Uncle Jed's Barbershop

Mitchell, M., & Ransome, J. (1993). Uncle Jed's Barbershop. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Readability lexile: AD710L

Adult Directed - Picture books often get an AD or "Adult Directed" code. They're usually read to a child, rather than a child reading them independently. Although seemingly easy reading, some picture books actually have pretty high Lexile measures, and could present a challenging independent reading experience to an age-appropriate reader. Initially, an adult may want to read the book along with the child.

Summary:

Told from a young African-American girl's point of view, this gloriously illustrated read-aloud story about dreams and determination takes place in the segregated South. Sarah Jean's uncle is the only black barber in the county and dreams of opening his own barbershop. 

Evaluation of the text based on Donna Norton's characteristics of high quality literature (Norton, D. (2011):

This book could be used as high quality literature, because it serves for multiple avenues of learning. For example, this book could be used to teach about dreams and determination. Dreams should be something of a reality and if you truly believe it in, you can achieve it. Many of our students in schools just don't see dreams. We as teachers need to make it clear to them that everyone has hopes and dreams, and they do matter. 

In the Ten Steps for Reviewing Children's Literature by Norton, I think this book addresses the story line the best. The story line is about Sarah Jean's uncle being an African American barber, with the dream of opening up a barbershop of his own. 

Literary Elements:

1. Genre: General Fiction

2. Theme: African American 

3. Setting: In the segregated South.

Mini-Lesson:

The lesson I would teach would be about dreams. After reading this book, I would have a discussion about dreams and wishes that my students have for themselves. I would have them write a short essay about their dream(s) and have them explain how they are going to be achieved.

Target Audience: Grades 3-5

My personal reaction to this story was that I was happy to find a children's book that addressed dreams other than people of European American culture. I believe it is important that young learners be exposed to books about other than their norm. Dreams belong to everyone. Not just some.