I have a weakness for books that celebrate literacy, and people that are creative to help spread it. I loved this story about a man that sets up a school on a steamboat and sails it into a different state's waters when his state outlaws schools for African Americans.

STEAMBOAT SCHOOL is a fictional story that was inspired by the life of Rev. John Berry Meachum. It tells of how he and others found a way to educate black children despite an unfair law in Missouri at the time that stated that "No person shall keep any school for the instruction of negroes or mulattoes, reading or writing in the state." It illustrates the unfair treatment of black Americans during that time and how some were able to fight against it. Loved the black and white illustrations with a just a little color splashed in here or there and found it fitting to the theme of equality (between whites and black people of the time). ( )

It’s important for kids to recognize and appreciate all kinds of bravery and understand that many of their peers are called on to be brave in ways they may have never considered. History comes alive in the illustrations, and the story takes on special significance by being told by a young boy. Hopkinson shares the story of a heroic teacher by showing the effect he had on one child. Seeing this slice of history through James’ eyes provides a window into this time and place. It’s a great tribute to teachers who find a way to teach and reach children who face obstacles of all kinds. It also opens up the door to discussion on the importance of education and why people were/are willing to risk so much. I really like the way Hopkinson shows bravery in small acts, such as using the pencil as the instrument of courage and opposition is brilliant. Ordinary people, ordinary objects, ordinary acts; courage isn’t always what we might think.
To me, the heart of the story is in the quote, “We make our own light here.” ( )

based on a true story.

Steamboat School is a story of a young boy and girl who dream to learn in school. When their school closes due to a new slavery act, the young boy finds an old steamboat that can be used as a classroom. This story is based on true events that occurred in the 1800s. In the state of Missouri, African American education was forbidden. The young boy and girl did not give up on themselves or their right to learn. The refused to accept the discrimination and found a way for them to build a new school for them to learn in without breaking the law. The school was created in a steamboat that floated on the Mississippi River, which was just outside the boundary of the new law. The central message of this story is to stay determined and fight for what you believe in. If the young boy and girl gave up on themselves and abided to the discriminatory laws, they would have never been able to get the proper education that they deserved. Deborah Hopkinson does a great job of portraying how difficult times were for African Americans during slavery. This book is a great book for students to read so they can learn about how unfair slavery was for African Americans, as well as how important it is to be determined and motivated to fight for what you believe in. ( )