What Is Given from the Heart
What's This Book About
This final, magnificent picture book from three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author Patricia McKissack is a poignant and uplifting celebration of the joy of giving. “Misery loves company,” Mama says to James Otis. It’s been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they’re blessed. One Sunday before Valentine’s Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service— the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple’s “love box,” but what does he have worth giving? With her extraordinary gift for storytelling, McKissack—with stunning illustrations by Harrison—delivers a touching, powerful tale of compassion and reminds us all that what is given from the heart, reaches the heart.
What Kind of Book is What Is Given from the Heart
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Race, Ethnicities, & Nationalities
What Questions Should I Ask My Child
- Mama encourages James Otis to find something to give to a family struggling more than they. Even though James Otis doesn't think he has much to give, his Mama teaches him that you can always give from the heart. Do you have any items you could let go of and donate to help someone in need?
- James Otis comes up with the perfect gift for Sarah because it's a gift of love from his heart. We don't always have to give objects to help others—what gifts can you give, from the heart, that aren't objects (like smiling or being a friend)?
Reviews
This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are phenomenal and the message is one that sinks deep into the soul—the joy that comes from giving not from our plenty but from our own lack.
"But James Otis can’t think of anything he has that the little girl would want. Finally, he comes up with a plan, and what he gives from the heart, little Sarah cherishes."
"But when their pastor asks the congregation to help a family who lost everything in a fire, Mama does her part, sewing an apron made from her cherished white tablecloth, and she expects James to find “a li’l bit of something” for the girl, Sarah."
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The Creatives Behind the Book
PATRICIA MCKISSACK is one of the most acclaimed authors writing for children today. She has written many award-winning books, including Never Forgotten, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book; Porch Lies, an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book; The Dark Thirty, a Newbery Honor Book; Let My People Go, recipient of the NAACP Image Award; and Mirandy and Brother Wind, a Caldecott Honor Book. Her other books include The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll, Goin’ Someplace Special, and Precious and the Boo Hag. Patricia and her husband, Frederick McKissack, are the recipients of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.
April Harrison is a renowned folk artist born and currently residing in Greenville, South Carolina. Her work appears in the public collections of Vanderbilt University, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, the Atlanta Housing Authority, and the Erskine University Museum and in many private collections. This is her first picture book. Learn more at aprilsonggallery.com.
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 9780375836152
- Publication Date
- January 1, 2019
- Publisher
- Random House Children's Books
- Text Details
- The text of this book is set in Adobe Caslon Pro.
- Illustration Details
- The illustrations were rendered in mixed media, including acrylics, collage, art pens, and found objects.
- Page Count
- 40
- Words Per Page
- 27
- Audience
- Picture
- Reading Age
- 4 - 8 years
- Lib. of Congress (LCCN)
- 2006030981
- WorldCat Number (OCLC)
- 1030446666
- Lexile® Level
- AD660L
- Est. Fountas & Pinnell Level
- ~P
- ATOS® Book Level
- 3.3
- Accelerated Reader® Points
- 0.5
- Accelerated Reader Quiz
- 117897
- Accelerated Reader Interest Level
- LG
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