View on Biblioguides
Readers of Plumfield Moms may have noticed that I’ve been collecting and reading my way through the Tales of Young Americans series this year. These picture books are vivid slices of American history—accessible for younger readers, yet rich enough to captivate adults like me. I find myself getting lost in their brief but powerful stories, and each one leaves me with a deeper appreciation for some aspect of our American story.
As a librarian, I’ve observed that once families read one or two of these titles, they often want to read them all. In response, I’ve begun bundling them into pouches—four books per set, with a balance of stories featuring boys and girls and a mix of historical periods. With about twenty books in the series, I expect to end up with five bundles.
Pappy’s Handkerchief, by Devin Scillian and Chris Ellison, was one of the last titles I acquired, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. Dramatic, historically interesting, and gorgeously illustrated, this story is excellent. Though not based on one specific family, it draws from the real experiences of many Black families who participated in the Oklahoma Land Runs of 1889.
The story follows Moses and his father Ephraim, who run a fish stall in Baltimore. Moses' parents and grandparents are freed slaves who had moved north in search of opportunity. One day, they overhear a literate young Black man named Liberty describing the promise of free land in Oklahoma, even for Blacks. Intrigued, Ephraim is drawn to the idea. Over the next few days, the family sells everything they can—wedding rings, Granny’s lace, Pappy’s walking stick, and Ephraim’s fish knives—to afford train fare west. When that isn’t enough, they trade their market stall for a wagon and two horses and begin the long, uncertain journey.
They traverse many dangerous miles and have their share of good and bad luck along the way. When they get to Oklahoma, Pappy and Liberty are sick with fever. Nonetheless, the family stands resolute in their need to participate in the run. When the cannon fires, their wagon takes off with the others. But, the tall grasses are hiding a deep creek bed, and when their horse Maybelle falls, she takes the wagon down with her.
In an intense scene, the wrecked wagon and injured family try to salvage their future. In trying to free Maybelle from the wagon, Ephraim ends up breaking his leg. With Liberty and Pappy sick and Ephraim injured, Pappy calls to Moses, presses his handkerchief into the boy’s hand, and tells him to take the other horse and ride—fast and far—until he finds their farm.
And so, Moses does.
I consider this series indispensable in my library, and Pappy’s Handkerchief especially so. It’s a compelling read-aloud, an excellent resource for studies of Westward Expansion, and an important portrayal of Black American history. I highly recommend it.
BRR Summary:
As I continue reading through the Tales of Young Americans series, Pappy’s Handkerchief has quickly become one of my favorites. Set during the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, this powerful story follows a Black family’s courageous journey westward in search of freedom and opportunity. Though not based on a single real-life account, the story is drawn from the experiences of many families. The illustrations are breathtaking, and the writing is strong—making this an ideal read-aloud and a valuable addition to any study of Westward Expansion or Black American history.