Orbis Pictus Award Winner

I. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2001. BLACK POTATOES: THE STORY OF THE GREAT IRISH FAMINE, 1945-1850. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

II. PLOT SUMMARY

In BLACK POTATOES, Bartoletti brings to life the disastrous potato blight that struck Ireland from 1845-1850. The book provides a historical look at what life was like for the Irish during the potato famine. The starvation and overwhelming poverty of the Irish is described with the stories of the men, women and children who experienced it.

III. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

BLACK POTATOES is a well-written historical accounting of the terrible Potato Famine that struck Ireland. The book is filled with compelling newspaper drawings depicting the horrific experiences of the Irish during this period. On the cover, a sketch of a woman and young boy in rags digging for potatoes shows the poverty and desperation experienced during the famine, and illustrates effectively the tone and subject of the book. The book has a subdued quality in the illustrations, adding to the serious nature of the subject.

The book is well researched and rich with the actual memories and experiences of the people who lived through this period. Bartoletti traveled to Ireland to conduct research for this book. She utilized archives, letters, diaries and newspapers to bring this story to the reader. The bibliography is written in narrative form, and is brings the reader on a journey of what life was like during this period. It is clear that the author completed extensive research in writing this book. This account is unique because the author tells the story from the perspective of the Irish people.

BLACK POTATOES is organized in chronological order, with each chapter beginning with a subtitle and quote. For example, Chapter 5 is titled, “Only Till the Pratties Grow,” and includes the quote:
“They sold their souls for penny rolls,
Four soup and hairy bacon.”
--Louis O’Malley, Edgeworthstown, County Longford

This chapter discusses the soup kitchens to feed the poor and starving. The quote refers to the Protestant Churches that would offer soup for conversion from Catholicism. This use of subtitles and quotes allows the reader to find information easily. There is also a table of contents and index to aid the reader in navigating the text. In addition, the author has included a map of Ireland and it’s counties, as well as a Timeline of events in Ireland from 1845-1998.

BLACK POTATOES is an attractive book with easy to read text and excellent illustrations with descriptive captions. The graphics throughout the story add information and are placed appropriately throughout. Each illustration’s source is also clearly identified. The black and white sketches fill the pages, with an illustration on approximately one of every four pages.

The story of the Irish Famine is told well by Bartoletti with accuracy and interesting facts. The topic is quite serious, and Bartoletti brings a voice to the topic that is both compelling and full of interesting first hand accounts from the Irish. This use of personal experiences from the people brings to life a terrible tragedy. Children reading it are likely to be saddened and surprised at the number of people who did not survive and the horrific conditions of those who did.

Moments in history are brought to life in Bartoletti’s writing. She uses quotes to allow the Irish to tell their own story. For example, in the story of Bridget O’Donnel, as her house was being torn down around her, she refused to leave. She is quoted as saying, “[They] had half of it knocked down when two neighbors, women, carried me out.” These first person accounts give a personalized account of the Potato Famine, making the story compelling.

Overall, BLACK POTATOES is an excellent narrative of the events surrounding the Great Irish Famine. The subject matter is certainly a terrible tragedy. Bartoletti brings to life the people of Ireland, and their resilience to the most horrific conditions. While many people died, it is the stories of those who sacrificed and fought to survive that inspire the reader. Bartoletti is even handed in her account of the Irish though. She does describe the increase in crime during this period of extreme poverty as well. Overall, though, the book does a good job of weaving first person narratives with the facts surrounding the famine. The reader is able to understand the progression of the famine, and the government’s response to the people. The writing is interesting and personalized, bringing to life the people of Ireland.

IV. REVIEW EXCERPTS

“The chronology of the disaster unfolds in this gruelingly poignant text that draws heavily on news reports and first-person narratives. Bartoletti's title also incorporates period pen-and-ink sketches and poetry laying bare the fragility, injustice, and stratification of Irish peasant society that could not cope with agricultural tumult.”—School Library Journal

“The year-by-year political history is occasionally heavy going; but, as she did in Growing Up in Coal Country (1996), a Booklist Editors' Choice, Bartoletti humanizes the big events by bringing the reader up close to the lives of ordinary people.”—Booklist (Starred Review)

V. CONNECTIONS

**Introduce Irish folktales and poetry as an extension of the story.
**Study the Gaelic language, and learn some common phrases.
**Learn more about Irish music and invite local Irish musicians/dancers to share their craft.