For Melody the best thing about summertime was going to family dinners at Aunt
Connie and Uncle Bate's big house on the beach. This summer, Aunt Connie, an
artist, has several surprises for the family. One is that she and Uncle Bates
have adopted a son, Lonnie, whose green eyes and red hair instantly captivate
Melody.
While Melody and Lonnie are playing hide-and-seek, they hear strange voices
coming from the attic, and there they find Aunt Connie's other surprise. She
has painted twelve beautiful portraits of famous African-American women--and
the paintings can speak! Melody and Lonnie are at first amazed but are soon
profoundly inspired as the women talk to them about their courageous lives.
Faith Ringgold's powerful story and vibrant art underscore the magic of this
special moment in Melody's and Lonnie's life as they discover in a new way how
proud they are to be African Americans. Cover excerpt, Dinner at Aunt
Connie's House by Faith Ringgold, Hyperion Press, New York 1993.
|