Carter Reads the Newspaper: The Story of Carter G. Woodson, Founder of Black History Month is a longer picture book, therefore, it might not be the best for an active child. It is filled
with an accessible tone to the subject of the life and times of Woodson. The older listener (ages five and up) would be perfect. And even though it is in a picture book format ages seven to nine could use as a reference, but not as the only source. The book is written in a fictional manner but is non-fiction.
Deborah Hopkinson researched the man who was an unsung hero in many ways. Carter G. Woodson was the reason we have Black History Month. On the pages of this picture book, we see the influences and experiences he had that would make him want to tell the world, “Yes black Americans have a history.”
Don Tate’s illustrations are rich, expressive, and complete the story. You see Woodson in the mining accident, hear the men gossiping and asking Woodson to read them the newspaper, and you know that this spunky kid is going to go far. The art is detailed to the point of almost being too busy, yet it is bringing to life the life of a man few would even learn about.
Of course, we have heard of Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and more, but there are people mentioned that I had never heard of. I could see this book being taught in history classes, and not just in February for Black History Month.
There are not just facts about Woodson. Hopkinson also includes facts like Black History Month started as a week and includes their own journey to finding Carter G. Woodson and other events that shaped them.