Grandpa’s hands can tie shoes, play the piano and throw a curve ball, but they were not allowed to touch the bread dough at the Wonder Bread factory in the 1950s and early ’60s. As Grandpa lyrically relates to Joseph the heritage of petitions, signs and joining hands and voices to change social injustice, history is relived.
Be sure to read Margaret H. Mason’s author’s note for more historical information about oral history and civil rights. Linger over Floyd Cooper’s gorgeous illustrations and talk about what hands can accomplish together. Use this discussion guide for more teaching ideas.