Goin' Someplace Special

Summary: Tricia Ann is on her way to a special place. Her character must remain brave along the way of her journey as she is continuously made aware of the segregation around her. In the end she makes it to her special place, which is a library. It is revealed that this place is special to her because everyone is welcome.

Bib Info: McKissack, P.C. (2001). Goin’ Someplace Special. New York, NY: Antheneum Books for Young Readers.

Interest Level: K-3

Impression: Tricia Ann’s character in the story reveals many emotions as she makes her way to the public library. At one point, she wanted to give up and head back home. Instead, she remained strong and determined to get to the library where she knew it was one place where she didn’t have to worry about segregation.

Reviews and Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books 2002, Kirkus Reviews 09/15/01, Book Links 01/01/07, New York Times 02/10/02, Booklist starred 08/01/01, Publishers Weekly 08/06/01, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 09/01/01, School Library Journal 09/01/01, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award 2002, Wilson's Children 10/01/10, Horn Book 11/01/01

Reviews: Gr 3-5-'Tricia Ann's first solo trip out of her neighborhood reveals the segregation of 1950s' Nashville and the pride a young African-American girl takes in her heritage and her sense of self-worth. In an eye-opening journey, McKissack takes the child through an experience based upon her own personal history and the multiple indignities of the period. She experiences a city bus ride and segregated parks, restaurants, hotels, and theaters and travels toward "Someplace Special." In the end, readers see that 'Tricia Ann's destination is the integrated public library, a haven for all in a historical era of courage and change. Dialogue illustrates her confidence and intelligence as she bravely searches for truth in a city of Jim Crow signs. Pinkney re-creates the city in detailed pencil-and-watercolor art angled over full-page spreads, highlighting the young girl with vibrant color in each illustration. A thought-provoking story for group sharing and independent readers.
Elam, M. (2001, September 1). [Review of the book Goin’ someplace special by P. McKissack]. School Library Journal. Retrieved from: http://www.slj.com/

Pinkney's characteristic, pastel watercolors place this story long ago. 'Tricia Ann is excited about the prospect of going someplace special without her grandmother, until she loses her way in a throng of folks who push her into a hotel lobby where "colored people" aren't allowed. References to seats at the back of the bus and a "Jim Crow sign" indicating the "colored section," as well as a bench labeled "for whites only," will require explanation for children. The special place named in the title is the public library, where "all are welcome." (The drawings of stone blocks and columns on the endpapers suggest Andrew Carnegie's libraries.) McKissack concludes her story with information about her childhood in Nashville, Tennessee, and the importance of the love, respect, and pride that fortified her and enabled her, as they do 'Tricia Ann, to face racial bigotry and discrimination. This book would be useful for discussions of daily life and instances of injustice in the 1950s, civil rights, and the importance of free access to information and recreational reading. As such, it would be a wonderful addition to library and school collections. Recommended.
Nelson, A.B. (2002, March/April). [Review of the book Goin’ someplace special by P. McKissack]. Library Talk. Retrieved from: http://www.librarymediaconnection.com/lmc/

Use in library setting: This book could be used during a storytime to explore segregation and feelings. The students can then compare and contrast how things are today versus how they were when Tricia Ann was going to the library.