The Quite Contrary Man: A True American Tale by Patricia Rusch Hyatt, illustrated by Kathryn Brown
In 19th-century New England when people lived and dressed plainly, Joseph Palmer most certainly did not. It was his beard that made him different, since all the other men were clean shaven. But Joseph did not just have a normal beard, his was huge, long and wide. His neighbors were scandalized and tried to shame him into shaving, eventually trying to shave him by force. His attackers headed to court before Joseph could get there and claimed that he had attacked them. The judge fined him $10, but Joseph refused to pay it. So he was jailed for a full year. The rule in the jail was that prisoners had to be clean shaven, and you can guess how that went with Joseph. As the tale twists and turns, readers will be in turns inspired by Joseph Palmer’s strength of conviction and appalled by the system that persecuted him.
Hyatt has found a true story that really speaks to what being an American means, down to the most basic rights of deciding how you appear. While modern children may be shocked by the fact that beards were scandalous, this is a great book to start discussions about what sorts of things are taboo today that may also not make any sense. Hyatt’s writing is engaging and rollicking. The spirit of the book matches Palmer’s own strength and humor.
Brown’s illustrations are done in fine lines and soft colors. They depict the glory of Palmer’s beard with enthusiasm. On alternate pages, she creates a rustic frame from illustrations of branches tied together with vines, which adds to the feeling of the book being set in an earlier time.
An American hero, Joseph Palmer’s is an inspiring story of a regular man who stood up for his rights. He would also make an intriguing hero to discuss in units. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
Reviewed from library copy.
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Waking Brain Cells 