THUNDER ROSE

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nolen, Jerdine. 2003. THUNDER ROSE. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ISBN 0152164723

PLOT SUMMARY
Thunder Rose is a tall tale set in the year’s following the civil war. A baby girl is named Thunder Rose after her parents realize that she has special abilities. Jerdine Nolen writes about how her family benefited from her ability to create things out of iron. Thunder Rose tames wild cattle by singing them a lullaby, and then she invents barbed wire while building a fence to contain the cattle. As a young girl, she takes the cattle up the Chisholm Trail to Abilene to sell at market. On this journey, she captures several outlaws and turns them into the local sheriff. When she arrives in Abilene, it is hot and dry. She witnesses two tornadoes. Thunder Rose was able to tame the tornadoes with a sweet song, and as a result the clouds began to cry a gentle soaking rain.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Nolen’s writing is engaging, and encourages you to continue reading. The beginning of the story is realistic with a twist. As the story progresses, it becomes obvious that this is a tall tale. Thunder Rose’s parent’s love her unconditionally, this is shown through their acceptance of her special talents. This story is an example of how a nurtured child can grow and prosper. Thunder Rose showed how critical thinking and brainstorming can allow you to find a solution to a problem. The solution was a tall tale and not realistic, yet students can learn from role modeling problem solving.

Kadir Nelson illustrations are realistic, yet they emphasize the special abilities of Thunder Rose. The pictures show Thunder Rose’s strength and the admiration of her parents. The perspective of the drawings allows the reader to feel her strength. The blue sky and fluffy clouds give the pictures a feeling of whimsy. The pictures with the twisted iron gently placed on her shoulder, will raise curiosity in students. Students will wonder how she carried the heavy iron so easily.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in Booklist: “An exuberant tall tale with an irresistible African American heroine.”
Reviewed in Horn Book: “This fast-paced tall tale depicts the feats of the heroine, Thunder Rose.”
School Library Journal: Best of the Best 2004.

CONNECTIONS
*Gather other books illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Winner of the King illustration Honor Books Award, 2004.
*Other books for children about Tall-Tales.
Root, Phyllis. PAULA BUNYAN. ISBN 0374357595
Wheeler, Lisa. AVALANCHE ANNIE: A NOT-SO-TALL TALE. ISBN 0152167358