Color Me Dark facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Patricia McKissack |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature, African-American history |
| Published | 2000 (Scholastic) |
| Media type | Print (hardback, paperback) |
| Pages | 218 |
| ISBN | 9780590511599 |
| OCLC | 41649573 |
Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love, The Great Migration North is a book written in 2000 by Patricia McKissack. It tells the story of a young girl named Nellie. She writes about her life and thoughts in a diary starting in 1919.
Nellie's diary entries cover her home in rural Tennessee. They also describe her family's move to Chicago. This big move was part of an important time in history called The Great Migration. Many African Americans moved from the Southern states to the Northern cities during this period. The book is also part of the popular Dear America book series.
What is The Great Migration?
The Great Migration was a huge movement of African Americans. Millions of people moved from the Southern United States to the Northeast, Midwest, and West. This happened mainly between 1916 and 1970.
People moved for many reasons. They were looking for better job opportunities. They also wanted to escape unfair treatment in the South. Moving North offered a chance for a new life.
Nellie's Story in the Book
In Color Me Dark, Nellie's diary shows what this journey was like. She shares her feelings about leaving her home. She also writes about adjusting to a new city like Chicago. Readers get to see history through her eyes.
The book helps young readers understand this important time. It shows how big changes affect families. It also highlights the hopes and challenges people faced.
Awards and Recognition
Color Me Dark has received several awards and honors. These awards show that the book is important and well-liked.
- It was listed in the 1999-2001 NCTE Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6.
- It was named a 2001 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People.
- The book was nominated for the 2002 Indian Paintbrush Book Award.
- It was included in the 2017 National African American Read-In Supplemental List for Young Children.
