I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl, Mars Bluff, South Carolina 1865 (Dear America Series)
Dear America Series
on Goodreads (5,229)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Patsy keeps a diary of the ripe but confusing time following the end of the Civil War and the granting of freedom to former slaves. The two-time Coretta Scott King Honor Book recipient offers a poignant narrative about a freed slave girl during the Reconstruction Era in the South.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Patsy
Discussion points
How did Patsy's experiences and feelings about freedom change throughout the book?
What challenges did Patsy face, and how did she overcome them?
Why is it important to keep a diary, like Patsy did?
What did you learn about life after the Civil War for freed slaves?
How can we apply the lessons from Patsy’s story to today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Patsy's journey, relating her struggles and triumphs to personal experiences.
Discuss the historical context and significance of Patsy's diary, giving your child a deeper understanding of the time period.
Highlight Patsy’s growth and resilience, prompting your child to think about how they can demonstrate resilience in their own life.
Compare and contrast your child’s daily life with Patsy’s, fostering empathy and appreciation for different life circumstances.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of self-identity and resilience
Explanation: Patsy, despite her disabilities and the challenges of being a freed girl, shows incredible resilience and determination to find and assert her identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique traits and overcome personal challenges, fostering a strong sense of identity and resilience in face of adversity.
Example Lesson: Value of education and literacy
Explanation: Patsy's journey of teaching herself to read and write highlights the transformative power of education.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value their education and see literacy as a tool for personal growth and empowerment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: Through Patsy’s interactions with others in her community, the narrative showcases the importance of empathy and understanding different life experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace diversity, fostering empathy and understanding towards people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage to voice one’s thoughts
Explanation: Patsy's secret diary entries reveal her courage in expressing herself and documenting her thoughts amid societal constraints.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to express themselves freely and confidently, understanding the importance of voicing their thoughts and feelings.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and appreciation
Explanation: Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the book provides historical insights into the lives of freed slaves, enriching children’s historical knowledge.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop a deeper appreciation and interest in history, understanding its relevance and impact on present day.