ENGLISH 3 CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER READING 11th Grade

TUMBLING by Diane McKinney-Whetstone

Tumbling is an excellent introduction to the English 3 theme of "Finding America"?.
Author Diane McKinney-Whetstone, resident of our city, places her novelin Philadelphia during the post-World War II era of the 1940's and‘50's and tells a moving story set against
the background of national and local history. As you read the story of Noon and Herbie,
think about the political issues, the schools, the local scenes, and the vibrant neighborhood
of this novel. Research the history of that neighborhood. What is itlike today? Look up the history of your neighborhood; compare it towhat it is like for you and your family now.

As you read, keep a "Literary Journal."? Take notes to help organize your thoughts
on new vocabulary; characters and their development; sequence of events; unusual and/or
surprising happenings; figurative language; quotable and memorable phrases; etc. Include
questions you might have and answer them as the plot reaches its climax and is resolved
at the ending. In particular, take notes and comment on each of the following aspects:

--Check on the history of this novel rich in Philadelphia's past. Make a list of the time
markers McKinney-Whetstone uses to revive this bygone era of the mid-20th century.
--artifacts; e.g., typewriters
--entertainment - names of movie stars and other celebrities, popular songs, singers,
television shows. etc.
--local and national political events and political figures

--Many local hot spots, landmarks, and long-established businesses have vanished since the
days the city planned the Crosstown Expressway, the pretext used to break up Noon and
Herbie's community and transform it into what is now known as the famous Society Hill.
What local landmarks or well-known businesses mentioned in the novel have disappeared
from our cityscape? Some examples would be the famous, old, large department stores in
the downtown area such as Wanamakers and Center City or neighborhood movie theaters.
Find out about three or more such places mentioned in the novel. Ask older members of
your family or neighbors who lived in Philadelphia fifty years ago what it was like here then.

--The migration of African Americans from the South to the North was still taking place
during the 1940's and early 1950's.
--What references are made to the South?
--What comparisons are made by the newly arrived about living in the South as
opposed to living in a Northern city such as Philadelphia?
--What "Southern"? customs and values were continued in the new environment?

--Food is mentioned frequently in the novel and is an important part of their lives.
--List the occasions in which food is an integral part. What is typically served?
--Analyze the role food plays in general in the book. Why does McKinney-
Whetstone give so much attention and detailed description to cakes, pies, etc.?

--During the time period of the novel, African Americans were excluded from the
mainstream of American life and lived under the burden of heavy racist restriction.
Recount several instances of racism encountered by characters in the novel. How
does the author use these incidents to recreate the prevalent racism African
endured during that time period?

Enjoy reading this work by a contemporary Philadelphia author as part of your introduction
to the 11th grade theme of "Finding America"?.