Thursday, July 14, 2022

THE PEACH PIT PARADE: A World War I Story. An Historical Fiction Picture Book Review and Giveaway

North Carolina picture book author, Shana Keller, is no newcomer to my blog. Some of you may remember Bread for Words, Tick Tock Banneker's Clock, or Fly, Firefly--her three other engaging books published by Sleeping Bear Press.  Her fourth book, Peach Pit Parade is illustrated by Margeaux Lucas. The soft tones Ms. Lucas used speak of Polly's love for her soldier father. The characters' faces portray their emotions beautifully. 


REVIEW

"Polly felt everything change when the whole world got into a fight. A big fight."

The first page of the book shows the front page headline, "U.S. AT WAR!" The reader is brought into Polly's world in this second illustration:



Even though Polly missed her father terribly, she and her mother stayed busy planting a victory garden and thinking of ways to help with the war effort.

Polly's teacher encouraged her students to get involved.

Polly wondered what could she do?


Miss Jennings had a strange request. "The government needs our help to collect all types of fruit pits, especially peach pits."

Her teacher explained that the pits were needed in the gas masks which the soldiers wore. The pits helped absolve harmful gasses. 

A newspaper ad to encourage Americans to save fruit pits.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/570286058/1917-original-wwi-american-red-cross

Polly's next problem was to figure out how to collect enough peach pits to make a difference. She had participated in "send-off" parades when people gave soldiers extra blankets and books when they were leaving. What about a peach pit parade?

Polly shared her idea with her class and her Girl Scout troop. Neighbors, family, friends, and even the local newspaper got excited about the parade.

With Polly in the lead and flutes and cymbals playing, the parade wound through town. 



"In the end of the day, every wagon, bucket, basket, and barrel was filled with pits."



Polly's smile shone brighter than the sun. In that moment, she felt as if the cloud of war had cleared away. Polly finally felt like she was doing all she could, and she couldn't wait to write to her father about the Peach Pit Parade.


CURRICULUM RESOURCE

Like Shana's previous books, The Peach Pit Parade is a great addition to the K-3rd grade classroom. You will find additional resources for each one of her books on her website; here is her page for The Peach Pit Parade. This inspiriting STEM book can prompt conversations about war, compassion, service, and how individuals can make a difference. 




https://texascooppower.com/patriotic-peach-pits/



BOOK JOURNEY

For an inside view of Shana's book journey and how she became interested in the role of peach pits and the Girl Scouts in WWI, see Kathy Temean's blog.

GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment with your name and email address (if you are new to my blog) by July 18. If you prefer, you can email me. Let me know if you are an educator or librarian and I'll put your name in twice. U.S. addresses only. NOTE: If you don't see your comment immediately, don't worry. I screen all comments and then publish them. 

Congratulations to Michelle Tracey who won Footprints Across the Planet last week.

24 comments:

Beth Anderson said...

Fascinating! I love this!

Connie Porter Saunders said...

The history lover in me loves the concept of this story, and I believe that it would be a wonderful book to share with my granddaughter. She enters 3rd grade in 5 weeks! Thanks for sharing.
Connie
cps1850(at)gmail(dot)com

Marci said...

WOW! This book looks to be full of heart and information--a story we need to hear with info we don't often see. I can't wait to see the whole story. Congrats!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Beth, Connie, and Marci. You're all in!

Terri DeGezelle Michels said...

AMAZING piece of history that I am so thankful was found and not forgotten. Great Job!

Carol Baldwin said...

Agreed, Terri!

Danielle H. said...

I saw this on Kathy's blog and knew I had to read this. I'm absolutely loving all the "new" history I'm learning by reading picture books. This story is so important.

Carol Baldwin said...

I agree, Danielle!

Unknown said...

WOW! a great book. I love the illustrations and actual photos!
Always enjoy reading about the books you share.
Hew Mason

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Hewi. Glad you commented too.

Shari Swanson said...

This is fascinating history! I love the way children have some agency to help win the war effort!

Susan Latta said...

So fascinating, can't wait to read!

Trish said...

What a fascinating piece of history showing how even a child’s compassionate heart and actions made a difference in war time. Looks like a wonderful book!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Trish. It is!

Storylady said...

I would love to have this book--such an interesting story. Thanks.

Carol Baldwin said...

You would love it, Gwen!

emma d dryden said...

Fascinating history - and looks like a beautiful book!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Emma. It is on both counts!

Rosi said...

Well, I certainly learned something today. What a fascinating story! I can't wait to read this book. Thanks for the post.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Rosi. You're in!

Carolyn Fraiser said...

Oh what a great book! I was just reading victory gardens this weekend while researching a very similar topic and really want to read this! It looks amazing -- thank you for telling this story.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Carolyn. It is an amazing story!

Kathy Cannon Wiechman said...

I love a good historical story. This one sounds great!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Kathy. You're in!

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