“What Is Given From the Heart,” by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison.
Schwartz and Wade Books, New York, 2019, 40 pages, K-3.
Chapter 3, Verse 11 of St. Luke records St. John the Baptist’s command that a virtuous life is based on charity: those with two coats should give a garment to those needing clothing.
It is easy to be thoughtless about this and to neglect this duty. Patricia McKissack has written a beautiful story about one poor family witnessing to this biblical command. In this sensitively written and illustrated book, McKissack displays the heroic sacrifice of a desperately impoverished family. The name of this attractive book is “What Is Given From the Heart.”
Hard times visit James Otis and his mother. That spring, his father fell asleep on the front porch and never woke up. Soon after that, the family lost their farm. Moving to a poor house in the bottoms, they soon experience a flood. With little money or hope, they go to church. There, the preacher tells the congregation about the tragedy that has befallen Mrs. Temple and her daughter, Sarah. A fire started in their house and destroyed most of their possessions. Since Valentine’s Day is now several weeks away, the Reverend asks the congregation to help the Temples.
On their way home from church, James Otis tries to think of what he can give. His mother says that what a woman like Mrs. Temple would need is an apron. James Otis knows how poor they are and asks his mother if they can afford to give anything. His mother responds: “What is given from the heart reaches the heart.”
She soon takes her precious table cloth and sews it into an apron. James Otis lies in his bed and tries to think of what he can give. He only has a few things and thinks that a little girl would not be interested in them. Finally, he hits upon an exciting idea: why not write a book for little Sarah? So he begins drawing and writing with all of his heart. Maybe this is a way to ease some of the pain suffered by the Temple family.
When the boy is finally done, it is time to go to church. Dressing up in their best clothes, James Otis and his mother head to church. The congregation gives love baskets to needy families each year, but the pastor asks all the parishioners to come to church first and give presents to the Temples. James Otis tells Sarah that he has written a book for her. With shining eyes, the child holds it to her heart.
After the service, James Otis and his mother walk home, filled with happiness at the joy their kindness has brought. When they turn the corner, they see a great surprise. What is it?
How does kindness and charity fill all the characters in this book? How do these generous people transform the pain and suffering of others? What happens when love is given from the heart? To find out, go to the library and check out this exquisite story, “What Is Given From the Heart” by Patricia McKissack.
Sadly, Patricia McKissack has passed away. She was a giant in the field of children’s literature, pioneering numerous books about African American characters. McKissack wrote for many years with the assistance of her husband, Frederick. Mr. McKissack compiled the literary and historical research that Mrs. McKissack used in her many outstanding books. “Mirandy and Brother Wind” is often considered Patricia McKissack’s most famous book. Those of us reading children’s literature thank God for the great gifts Patricia McKissack gave to world. I hope you get a chance to read some of her many fine books, including her last book, the lovely “What Is Given From the Heart.” May she rest in peace.
