The People Could Fly gives us a glimpse into what life was like during slavery. This myth describes the suffering that happened and the need for an escape from the suffering. This book would make a great discussion starter for middle school students. The story is told in African American dialect so it may be hard to follow for younger children. Also, it is very discriptive of the suffering that happened during slavery. This book would be best suited for older, mature children.

This is a story about a legend from the slavery era. It explains that before the people from Africa were taken into slavery they had wings and could fly. When they were captured they had to shed their wings because there was not enough room on the boat. After going through the pain and misery of slavery they forgot they had ever been able to fly. Sarah, a slave that has undergone so much that she can handle no more, is urged by an elder, Toby that she can fly without the wings. He whispers the magic words to her and she and her baby are able to fly away. As the misery continues for the slaves all around, Toby helps many of them remember that they can fly away to "Free-dom." When the overseer sees Toby helping the slaves to freedom, they try to kill him. Toby flys away, and tells those who cannot fly that they must find another way to freedom. This is a powerful story that elicits great emotion and inspires hope. ( )

This story elicits great emotion: feelings of despair, sorrow, and hope. It centers around the suffering of slaves taken from Africa and the ability of some slaves to fly away from the turmoil with magic. Toby, an old black man, is said to have uttered the magic words to set the people free to fly. In the story, not all people possess the magic to fly, so many are left behind and must find freedom another way. ( )

This story is about a legend from the slavery era, a group of black African people that go through so much suffering. At one moment one woman flew away by the words of one of the elders, soon the whole group was flying one by one. This is an inspiring book that teaches kids about slavery, but also that they can escape any opposition they receive.

This book is a retelling of a folktale. It tells the story of how people from Africa could fly with wings before they were taken into slavery. It talked about how they were brought over and forced to work in the cotton fields. They stuck to their beliefs and said a chant. The chant allowed them to be able to fly again and be free. ( )