The Middle Passage

Feelings, T. (1995). The middle passage: White ships/black cargo. New York: Dial Books.

Genre: Non-Fiction, Picture Book 

      Age: 13+

Summary: This picture tells the heart-breaking true story of Africans being stolen away from their homes and taken against their will to America. Although this story is wordless, it has a lot to say. It begins with the Africans' lives before white men attacked them, and pushes forward through time in a series of captivating and moving drawings. 

Reflection: 

This image is probably one of the most striking of the story. The lines of the drawing seem to be driving the boat forward, moving toward what white men felt was progress. However, when you look at the Africans' faces, it is obvious that they are in great distress. They are being stolen from all they know, treated worse than animals, and torn from their families... but the boat keeps pushing them forward regardless of their screams. 

This is one of the most mature drawings included in this wordless story. I felt the choice of black and white coloring was appropriate. The main focus of this story is a struggle between black and white, so what a perfect choice to make that the focus of our visual attention as well. The contrast seems quite vivid in this drawing; I believe this was an intentional message that shows that stark difference of needs between the two cultures. This image is also one of the reasons I felt that 13+ would be more age appropriate. This is not only due to the naked female body, but also how the female body seems to have been terrorized. 

 I think this drawing is a perfect example of lines in an image and the meaning behind them. The artist, Feelings, very clearly demonstrates an absolute frustration and sense of unrest. Even the captive man's shoulder blades are uneven; he's body is disjointed with his head in one direction and his shoulders in another. This gives the reader a feeling of submission, as if he and his people have given in and lost hope. 

Finally, this drawing of men, women, and children in wretched conditions demonstrates a need for change. How could a human being do this to another human being? What would compel a race to have such hatred for another race? How could anyone have such a superiority complex over another? 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in history, civil rights, government/politics, or culture. This book would be a great addition to a Social Studies or English Language Arts classroom as an aid in discussion, or even as a central focus in a unit. As an ELA teacher, I could imagine myself using this as a tool for journals. Students who are mature enough to grasp such horror would certainly be moved by such an important piece of our country's history.