Reading the Book’s Construction and Images

Examine the portrayal/illustration of the characters. What information do the illustrations provide about social identities (race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, etc)?

A variety of people live in this neighborhood – a young black woman is in the left hand corner, several people who may be Asian-American are pictured in other yards, and several white children are pictured playing. There are several genders represented as well and two older people are featured cooking on the grill on the right side of the image. Cross-cultural interactions are occurring, which can be resources for the child’s identity making.

How does the artist’s choice and use of medium suit the story?

The illustrator’s use of gouache conveys permanence of the place and people. The color green creates a “common ground” shared by the neighbors. The variety of colors and multiple shades of green depict a diversity of gardening practices.

Reading the Book's Construction and Images

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What does the use of the double page spread tell you about this place?

The use of the double page spread provides a panoramic view of the backyards in this neighborhood. The fenceless yards communicate is a sense of vastness or spaciousness. The large trees in the background convey a sense of either a rural or suburban setting.