Ellen always knew the Broom resting above the hearth was special.
Ellen is a wonderfully endearing character whose love for her family is brought to life in Daniel Minter\'s rich and eye-catching block print illustrations..
After Mama and Papa\'s names are recorded in the register, Ellen nearly bursts with pride as her parents jump the Broom once again.
Even though freedom has come, Ellen knows the old traditions are important too.
When Ellen and her family make the long trip to the courthouse dressed in their best, she brings the Broom her parents had jumped so many years before.
But now all former slaves who had already been married in their hearts could register as lawful husband and wife.
Before it was legal for her mother and father to officially be married, the Broom was what made them a family anyway.
A young girl learns a new meaning for freedom during the time of Reconstruction Ellen always knew the Broom resting above the hearth was special.
Full color.
Even though freedom has come, Ellen knows the old traditions are important, too.
But now all former slaves can register as lawful husband and wife.
Before it was legal for her mother and father to officially be married, the Broom was what made them a family.
Ellen always knew the Broom resting above the hearth was special
