The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales

I first heard of this book when I was in 5th grade (about 10-11 yrs. old)...I'm 28 now. My African-American teacher would read us stories from it. I remember enjoying the stories so much that I bought this book for my son about 2 yrs. ago. My son is almost 3 now & while he can't read yet, I know he will enjoy the stories as much as I have. This book comes with a CD & is narrated by the author & James Earl Jones...the narration was well done. I listened to the CD & I felt as if I had gone back in time. The narrators are so vivid & they really get your attention. The CD is definitely a plus & the book was well written. I really like that the stories have morals & life lessons that we can learn from. I recommend buying this version of the book because it comes with the CD. I also recommend this book for children 9 & up. This book would be a great addition to anyone's book collection. I hope my review is helpful.

In 1985 I was working in shipping& receiving at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, CA. The store manager (a good friend of mine) asked me if I wanted an advanced reading copy of "The People Could Fly." That is where my experience with the book began. I then went on to meet Ms. Hamilton and the Dillons, who all signed my copy of the book. My wife and I raised our two daughters on the tales contained in this book. It's hard to believe that nearly twenty-seven years have passed since then. I recently recommended this book to a friend, looking for good stories to read to her young son. And my mother was also in search of a book for her two great-grandsons. In my opinion this book should be a staple in every home, but especially those with black children in them. It is a great collection of illustrations and tales.

I first read this book while in the 5th grade and it has stuck with me all these years. I am now 33 years old and still remember the stories and still remember the author. There are not many books I can say that about from more than 20 years ago. I felt as though this book related to me and the stories were ones that touched me. I constantly told my son this was a book he should read and have no clue why I am just purchasing it now. This is one of those books everyone should have in their collection. While I have gone digital with all my other books this was one I wanted to sit on my bookshelf for my kids to read and future generations of my family to read. Do you and your family a favor and purchase this book. An African American Masterpiece.

My 5 year old son loves these stories and they are a current favorite. Some of the stories are perplexing (due to language/dialect), but many of them are quite good. We haven’t completely gotten through the book yet, but these stories are not depressing and one had us laughing out loud. Some stories do mention slavery and I have been teaching my son about that history, so he was already somewhat familiar.

I had this book when I was a child. I may be dating myself but when I originally came into possession of this book it came with an audio cassette that featured James Earl Jones narrating some of the stories. The tape broke and I could never find a decent replacement until recently!!! Not only am I glad to have this book again, but I am beyond ecstatic that it came with an audio cd with said narrations. Great book, and great stories. God Rest Virginia Hamilton

I'm a traveler because I love to find the beauty and cultural beauty of people around the world. I was in a bookstore at Lake Tahoe and saw this cover. When I arrived home I decided to investigate further and had to order it. I'm so happy I did. What a delightful, upbeat book of folktales. It's not even my heritage, just a wonderful way to perceive possibilities in this world.

Children/ recipients liked it

This is my favorite childhood book. The first time I read it was in 3rd grade and now as an adult it brings back so many good memories of my mother taking me to the library.