69. In the Time of the Drums, by Kim L. Siegelson

 

69. In the Time of the Drums, by Kim L. Siegelson


Siegelson, K.L. (1999). In the time of the drums. NY: Hyperion Books for Children. 

Young Mentu was island born, but Grandmother Twi had come from Africa, and she longs for home. Thanks to Twi, Mentu learns to play the drums and to respect the strength of the music.  Huge ships often landed near Teakettle Creek bringing African people to work on the island's plantations. Some of the Africans who live on the island made goatskin drums and play music to remind themselves of home.  One day a new ship carrying Africans docked at Teakettle Creek.  They send out the beat of drums from the ship who are pounding for their homeland. The beat calls to Twi, urging her to seek freedom. But the only place for freedom is in the murky waters of Teakettle Creek.   Grandmother Twi transforms into a young woman and leads the Africans into the water back to the homeland.

This story is the folklore/legend genre.  I found a teacher’s guide that has a lot of information.  It concludes It has pre and post reading sections that include questions.  Activities to go along with the book, and cross curricular activities.

https://www.leeandlow.com/uploads/loaded_document/432/In_the_Time_of_the_Drums_.pdf

 

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