Parsons Public Library

The second book in our four part book talk series on Kansas’ Literary Heritage is the Learning Tree by Gordon Parks. The group will meet on March 19 at 6:30pm with Carmaletta Williams of Johnson County Community College leading the discussion. Many of you have enjoyed Dr. Williams when she has visited our library twice in past years as a presenter for our Black History Month programs.

The Learning Tree is Gordon Parks’ semi-autobiographical novel about growing up as a black man in the last century. Parks was born in Fort Scott, Kansas in 1912. The book tells the story of a family as they struggle to understand the world around them and to leave it a better place. The Learning Tree was chosen this year for Kansas' first ever One Book One State program.

Information and reading guides for The Learning Tree can be found at:
http://www.bookrags.com/The_Learning_Tree
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/orgs/kcfb/lt/discussion_questions.htm

Information about the life of Gordon Parks can be found at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Parks
http://gordonparkscenter.org/

The Internet Movie Database is a good source for information about all kinds of movies including the ones directed by Gordon Parks.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0662953/

Our book discussion groups are presented thanks to the financial support of the Kansas Humanities Council.