HEY, CHARLESTON!

Rockwell, A. (2013). Hey, Charleston! Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books.

Wow.Wow.Wow. This read isn't one any educator, parents, or individual would regret reading. The lessons learned, applied, and what those lessons result give an amazingly inspiration push to every listener and reader.

 The book is a true story about a African-American man living in the year of 1891, an orphan, and a previous slave of the U.S., Mister Reverend Daniel Joseph Jenkins. This amazing man started an orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina for orphan boys, like he was. Reverend didn't have a lot of money, but he used everything he had to start the orphanage. He was given $100 by the government after his request. After the money was running dry, he sent a request for the old military band instruments. He received them and taught the orphans how to use them. The orphan band got to be so outstanding and popular that people requested for their own children to practice with the orphan boys. The boys, which were referred to the white Americans as "Charleston" had the opportunity to play at the Anglo-American Exposition in London. World War 1 had just broke and the band was sent home safely on ships; however a few Americans could not make it home because of their money being froze in the British bank system. Reverend remembers the time that he was borrowed $100 and sent money to send EVERY American back home safely. The moral of the story is that he and the boys "Turned something bad into something good". [Also, this story reveals where the famous Charleston dance derived from, Reverend Jenkin's boys! Who would have known?!]

This book passes every single assessment for high quality children's literature. The story is interesting and intriguing. Problem-solving and resolution happens throughout. Student's learn positive realities about turning bad situations into good situations. The conflicts are solved in a peaceable and moral manner. Characters are listed in a non-stereotypical context including both African- American and Caucasian individuals. Females are not shown in leadership roles, however, the book is focused on a true story and therefore it follows a specific story line. The females shown in the pictures in the book however are equal with the males and are happy. 

The story moves from a rural setting to a city setting, as well as a setting in the waters. The settings are all depicted in a form that represents them truly. After reading this book, many discussions can arise. For example, one could discuss African-American slavery, events during and before World War 1, Opportunities for turning bad into good in their own lives or past lives, Pro-social behaviors and human love and concern. The list really goes on and on. There are so many inspirational ideas and discussions just waiting behind each page in the book.  

The target audience here in this read is anywhere from 1st grade-adult. Amazing read, so many discussions. The lexile.com website recommends ages 7-11; however, this book is amazing for older ages as well. 

Lexile Level: 1040L

Three Literary Elements:

Mood: The mood is one of inspiration and happiness. There is never a moment in the book where one feels discouraged, only hopeful.

Setting: The setting is rural and urban both, set in the times just after slavery and during Civil War 1. 

Character: Specifically, the character of Reverend Jenkins shows one of optimism, inspiration, hopefulness, problem-solving, joyful, generous, pro-social, and caring.