More Than Anything Else

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More Than Anything Else was written by Marie Bradby and illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. This book has 32 pages and it was published in September 1st 1995 by Orchard Books.

Marie Bradby grew up in the suburbs on the East Coast, the sixth of seven children. She attended public schools, she was a Girl Scout, played soccer, was a majorette and played the clarinet and oboe through college. After she graduated from Hampton University, she worked as a journalist for newspapers and magazines for years. It took about eight years before her first book was published. When she was not writing, she enjoys gardening, playing tennis, biking, yoga, and of course, reading. [1]

Summary

Wanting to learn how to read above all other ambitions, nine-year-old Booker T. Washington fears that his long days in the saltworks will prevent him from trying, until a final burst of determination makes his hopes possible. [2]

Pros

Kirkus gave their opinion about this book, they wrote that the beautifully executed, luminous illustrations capture the atmosphere of an African-American community post-slavery: the drudgery of days consumed by back- breaking labor, the texture of private lives conducted by lantern- light. There is no other context or historical note about Booker T. Washington's life, leaving readers to piece together his identity. Regardless, this is an immensely satisfying, accomplished work, resonating first with longing and then with joy. [3]

Anne, who rated this book four stars, stated that the poor status of our protagonist reflects the true state of his people at that time. His desire to read and his excitement in learning demonstrates what reading meant to his people during his time in real life, although this is a fiction story. The story overall emphasizes reading as a treasure, which our poor, African protagonist greatly valued. Even though children may not understand it fully, the story can be used to encourage reading, viewing it as a privilege and a pleasure not to be taken for granted. Olivia Lavelle, who had different opinion, she thought that this book deserved because it was very touching book, she learned about the characters troubles and aspirations. The reader was also able to see Booker accomplish his goal and see him express his happiness through the pictures by Chris K. Soentpiet. After reading this book, it allowed her to open her eyes and notice that she took knowing how to read for granted. [1]

Library Thing's members also taking part in reviewing this book, the members wrote that, the main idea of this story is to never give up on what we are passionate about. Booker still does his daily routine of working very hard and still maintains his time to read because he feels so strongly about it. The writing was well organized and flowed through as the book went along. The story was told in first person, from the young boy's perspective, it is easy for other children to comprehend and understand what the boy was going through in the story. This book does a great job of leaving it open for questions so that children can make inferences. Then at the end of the story, what he wants more than anything else is revealed. It is recommended for grad 1 until grade 2 readers. [4]

Starred Review, School Library Journal revealed their thought to this book. They described that this is a fictionalized story about the life of young Booker T. Washington. Living in a West Virginia settlement after emancipation, nine-year old Booker travels by lantern light to the salt works, where he labors from dawn till dusk. Although his stomach rumbles, his real hunger is his intense desire to learn and read… Bradby’s text is eloquent, presenting phrases and spinning images that capture the intense feelings in the story… All the images, underscored by a dramatic use of shadow and light, work with the words to create a moving and inspirational story. [5]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 More Than Anything Else. Retrieved February 13th, 2021
  2. More Than Anything Else. Retrieved February 13th, 2021
  3. More Than Anything Else. Retrieved February 13th, 2021
  4. More Than Anything Else. Retrieved February 13th, 2021
  5. More Than Anything Else. Retrieved February 13th, 2021