Ellen’s Broom

Submitted by Ms. Catherine!
Before slavery was outlawed in the United States, the marriages of slaves were not protected by laws. Men and women who wanted to be married could only pledge themselves to each other and symbolize this by jumping over a broom together. But after slavery was done away with, former slaves could be legally married. In Ellen’s Broom, written by Kelly Starling Lyons, and illustrated by Daniel Minter, we see the story of one family’s joy in finally being officially married. The story is told from the perspective of the couple’s youngest daughter who feels it is important to keep the tradition of the broom alive, even if her parents can be legally married now. With rich and colorful illustrations, the reader witnesses a beautiful story based on history. The author’s note at the end of the book will provide a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to discuss how the United States has changed and how our country is a better place now that slavery is outlawed. This will be a wonderful picture book to share with elementary school students. See this book listed in our catalog