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| A Day for Rememberin': Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day Author: Leah Henderson Illustrator: Floyd Cooper |
Today is a special day. Eli knows it’s important if he’s allowed to miss one second of school, his “hard-earned right.”
Everyone celebrates Memorial Day but few of us know anything about the origin of this holiday. This newly published book by Leah Henderson and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper is a moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day.
Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is written bu Leah Henderson and illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index. Copies can be purchased at Amazon or your local bookstore.
