This Is the Rope

Written by Jacqueline Woodson · Illustrated by James Ransome

A family's journey north is tied to a rope passed through generations.

4.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,085 ratings

32 pages· AD1090L

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Bookroo's summary

In the era of the Great Migration, a young girl in South Carolina discovers a rope that becomes a symbol of her family's journey and resilience. As they move north to New York City, this simple rope weaves through their lives, connecting past and future. From playful childhood games to the binding of suitcases for their big move, the rope witnesses their struggles and triumphs. Now, as a grandmother, she reflects on the legacy of hope and change that the rope represents. What stories does this rope hold, and how will it shape their future?

From the publisher

A rope passed down through the generations frames an African-American family’s story as they journey north to New York City from the rural south during the time of the Great Migration. Full color.

Awards

Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2014)

At a glance

Format: Paperback
Pages: 32
Reading age: 5–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD1090L

Themes & topics

Books about history Books about civil rights movement Books about Martin Luther King, Jr.Books about family history Books about feelings and emotions

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.4

out of 7

4.0

“This is a unique story about one woman's family. Author Jacqueline Woodson, a Newbery Honor-winning author uses a commonplace object--a rope--to tell symbolically of one family's migration from the South to New York City, where they built a successful life. The rope features in small, ordinary moments while the family's story moves quickly through the years. It's used to tie down objects when moving, hang clothes to dry, and skip rope with new friends, among other things. This book feels like reading a small biography of another person's family.”

Lemony Snickers

Trusted reviewer

The author