In this timely reissue, a father and son help their community claim
the right to vote in the post Civil-War South.
A son teaches his father how to write his name so he can vote for the
first time in this historical tale filled with warmth and strength by
Coretta Scott King Honor winner Colin Bootman's expressive oil
paintings.
In a new author's note, veteran teacher and author Gwendolyn
Battle-Lavert expands upon the obstacles facing African American voters
in the aftermath of the Civil War and the fight to end voter suppression
that goes on even today.
Simms knows election day will be a big day for his papa, and for all of
Lamar County. For the very first time, Papa will get to vote. But Simms
wishes his papa could write his own name, so he could go to the
courthouse with head held high. And Simms is determined to teach Papa,
because, like his father, he knows that freedom doesn't come easy.