Never have read anything by Julius Lester previously, I didn't really think I would enjoy his work; I was wrong. His book, The Old African, not only brought tears to my eyes, but, undoubtedly, will be one that I will never forget.
My first impressions of looking through the book were not good; I felt that this book would be depressing, depicting the horror and brutality of slavery. However, while this book did discuss this, I did not anticipate the hope it would express, and that it would actually have a happy ending. I loved it! I loved that, for once, the "good guys" did prevail; I loved that, for once, the "bad guy" was completely destroyed; and, I loved, for once, that justice was served. I had to remember, of course, that this was a children's book, but I was having a bad day when I read this--feeling down and stressed out--so I guess that is why I expected the book to also be like this. Luckily, I was wrong, and this book actually changed my mood, from gloom to triumph. As I said before, I love it when the good guys win!
Although I haven't read anything else by Lester, after researching, I found that many of his books focus on slavery, including books which have received Newbery Honors as well as Coretta Scott King honors and Jewish Book Award finalists. In fact, I found a website, http://members.authorsguild.net/juliuslester/works.htm, where Lester discusses not only his books, but his motivations for writing his books.
The realism of this book, however, did surprise me. Although it does have a happy ending and the good guys do prevail, the focus on the Old African's horrific journey to America and the brutalities he endured were quite graphic. At first, I was surprised that this book would be part of children's literature, but sometimes, I don't realize how much children are exposed to at younger and younger ages. They need to realize, at a young age, what really happened to so many Africans on their voyage to the New World, so when they do grow up, they can better appreciate what they have and be more tolerant and accepting of others around them.. Furthermore, by not "watering down" these horrors, both children and adults like can really visualize how awful these journeys were.
Again, Lester is an author I plan to read again. He is a spectular writer.
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