I thought this book was a good read because it brings a different perspective from what I have typically been noticing. The main protagonist longs for an education and this provides a good impression on young readers to value what they have available, whether that be an education or some sort of possession. It teaches the value of not to take anything for granted. The plot was well done through its organization showing constant determination in the main protagonist even though she is constantly denied access to an education. The characters were also well developed and utilized. Towards the end of the book, the girl's father lets her know that she will be the smartest and hardest-working person in the family, compared to her brothers, because of her determination, which is not typically mentioned for a female in this particular time period. ( )

I enjoyed reading the book Off to School. I believe this is an excellent book to teach children about African-American culture in the past and show them how lucky they are to be able to go to school. One thing I truly enjoyed was how the author introduced the characters through an accurate use of language. At one point in the book papa says "I know you excited about going to school... Time ain't as long as it's been." I think this helps the reader to understand the character of papa more than the description of him because it shows his relaxed and wise way of talking. The author also paid close attention to use the dialect that fit the time and place of the story. I enjoyed how the book also kept the reader in suspense to see what the result would be when Wezielee continued to do things she wasn't supposed to. I also enjoyed how the book showed the time period through an accurate illustration of the school house. Although it wasn't mentioned the schoolhouse was segregated in the illustration this is something that could easily be pointed out and discussed with a class. Overall I thought this was an excellent book that kept the readers attention from beginning to end and truly teaches the lesson of patience. ( )

I think the book “Off to School” is a great book. One reason I really enjoyed this book was because it depicts a very unique culture. Wezielee is the child of a migrant family that works in the fields and moves with the crops. This allows students to realize that not everyone has the opportunity to go to school, even if they want to. In addition, the book uses a non-standard dialect of English, unique to African Americans. For instance, the father says things such as, “Child, it’ll happen”, “You can get mighty hungry in them fields”, and “Time ain’t as long as it’s been.” It is important for children to be exposed to different lifestyles and ways of speaking in order for them to be culturally aware. The last thing that I really enjoyed about this book were the illustrations. Not only were they culturally diverse, but the facial expressions were phenomenal. The emotion depicted in the illustrations really added to the story, especially on the page that Wezielee’s father told her she was allowed to go to school now. The main idea of the story is that Wezielee’s perseverance paid off, and she earned what she wanted all along- the ability to go to school. ( )

This is a very different kind of story for young children to read. I think that it is heartwarming to see how much the young girl values her education. Overall, I think that this is a great book. This story pushes readers to think about a different lifestyle, and to value their education as well as resources they are provided with. It teaches children to not take anything for granted, and that in order for hard work to pay off patience is necessary. I especially like the plot of this story. I like how the author demonstrates how much the young girl, Wezielee, wants to go to school and learn, rather than stay at home and cook. It helps young girls to break the stereotype that girls need to be home the ones at home cooking. They can make a future for themselves. I also like how the story promotes feminism, specifically at the end. Papa tells Weizelee that she is going to be the smartest one in the family and the one to work the hardest for her education. It is refreshing to see this opportunity given to a girl during this time period, rather than one of her brothers. Finally, I overall enjoy the determination that the author makes Weizelee have. For example, she tries every day to walk to the school, regardless of her Papa’s wishes. This shows that she is willing to fight for what she believes in and what she thinks is important. ( )

This book is about a sharecropping family. One of the daughters Wezielee, cannot wait to attend the local school but she has to wait till harvest season is over. While she is distracted by dreaming of school, she messes up all of her household chores. This story was very sweet and kind of funny. ( )