After Mama and Papa's names are recorded in the register, Ellen nearly bursts with pride as her parents jump the broom once again.Įllen 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. 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. Genres: African American, Family, Historical FictionĪlso by this author: Tea Cakes for Tosh, Sing a Song, Dream BuilderĪ young girl learns a new meaning for freedom during the time of ReconstructionĮllen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. Ellens Broom is a sweet yet powerful story about a young girl who learns the significance of a so-called broom wedding. Published by Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated on 2012-01 It’s a poignant story with vibrant block print illustrations created by Daniel Minter. Their marriage certificate marks the progress of Reconstruction yet, the dark history of slavery is not forgotten as symbolized by the enduring presence of the broom.

But now all former slaves who had already been married in their hearts could. Ellen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. Since Ellen’s Broom takes place during Reconstruction, her parents can now go to a Freedman’s Bureau to have their marriage legally recognized. A young girl learns a new meaning for freedom during the time of Reconstruction. Enslaved people were not allowed to be married so the tradition was to have a ‘broom wedding’ where a couple would jump over a broom into a new life together. In this fictional story, Ellen’s mother explains the importance of a broom that hangs on the wall of their cabin.

Ellen's Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons