Alice McGill
Alice McGill was born in a very small town in North Carolina named Mary's Chapel. All 375 citizens were steeped in storytelling, music and singing. It wasn't until Alice came North to Baltimore to earn money for college that she learned that most people couldn't move, sing or tell stories the way she and her friends and family could. It took a lot of hard work, but Alice finished college, married and raised two daughters. She also taught elementary school and later taught in a lab school for teachers at Towson State (MD).
A storytelling friend urged her to get an agent and try to get her stories published. She sent her material to Houghton who suggested a meeting in New York. While there she told the story of Molly Bannaky and the editor asked her to write that story. The heroine of Alice's picture book is neither black, nor American. She was a 17th century woman who defied social, racial, and gender prejudice, and was also the grandmother of celebrated African-American scientist and mathematician, Benjamin Banneker (Molly Bannaky, 1999, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 6 to 10, $16.00). Her next book, Miles' Song (2000, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 9 to 14, $15.00) is set in South Carolina in 1851. Twelve-year-old Miles is caught looking at a book and is sent to the "breaking ground"-the place for "trouble-making" slaves. The story is full of twists and turns, deception and suspense as Miles risks all to gain his freedom.
In the Hollow of Your Hand (reviewed this issue) is a collection of slave lullabies and escape songs that Alice also sings on the accompanying CD. She told me about the budget constraints in producing the CD-limited musical accompaniment and production within two days. Listening to it would never bring anything of that sort to mind. It is a very interesting collection and Alice has an appealing voice. It was reviewed in the New York Times Book Review which was quite a coup.
There are many more stories and books in the works, and Alice is proud that her books to-date have all covered expenses. In addition to writing, Alice is also on the speaking circuit. She has an upcoming engagement as a keynoter at Dickinson College where she will be speaking about cultural diversity. To learn more about Alice McGill visit her at her site.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
In the Hollow of Your Hand: Slave Lullabies: Slave Lullabies
Collected and sung by Alice McGill
Pictures by Michael Cummings
Over the years, singer and storyteller McGill has collected, from both sides of her family, these thirteen lullabies, which "contain the essence of black survival" passed down from slavery days. They are brief, written in the dialect of those who sang them, and filled with faith, touches of humor, and reassurances of love and protection from harm. Included with each are notes about how and where the song was heard and collected, along with explanations of the meaning or historic background of the content. In the accompanying CD, she talks to the listener about her family and collecting. Then she sings each song in a voice rich with emotion, accompanied by guitar and violin. She also narrates some of the information in the text. On opposing pages Cummings's full-page, mixed media collages have visual impact with boldness. The simplified shapes integrated with the more intricate floral patterns of the cut fabrics and all are elaborately framed. There is a sense of visual vernacular, or a folk art that parallels that of the text. For those who would like to sing or play them, the basic melodies in small format are also included. Ages birth to three years old for singing, older for historic background. 2000, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 4 to 8, $18.00. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz
Miles' Song
Alice McGill
While training to become a "house slave" in South Carolina in 1851, twelve-year-old Miles makes the mistake of looking at a book and is sent to the "breaking ground"-the brutal workplace used to break the spirits of "trouble-making" slaves. This illuminating narrative also describes an aspect of slavery not often written about-the class gap between house servants and field workers, and how slave owners magnify the difference for their own protection. It also depicts the subterfuge of slaves who had the wisdom and ability to assume whatever role "Ol' Marse" required. Field hand and house-servant dialects are skillfully done, creating understanding and respect for the double meanings and comforting rhythms that generated hope. Readers will savor Miles' secret reading lessons (he "took to sleeping with his arm wrapped around his head to protect his knowledge") and cheer his determination to take Mama Cee, his surrogate mother, to freedom. The only flaw in this compelling story is an ending that feels rushed compared to the earlier gradual and believable pace. Readers will still value the journey, sharing with Miles his motivation, pride, and pain. 2000, Houghton Mifflin, $15.00. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Betty Hicks
ISBN: 0-395-97938-2
Molly Bannaky
Alice McGill
Illustrations by Chris Soentpiet
The heroine of Alice McGill's picture book is neither black, nor American. She was a 17th century woman who defied social, racial, and gender prejudice, and was also the grandmother of celebrated African-American scientist and mathematician, Benjamin Banneker. As a young woman, Molly Bannaky committed a minor misdeed and only escaped an English death sentence because she could read and thus became an indentured servant in America. After release, she bought a farm and an African slave, who later became her husband. The introduction of Benjamin Banneker comes at the very end of the story and is a lovely surprise for those who know of him. The illustrations by Soentpiet are realistic and his obvious research and predominately monochromatic watercolors represent the period well. For those who don't know of Banneker, I recommend preceding a reading of Molly Bannaky with the recent paperback, Dear Benjamin Banneker (Harcourt, Ages 6 to 10, $16.00) by Andrea and Brian Pinkney. Scratchboard illustrations and writings filled with quotations give a sense of this man of mixed race who corresponded with Jefferson about social injustice, unraveled mysteries of the skies and seasons and published almanacs to share his knowledge with others. 1999, Houghton Mifflin, $16.00. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-395-72287-X
Molly Bannaky
Alice McGill
Illustrations by Chris K. Soentpiet
Benjamin Banneker, a respected scientist and mathematician, published an almanac that featured astronomical tables and scientific essays in 1791. What is as fascinating as this almanac is the story of Banneker's grandmother whose story is told in this stunning picture book. In 1683, Molly, a dairymaid accidentally spilled the cow's milk. According to English law, she could be hung. Since she could read the Bible, her life was spared. She was shipped to Maryland as an indentured servant. Seven years later, she won her freedom, a plow, tobacco, and corn seeds to begin a new life. She bought a slave to help her run her farm. They married, which was a shock to the locals because she was white! They raised four daughters, one of whom was Banneker's mother. Soentpiet's paintings glow with humanity. The panoramic scenes leave indelible mind images. 1999, Houghton, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-395-72287-X
Added 2001
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