The Sittin' Up
What’s inside...
When Mr. Bro. Wiley, Bean's adopted grandfather and the last slave man around, dies in the summer of 1940, Bean and his very best friend Pole are deeply hurt, as is everyone in the Low Meadows. Despite their grief, Bean and Pole are proud and excited to participate in their first Sittin' Up, a wake for the deceased. This special week is anticipated to be unforgettable, especially with a looming storm that threatens to flood the Low Meadows during Mr. Bro. Wiley's Sittin' Up. Shelia P. Moses weaves a charming tale filled with humor and heartfelt moments, making it an affecting and entertaining story.
Age
10-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bean
Mama
Mr. Bro. Wiley
Freedman
Discussion points
How did the characters' reactions to Mr. Bro. Wiley’s death help you understand their feelings about him?
What do you think about the way Bean and the community honor Mr. Bro. Wiley? How do you think you would like to be remembered?
How does the setting in 'The Sittin' Up' influence the story? Can you think of ways the time period impacts the characters' lives?
What lessons do you think Bean learns throughout the book? Which of those lessons do you think is most important?
How do the themes of friendship and community in the book make you feel about your own relationships and community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by relating to their personal experiences.
Discuss the historical context of the book to give your child a deeper understanding of the characters' lives and challenges.
Ask your child to think about the different ways people can show love and respect for each other, drawing examples from the book.
Invite your child to consider what they would do in Bean's shoes and explore the idea of personal and community responsibility.
Highlight the growth of the characters in the story and relate it to your child's own experiences of growth and change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of community and support
Explanation: The story highlights how a community comes together to support each other during the difficult time of a funeral and mourning.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting friends and family during tough times, emphasizing the importance of being there for others.
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting cultural traditions
Explanation: The book delves into the rituals and traditions of a Southern African American wake, showcasing the cultural significance and respect tied to these practices.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to learn and respect diverse cultural traditions and understand the deeper meanings behind them, promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss and grief
Explanation: Through the characters' experiences, the story addresses the emotions and processes associated with dealing with death.
Real-World Application: It provides children with a framework to understand their emotions and reactions to loss, helping them to cope with similar situations in their lives.
Example Lesson: Strength and resilience
Explanation: The characters demonstrate strength and resilience in the face of adversity, providing a model for overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that resilience and inner strength are key to facing life's challenges, encouraging them to develop these qualities in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The power of stories and memory
Explanation: The book shows how stories and memories keep a person's spirit alive even after they are gone, capturing the essence of the deceased's impact on their community.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of memories and storytelling in preserving history and personal bonds, encouraging them to value and share their own stories and those of others.