What is Given From the Heart by Patricia McKissack


Written by Patricia McKissack

Illustrated by April Harrison

Published by Schwartz and Wade in 2019

ISBN: 978-0375836152

Plot Summary: The story begins with the boy James Otis learning that his dad died. His mom loses the family farm so they have to move into very shabby housing in the bottoms. James Otis and his mom go to church and they decide to go on a mission to follow the pastor's challenge of helping those around them that are less fortunate. Mama decides to use her only nice tablecloth to give to a mom who's family lost everything in a fire. That makes James think long and hard to try and decide what to give the little girl who is 2 years younger than him. The day comes at the church where the family gets their box full of things needed to start over. James hands Sarah the little girl a book all about her called From My Heart to Your Heart. Sarah loves it and as James and his mom were walking home talking about how good they felt helping, they find their own love box on their porch. 

Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers): This book is full of words that speak life and inspiration to those who read it. The story is all about overcoming tragedy as James and his mom lose their dad/husband and it shows that even in the hard times, there is always something to be thankful for. Empathy is a major theme in this book and faith is another value that is heavily pictured and influences throughout the book. Giving to others when you don't feel like you have anything to give is a lesson that this book teaches us about seeing how we can make a difference in the world around us. The pictures and illustrations are very muted for most of the book and it looks as if Harrison was going for pictures that might be reminiscent of a younger child artist making the illustrations for this story. This also gives the story a sense of childlike wonder as it looks as though anyone can do it just as anyone can help take care of others. The African American church is a prominent picture as well as it looks like it belongs no matter what time period we are in. 

Review: The Horn Book Review

In this posthumous offering from author Patricia C. McKissack, young James Otis and his mother are experiencing hard times: James Otis's father has died; they have lost their farm; their rundown new house floods; James Otis's dog disappears. The two things they have been able to hold onto are their faith and each other. In church one Sunday, they learn that another family has lost their home in a fire. The church is putting together a "love box" for the family, and James Otis’s mother encourages him to think of something to give to the little girl, Sarah, reminding him of their pastor's words: “What is given from the heart reaches the heart.”

Harrison’s illustrations masterfully use facial expression and body language to convey the myriad human emotions present in the story. Running the gamut between despair and joyful celebration, Harrison's art invites us to read the people and not just the words. Readers will find themselves frowning, smiling, and rejoicing with the characters, as we are at once engaged with the poignancy of the story and immersed in the gorgeous art. There is so much intimacy in the facial expressions of the characters, the way they stand, and the ways in which they tenderly hold and touch one another, or look lovingly at each other.

What Is Given from the Heart is a beautiful story about a community that builds its own safety net of love and care, despite the unexpected hardships of life.


Connection: Students can learn more about families who need help around them through different avenues such as churches, community centers, or local outreach facilities and see what they can do to help. 

More books by Patricia McKissack

The Honest to Goodness Truth ISBN 978-0689853951

Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love, The Great Migration North ISBN 978-0590511599

Precious and the Boo Hag ISBN: 978-0689851940






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