunt has told her of her father hasn't been complimentary. When her Great Aunt Tilley passes away Delano begins to ask more questions about her parents and her family. I enjoyed this story and the wonderful photos that were used throughout the book. My only complaint is that there was a bit more character development. I also wanted to know more background information on Aunt Tilley and what made her so overprotective of her niece. 3 stars.
June 26, 2012
I liked this one for several reasons. Besides having a well-rounded out African American character, it had an intriguing story line involving geneology. Finding Family plays a part ontwo levels: Delana trying to find her own and her grandfather's inability to find all of his. I LOVED Aunt Tilley...her voice rang so true! The other part I found interesting, and can remember being facinated with this as a young reader, were the photographs interspersed throughout the story and the family tree diagram. Historical fiction fans of all races will enjoy this.
November 23, 2014
This was a very sweet quick read...I would place it in a fourth/fifth grade reading slot...takes place in the very early 1900's...Delana is a 12 year old who is learning things are not always as they seem and lies are not always lies but colored truths...she has to come to terms with herself when she thinks she cannot trust others to be straight...sometimes the reading was - tough - because this 12 year old is doing the telling and it is after all in like 1903 but it is a very true felt story and worth a read so I would suggest it be placed on a reading list
June 27, 2011
I read this book and really enjoyed the visual the old photographs gave to the story about a girl who is finding out the truth about her family after being sheltered from it her whole life. I definitely think it gives a look into the world during that time period in history and tells a story about family, grief and hidden family secrets. The author did a fantastic job with Delana's character of a girl who has been sheltered and finally breaking free from childhood into adolescence.
August 7, 2011
Set in the early 1900s, Delana learns about her mother who died when she was a baby and her father, whom she does not know. She lives with her Aunt, who passes away, and her grandfather. After her aunt dies, she starts to learn the secrets about her parents. I found the old photos used in the story fascinating and the inclusion of a family tree at the end of the book helpful. Good for fans of historical fiction, slavery fiction, and families with secrets.
March 5, 2012
this book was good not great but good.it was a little confusing but since it added pictures which i really liked about this book really helped me out.this book is a real southern feel to it!seriously when i read it i could feel it which was a great detail.the genre was historical fiction which really played off great.after all this book is 3 stars because it is confusing but this is just my opinion..i didnt give much detail because i dont like to spoil.
February 15, 2012
Tilley has never known her parents but, of course, she dearly wants to know about them. Like the antique photos in the book, the thought of her parents is a kind of distant mirror, and one not encouraged by the person raising her. But family ties cannot be suppressed forever, and we root for Tilley as she quests to learn her identity. Not a great book, but a good and charming one.
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