BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL, ADULT - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Dear Yesteryear is Kimberly Henderson's ode to the past and the people who were part of it. Each phrase is accompanied by a photograph in black and white or sepia from the late 1800s to the early 20th century. Henderson is a historical researcher, and the photographs, while not of her own family beautifully represent her ideas. She seems to be speaking to the people in the photographs, asking for their stories. "Did you pay attention to Grandpa's old-timey stories?" has a photo of an old man with probably his son and his grandchildren.
I loved Dear Yesteryear - it put me in mind of my ancestors and what old photographs I knew of them. Henderson's look into the past is a remarkable, nostalgic trip to those times. All of the photographs are of African Americans. To a child, the photographs would be interesting, but I think an adult would enjoy them so much more. I appreciate the author's note and the photo credits. I feel inspired to write some family history stories.
Lisa Librarian
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