Summary
This is a beautifully written biography of writer Zora Neale Hurston’s life from her storytelling as a young girl in Eatonville, to her determination to overcoming adversity and becoming a published writer. Zora spent her childhood telling stories at Joe Clarkes general store despite her family calling it “lying”. Zora continues to tell her stories as her mother encourages her to “jump at de sun”. She goes onto Howard University where she continues to tell her stories through writing.
Theme(s):
Multicultural Biographies, Courage
Personal Response
Zora Neale Hurston is one of my favorite authors. “Jump at the Sun” is a great biographical text for students who are too young to read Hurston’s stories, but could still learn her story, and how she became the inspirational women she was. I enjoyed the way Williams and Alcántara use this picture book to tell Hurston’s story in a way that is accessible to young children. They get to experience Southern vernacular and examples of storytelling throughout the text.
Teaching Ideas
This biography can be used during read and writing units. The text can be used as a mentor text during an information writing unit where students learn about biographies and have the opportunity to write their own about a significant person of their choice. This text could also be used during a history unit for older students, as they learn about significant figures of the Harlem Renaissance.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03, Grade 04
