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  • The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales by Virginia Hamilton book cover
  • The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales by Virginia Hamilton book cover
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The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales

by Virginia Hamilton

A collection of Black American folktales

$14.62 USD
$24.37 USD $14.62 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Editorial selection

    Common Core State Standards text exemplar (Grade 6–8, Stories)

    Selected as a text exemplar for Grade 6–8, Stories.

  • Critical praise

    Starred review from School Library Journal

    Starred review praising the collection’s storytelling, readability, and illustrations.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A collection of Black American folktales

Virginia Hamilton retells 24 Black American folktales across several forms: animal stories, supernatural and fanciful tales, cautionary tales, and stories of enslavement and freedom. The collection brings these varied traditions together in one volume, accompanied by 40 paintings by Leo and Diane Dillon. Its range offers a window into the subjects and storytelling traditions represented in Black American folklore.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children interested in folktales and fairy-tale anthologies
  • Readers seeking stories involving animals, the supernatural, or cautionary themes
  • Those exploring Black American folklore and tales of freedom from enslavement

Themes

Black American folkloreAnimal talesSupernatural and fanciful storiesCautionary talesEnslavement and freedom

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"The well-known author retells 24 black American folk tales in sure storytelling voice: animal tales, supernatural tales, fanciful and cautionary tales, and slave tales of freedom. All are beautifully readable. With the added attraction of 40 wonderfully expressive paintings by the Dillons, this collection should be snapped up."--(starred) School Library Journal.

This book has been selected as a Common Core State Standards text Exemplar (Grade 6-8, Stories) in Appendix B.
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