Ron's Big Mission

Rons Big Mission by Rose Blue

Published: 2009

Ron's Big Mission is a historical fiction book that follows the story of Ron McNair, an African American child who dreamed of being a pilot and followed his dreams to become an astronaut. The story is set in Lake City, South Carolina when Ron is nine years old. He loved to read at the library, and one day he insisted on checking out his books. Since it was during the time of segregation, African Americans were not allowed to check out books from the library. Ron believed this was incredibly unfair and decided to stand on the counter of the library and declare the injustice. After causing a scene, the librarian knew Ron's heart was in the right place and decided to break the rules and give Ron his very own library card, which he could use to take all of his space books home to enjoy. 

Response: Ron's Big Mission is a great book to discuss following dreams, and standing up for what you believe in. I felt as though this book is a perfect age-appropriate story that students could learn from, while also inspiring them with language they are able to comprehend. The bright colors and beautiful illustrations were done by Don Tate, and will keep all elementary students actively engaged. In the back of the book, there is an author's note that summarizes the facts about Ron McNair, and expands upon the influence his actions have had on the library, and on history. This book is an effective tool for teaching equality, injustice, setting goals, and following dreams. Within the classroom, teachers could utilize this book to discuss identifying a theme or lesson, character contrasts, or the deciphering between fact and fictional elements within a historical fiction story. 

Example of demand within the story

Analysis:  In relation to utilizing illustrations, as outlined in the article Comprehension Strategies for Reading  Historical Fiction Picture Books (Youngs & Serafini, 2011), this book embodies many of the key elements. First, the pages are set up as full-bleed illustrations. This means that the illustrations cover the entire page in an effort to welcome and include the readers into the story at a close distance. There is also a strong motif of an airplane throughout this story. There are often planes in the sky, off in the distance, or references in books or posters about planes or aviation. This brings the reader's attention to the dreams and goals of Ron, even if it is not the focal point of the text at the given time. Lastly, the article discusses the concept of demand. Demand is when a character looks directly at the reader in an effort to connect the reader to the character and story. Within this book, demand is used at the pivotal moment when Ron is finally able to use his own library card.  Throughout the story, the reader feels connected to Ron, and wants him to succeed. The use of demand at this moment is imperative because it shows Ron acknowledging the reader during a time of victory.