Fleischman, P. (1997). Seedfolks. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Summary: This very short novella tells the story of thirteen very diverse individuals whose live become entwined in a garden. All of the folks live in Cleveland in a run down part of the city. They are of all ages and all races. It all begins with a young girl that tries to grow a bean. Soon everyone is planting and sprucing up the vacant lot that becomes their garden. They help one another out and learn their personal and at times heart-breaking stories along the way.
Rationale for Selection: Ever since I began teaching I have been hearing about this book. Finally I read it after the book talk in class. I also wanted to check it out because it is very short, and I also have mostly minority students that could relate.
Reader Response: This was one of those books that I think teachers would love, but not so much students! I don’t think there is enough action in the story. There are vignettes that I think the kids could relate to, but not all of them. I enjoyed it because it was a quick read, and the setting was in Cleveland, Ohio. I’m originally from Ohio, so I felt a connection there.
Genre and Themes: Gardens, city life, neighborhoods, relationships, diversity.
Teacher Thinking Notes: I don’t think that I would use this as a class read aloud—definitely not enough going on. However, I did recommend this book to one of my brand new ESOL students, and she seemed to like it. I know that she felt successful after finishing this book. It doesn’t look like a kid book, and it is short. They had a Haitian character in this novella, and I have many Haitian students. I know that it is difficult to find books with characters of Haitian descent—so I am glad that my ESOL student could find a connection there.
Grade or Reading Level: 6th-12th
Interest level: medium
Quality level: high
Summary: This very short novella tells the story of thirteen very diverse individuals whose live become entwined in a garden. All of the folks live in Cleveland in a run down part of the city. They are of all ages and all races. It all begins with a young girl that tries to grow a bean. Soon everyone is planting and sprucing up the vacant lot that becomes their garden. They help one another out and learn their personal and at times heart-breaking stories along the way.
Rationale for Selection: Ever since I began teaching I have been hearing about this book. Finally I read it after the book talk in class. I also wanted to check it out because it is very short, and I also have mostly minority students that could relate.
Reader Response: This was one of those books that I think teachers would love, but not so much students! I don’t think there is enough action in the story. There are vignettes that I think the kids could relate to, but not all of them. I enjoyed it because it was a quick read, and the setting was in Cleveland, Ohio. I’m originally from Ohio, so I felt a connection there.
Genre and Themes: Gardens, city life, neighborhoods, relationships, diversity.
Teacher Thinking Notes: I don’t think that I would use this as a class read aloud—definitely not enough going on. However, I did recommend this book to one of my brand new ESOL students, and she seemed to like it. I know that she felt successful after finishing this book. It doesn’t look like a kid book, and it is short. They had a Haitian character in this novella, and I have many Haitian students. I know that it is difficult to find books with characters of Haitian descent—so I am glad that my ESOL student could find a connection there.
Grade or Reading Level: 6th-12th
Interest level: medium
Quality level: high
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