The People Could Fly” By: Virginia Hamilton

“The People Could Fly”

By: Virginia Hamilton

Illustrations By: Leo and Diane Dillon

Alfred A. Knopf; New York

Copy Right 1985

(Required selection)

            The people could fly told the story of Africans who were kidnapped and forced into slavery.  These particular Africans could fly, yet when they were taken may forgot how.  They eventually remembered through the whisperings of “Toby”.  This is an old African folktale that has been told since the days of slavery.  It was a very interesting story, especially since I was unfamiliar with African folklore.

            While I found it unique and interesting, I didn’t make a text to self connection with the book.  I did however make an text to text connection with a book titled “ Her Stories, African American folktales, fairy tales and true tales”; it too told of African folklore.  I think it would be a wonderful book to share with a class, especially when learning about African American history.