Thunder Rose written by Jerdine Nolen and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Genre I: Picture Books

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nolen, Jerdine. 2003. Thunder Rose. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152164723

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Thunder Rose is a tall tale of an extraordinary Texas girl born “free and clear” during a tremendous storm. From the very beginning this African American child achieves great feats in true tall tale style. What is unique about Rose’s story is the deep love she and her parents express to one another. At her birth both Ma and Pa lift their “voices in song” out of the joy they feel. Rose responds, “There is a music ringing so sweetly in my ears…It’s giving me a fortunate feeling rumbling deep in the pit of me. I’ll register it here at the bull’s eye set in the center of my heart and see what I can do with it one day!” That day comes when Rose battles a “riotous” storm to save her herd of Longhorn cattle on the way to an Abilene market.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Nolen’s powerful, expressive, regional and historical language is irresistible in this Texas tall tale. The author depicts those able to thrive in the Wild West as determined and resolute folks. Her African American characters also portray a culture of independent, sturdy people who are strong in body, mind and spirit.

While the colorful and rich voice of Nolen’s tale is a delight, I found the story to be disconnected and heavy with uninteresting mini adventures. Even for a tall tale, there were so many episodes of legendary acts performed by our heroine that the overall story fell flat and almost lost its appeal. Almost but not quite, for I am a true fan of Texas tall tales and this one has a special charm about it.

Kadir Nelson used a combination of oil, water color and pencil to create his illustrations. His choices of bright but realistic colors bring life to the text. His attention to the facial expressions and body language of the characters help the reader to “see” the emotion and confidence of each one. Nelson brilliantly portrays the “fortunate feeling” of which Thunder Rose speaks through his art.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST: "Exuberant . . . A terrific read-aloud.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A wonderful tale of joy and love, as robust and vivid as the wide West . . . A splendid, colorful, and most welcome addition to the tall-tale genre."
CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR HONOR AWARD BOOK 2004
IRA-CBC CHILDREN’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER 2004
NICK JR. FAMILY MAGAZINE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2004

5. CONNECTIONS
*When planning a unit of tall tale studies include this book and challenge students to think of other nontraditional legendary heroes.
*Enrich an African American or pioneer unit with this unique tall tale.
*This story should be read aloud with the proper accent and enthusiastic expression in which it is written or the audience will not experience the full effect of the story.