Reviews of How Many Days to America? A Thanksgiving Story |
. . . viewed as a symbolic tale of opressed people seeking liberty, the story, clothed in contemporary dress, echoes the voyages made by many throught the years in search of liberty. Peck's deepened chalk colors and misty backgrounds bolster the fragile facial expressions and fearful body postures, lending suspense and believability to the saga. A discussion starter on several levels.
From Booklist, November 1, 1988
A brown skinned mother hides her son and daughter under the bed when soldiers come to their home in the night. Afterwards, the father declares that they must flee immediately, taking with them only the things they can carry. Their journey is difficult, and they encounter many obstacles before they finally sight land and are towed ashore by a boat. They have landed in America, it is Thanksgiving Day, and this band of refugees is safe and free at last. Bunting's simple tale focuses on the hardships of the journey and on the American ideals of freedom and safety. She wisely leaves aside the issues of politics in the homeland or in this country. Her prose is poetically spare, as her runaways move "silently along the secret streets." Peck's richly colored crayon drawings yield added enjoyment each time they are perused. The mood changes from dark shades of desperation during the journey to the lighter tones of joy as the travelers at last find their refuge.
From School Library Journal, Ruth Semrau, October 1988
. . . The symbolism fails because Bunting identifies present day "runaways" (Caribbean "boat people") with an event in American history, but her narrative does not invite such a comparison. The "boat people" in Bunting's story have too few actual similarities with the Plymouth Rock Pilgrims. Her cast of characters cannot plausibly symbolize the refugees from Central America because such refugees are being widely rejected by the immigration authorities. . . The following lines that conclude Bunting's tale are hard to relate to such well known public policies: "We joined hands and closed our eyes while my father gave thanks that we were free, and safe and here. "Can we stay Papa?" my little sister asked. "Yes, small one," my father said. "We can stay."
From Wilson Library BulletinApril 1989
. . . Eloquently told, with lush, affecting illustrations, here is a Thanksgiving story that knows no one season or race, but is for everyone all year 'round.
From Publishers Weekly,
August 12, 1988
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