Uncle Jed's Barbershop

Uncle Jed's Barbershop, by Margaree King Mitchell, is the story of Sarah Jean's uncle Jedediah Johnson.  Uncle Jed's dream was to own a barbershop.  He cut hair all around the countryside, and saved every penny he earned.  When Sarah Jean was five years old, she became very ill.  She would need an operation costing $300!  Her family did not have that kind of money, but when Uncle Jed heard about this, he drained is savings to save Sarah Jean's life. A few years later, Uncle Jed had just about enough money to open his barbershop, but the banks were failing, and once again, Uncle Jed lost his money.  However, Uncle Jed persevered and started cutting hair and saving money...again.  Years later, Uncle Jed would finally open his barbershop.  He had everything he wanted, and it was that much better because he had to work so hard for it.

As a teacher, I would use this book to teach a lesson on perseverance.  I would have my students tell me about a time they really wanted something and had to work really hard to get it.  Also, this book would be a good supplement to a discussion on the effects of the Depression on African Americans in the South.

Uncle Jed's Barbershop. ISBN 0-671-76969-3. Margaree King Mitchell. James Ransome. 1993. Coretta Scott King Honor Award for Illustration. Ages 9-12. African American Fiction.