posted on 16 Oct 2015

 

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch

It's difficult to believe that the original version of this ground breaking children's picture book was published twenty five years ago. Written partly to address a concern at the dearth of positive representations of children from Black and Minority Ethnic (BaME) backgrounds, this charming story about the feisty eponymous heroine continues to entertain readers from all backgrounds. This is because it is a well written, beautifully illustrated story about an ordinary lively eight year old who has dreams and aspirations that are encouraged by all around her.

Grace has many interests and loves playing imaginatively at home and at school. I particularly like the illustration where she is involving her weary looking family members in a game that involves them dressing up and joining in somewhat reluctantly (many of us recognise that scenario I am sure). The style of the pictures is unfashionably realistic - this is an artist who obviously knows how to draw from life. She somehow manages to convey the extrovert personality of Grace who I would bet  is an enthusiastic and confident child who would not easily be ignored. She has a passion for acting and so desperately wants to be chosen for the lead role in the school production of ' Peter Pan'. Despite all the odds you will be glad to know that she eventually succeeds and we all share her evident delight because she is such a likeable child. I know that this is only a story but I would love to teach her and I would also be very pleased to have her in the same class of any children in my family. 

The anniversary edition includes some very interesting context for the story from the author and illustrator and accolades from Floella Benjamin and LeVar Burton. The clever title gives us a cultural connection with the protest song with its slave origins that is now a well known popular hymn. At the same time, Grace is truly amazing in every respect . If you haven't come across her before - here is your chance to get to know a great literary personality and to introduce her to even more children. Once they get to know her, they will be delighted to know that there are six other books in the series.

 

Karen Argent

14th October 2015