Goin' Someplace Special
| Company type | Children's book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Patricia McKissack (author), Jerry Pinkney (illustrator) |
| Products | Children's literature |
Goin' Someplace Special is a children's book published in 2001, authored by Patricia McKissack with illustrations by Jerry Pinkney. The narrative centers on Tricia Ann, a young African American girl who visits the public library unaccompanied during the time of Jim Crow laws.
Reception
Goin' Someplace Special received acclaim from Common Sense Media, which highlighted the powerful synergy between its narrative and illustrations, presenting a clear yet emotionally resonant story with an impactful message.
According to School Library Journal, the book serves as "a stimulating tale suitable for both group discussion and individual readers." The Horn Book Magazine praised the collaboration between McKissack and Pinkney for blending informative content with optimism, avoiding both didacticism and excessive sentimentality.
Additional critiques have appeared in Booklist, BookPage, Publishers Weekly, Teaching Librarian, Black Issues Book Review, and Library Talk. These evaluations emphasize the book’s empowering themes of pride and self-assurance, as well as its homage to forward-thinking libraries during a challenging era.
Moreover, Goin' Someplace Special is frequently cited in scholarly research focused on children's literature.
Awards
- Winner of the 2002 Coretta Scott King Award for illustration
- Recognized as a 2002 American Library Association (ALA) Notable Children's Book for Younger Readers
- Nominated for the 2003–04 Texas Bluebonnet Award