Marilyn Bishop Shaw

Carpets of yellow and pink wild flowers greeted my early morning drive nearly the entire way from my house to Branford High School. Admittedly, this was a special visit because it was coordinated by my friend Lawanna Hart Gaylard who was about eight when we met too many years ago in Mayo in Lafayette County. She was one of my manuscript readers and the author of the social studies and science portions of the Teacher’s Handbook for Solomon. I should have recognized those flowers as good omens, because I had a spectacular day with teachers and students in Branford.
        Prior to my arrival, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade Buccaneers enjoyed Solomon via read alouds and I met with each group. They tracked Solomon’s journeys on bulletin boards and student made maps, made posters, and conducted science activities related to Solomon. Branford is just a few miles north and on the opposite side of the Suwannee River from the where the Freemans’ homestead would have been so these students had a special affinity for the story. Their attention to detail and creative thinking came out clearly as they asked questions and made suggestions about what should happen to Solomon and his family in the next three or four years of his life. I even entered to theme music provided by Jordan Gaylard and his very loud whip! Check out the picture that captures the force and movement of the whip’s action.
        When high schoolers heard about the book they got interested, so I met with a group of them to discuss the writing and publishing processes. Again, there were insighful, probing questions and hints of promise as writers themselves.
        The day ended with a reception – beautiful cake and punch included – where I visited with teachers, Suwannee County Commissioner Randy Hatch, and a former student, Michelle Bush Aderholt, who teaches at Branford Elementary School. Seeing Michelle after 21 years was a special treat and she looks remarkably the same as she did as a senior at Lafayette High School – REALLY!