Critically acclaimed author, storyteller, and humorist shares his "novel of memories" on the unique character of his mother in celebration of her life after dying in 1998. Although Mama was in many of his other stories as an outside character, Davis realized after her death that she had never played a primary role. That's when all of the memories started flooding back. These eight stories, including "That's What Mamas Do" and "A Room of My Own," encourage the audience to consider the importance of individual people in their own families and to share their stories. These family stories from North Carolina about mothers and sons will teach readers about the importance of respect, responsibility and trustworthiness.
Critically acclaimed author, storyteller, and humorist shares his "novel of memories" on the unique character of his mother in celebration of her life after dying in 1998. Although Mama was in many of his other stories as an outside character, Davis realized after her death that she had never played a primary role. That's when all of the memories started flooding back. These eight stories, including "That's What Mamas Do" and "A Room of My Own," encourage the audience to consider the importance of individual people in their own families and to share their stories. These family stories from North Carolina about mothers and sons will teach readers about the importance of respect, responsibility and trustworthiness.
Donald Davis Bio: Donald Davis was raised in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. He didn't realize it at the time, but he grew up in a family of gifted storytellers who passed their talent along to Donald. His legendary Uncle Frank was a front-porch storyteller of the first order and the source of many of Donald's tales. Young Davis was a capable student. He went to college and then to divinity school. For twenty years he served the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Then came a day when he found that he would rather tell Uncle Frank's tall tales than give another sermon. He would rather recall two old-maid sisters who abused the party line than marry one more couple. Fortunately, Davis had no trouble finding audiences: all of his former congregations lined up to book him to perform as a storyteller. He now tours the USA ten months a year, making about 300 storytelling presentations annually. He can be found in schools, at libraries, in front of conventions, and as a headliner at storytelling festivals. Davis has appeared on ABC News Nightline, and he has been a guest on National Public Radio and CNN. His books and spoken word recordings have received critical acclaim and won many awards. Davis has written ten books and recorded twenty audio recordings with August House. When Donald isn't crisscrossing the country performing his stories, he comes home to Ocracoke Island, North Carolina where he lives with his wife, Merle.
Gr. 4-7. Nationally known storyteller Davis expands on his
well-received 2002 CD of the same name in this compendium of family
stories that center on his mother, who came of age in North
Carolina s Smoky Mountains in the 1930s. Davis mixes stories about
his mother s youth with his own growing up in the 1950s. The heavy
nostalgic tone will deter some young readers; the most enthusiastic
audience for this may be baby boomers who can connect with
references to Lawrence Welk and Pat Boone, as well as the recurring
"boys will be boys" sentiment. Still, contemporary kids will
recognize timeless family scenarios in several amusing
stories--among them, Davis creative schemes for hiding dinner
portions of detested peas and carrots. Teachers may want to choose
relevant portions of the book to share with students; Davis
experienced storytelling ensures a smooth read-aloud.--Gillian
Engberg "Booklist ""
These eight short reminiscences are shaped loosely and recall the
author s mother s vigilance, her learning to drive in the 1950s in
rural North Carolina, and a questionable batch of fruitcake cookies
that provoked dire consequences when given to teachers at
Christmas. The selections reflect the leisurely pace of life in the
50s and flicker between then and later when Davis s mother was
nearing the end of her life. Adults may identify with or be charmed
by these stories. Children...[will] envy Donald s freedom and the
coziness of his family life, school and community.--Susan Hepler
"School Library Journal ""
""Blends value-oriented lessons with humor and reflection."
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