Jip, His Story facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Katherine Paterson |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's Historical novel |
| Publisher | Dutton Juvenile |
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Publication date
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October 24, 1996 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 192 pp (hardcover edition) |
| ISBN | 978-0-575-06399-0 (hardback edition) |
| OCLC | 36122563 |
Jip, His Story is an exciting children's book written by the famous American author Katherine Paterson. It was published in 1996. The story takes place in Vermont during the 1850s. This was a time before the American Civil War, when slavery was still legal in some parts of the United States.
The book is about a 12-year-old orphan boy named Jip. He was left alone as a baby. People mistakenly thought he was a Romani child because of his skin color. Jip lives and works on a poor farm. This farm is a home for people who have mental illnesses and need care. Jip's life changes when he discovers a big secret about his past. He learns that he is the child of an escaped enslaved person. He also finds out that a farmer who owned enslaved people claims Jip as his "property."
Contents
About the Story
Jip, His Story is a powerful book that explores important themes. It talks about finding your identity and understanding history. It also shows the challenges people faced during a difficult time in American history.
Main Character: Jip
Jip is a kind and curious 12-year-old boy. He has lived on the poor farm for most of his life. He helps care for the residents there. Jip is good at observing people and understanding their feelings. He often wonders about his past and where he truly comes from. His journey to find out who he is forms the heart of the story.
What the Story is About
The book dives into Jip's daily life on the farm. He meets many different people there. Some are kind, and some are struggling. Jip learns a lot about life and compassion from them. His world is turned upside down when he starts to uncover clues about his birth parents.
Life on the Poor Farm
The poor farm is a place where people who couldn't care for themselves lived. Jip helps with chores and looks after the residents. He forms special bonds with some of them. This experience teaches him about kindness and patience. It also shows him the struggles of people who are different.
Jip's True Identity
Jip's journey of discovery is very important. He learns that his mother was an enslaved person who escaped to freedom. In the 1850s, slavery was a terrible system where people were treated as property. Jip's discovery means he is in danger. The farmer who "owned" his mother now wants to claim Jip as his own. This part of the story highlights the unfairness of slavery. It also shows the bravery of those who fought for freedom.
Awards and Adaptations
Jip, His Story has been recognized for its excellent storytelling. It has won important awards. It was also turned into a musical.
Winning Awards
In 1997, Jip, His Story won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. This award is given to books that tell a great story based on history. It celebrates books that make history come alive for young readers. Winning this award shows how important and well-written Katherine Paterson's book is.
From Book to Musical
The book's powerful story inspired a musical. In 2005, Danny Duncan and Emily Klion created a musical version of Jip, His Story. It was performed at The Marsh, a theater in San Francisco. This musical adaptation was also very successful. It won the 2008 American Harmony Prize. This prize celebrates new and exciting musical theater works.
