The People Could Fly

By Virginia Hamilton, Leo Dillon (Illustrator), Diane Dillon Ph.D. (Illustrator)

Slaves discover magic words to fly to freedom, while others find liberation in storytelling.

4.4/5 Goodreads · 853 ratings

32 pages

$16.95Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In a world where ancient magic words grant the power to fly, some slaves escape to freedom, leaving others behind. Those left behind weave tales of flight, finding solace in imagination. This poignant story explores the duality of physical and mental liberation, capturing the enduring spirit of hope and resilience. Vivid illustrations bring to life the dreams and struggles of those who could and could not fly, inviting readers to ponder the power of stories and the quest for freedom. What happens when the body is bound, but the spirit soars?

From the publisher

“THE PEOPLE COULD FLY,” the title story in Virginia Hamilton’s prize-winning American Black folktale collection, is a fantasy tale of the slaves who possessed the ancient magic words that enabled them to literally fly away to freedom. And it is a moving tale of those who did not have the opportunity to “fly” away, who remained slaves with only their imaginations to set them free as they told and retold this tale.

Leo and Diane Dillon have created powerful new illustrations in full color for every page of this picture book presentation of Virginia Hamilton’s most beloved tale. The author’s original historical note as well as her previously unpublished notes are included.

Awards for The People Could Fly collection:

A Coretta Scott King Award

A Booklist Children’s Editors’ Choice

A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

A Horn Book Fanfare

An ALA Notable Book

An NCTE Teachers’ Choice

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year