Uncle Jed's Barbershop

by Margaree King Mitchell and James Ransome

Mitchell's first person narrative relates how her granddaddy's brother Jedediah Johnson,... read more

Mitchell's first person narrative relates how her granddaddy's brother Jedediah Johnson, the only black barber in the county, was her favorite relative. She tells about his Wednesday night visits to her family, how he paid for the operation she needed to save her life, and how the Depression caused him to lose money he saved for a barbershop. This heartwarming story is the portrait of a generous, indomitable man whose personal dream was finally fulfilled when he is 79 years old. The 11 3/4" by 9 1/4" picture story is also a straightforward account of segregation and its impact on one family during a crisis; and of one man plying his trade to make a living. Ransome's dramatic illustrations created with oil paint on paper are reproduced in full color. (Ages 5-9)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 1993

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