As Fast As Words Could Fly

By Pamela M. Tuck, Eric Velasquez

The story of Mason Steele, an African American boy in 1960s Greenville, North Carolina, who relies on his inner strength and his typing skills to break racial barriers after he begins attending a “whites-only” high school.

Description

Young Mason Steele takes pride in turning his father’s excited ramblings about the latest civil rights incidents into handwritten business letters. One day Pa comes home with a gift from his civil rights group: a typewriter. Thrilled with the present, Mason spends all his spare time teaching himself to type. Soon he knows where every letter on the keyboard is located.

When the civil rights group wins a school desegregation case, Mason learns that now he will be attending a formerly all-white high school. Despite his fears and injustice from the students and faculty, Mason perseveres. He does well in school-especially in his typing class. And when he competes in the county typing tournament, Mason decides to take a stand, using his skills to triumph over prejudice and break racial barriers.

Winner of Lee & Low’s New Voices Award, As Fast As Words Could Fly is an inspiring testament to the power of hard work, determination, and belief in yourself to overcome life’s challenges.

About the Creators

Pamela M. Tuck
Pamela M. Tuck

Pamela M. Tuck won Lee & Low's New Voices Award for the manuscript for As Fast As Words Could Fly, her first picture book. She gets her love of storytelling from her grandfather, whose "jaw-dropping, eye-popping" stories enchanted her as a child. Tuck was inspired to write As Fast As Words Could Fly by her father's experiences growing up in the 1960s in a family of civil rights activists. She lives in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and their children. You can visit her online at pamelamtuck.com.

Eric Velasquez

Eric Velasquez has illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, and has authored some picture books as well. Among the awards he has received for his work are the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award, the Carter G. Woodson Award, an NAACP Image Award, and the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. When not illustrating book projects, Velasquez teaches book illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. He lives in Hartsdale, New York. You can visit him online at ericvelasquez.com.

Awards

  • New Voices Award Winner

    Lee & Low Books

  • Teachers' Choices

    International Literacy Association (ILA)

  • Land of Enchantment Book Award Shortlist

    New Mexico Library Association

  • Martin Luther King Jr. "Living the Dream" Book Award

    Manhattan Country School

  • Show Me Readers Award Nominee

    Missouri Association of School Librarians

Reviews

  • "A warm. . . title about the struggle for equality."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "The striking compositions in rich browns and blues, along with Tuck's pride in her family, help distinguish this story of perseverance and courage. This well-crafted tale would be an excellent complement to overviews of the Civil Rights Movement."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Tuck lays bare the challenges that faced Mason and black students like him, but she also tempers the story's cold realities with moments of hope, echoed by the pride and determination."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • From the beautiful cover picture of the boy's fingers on the typewriter keys, to the ugly view of the racist bus driver who tells the black pupils to "get to the back," Velasquez's handsome oil paintings on watercolor paper bring close the details of one boy's struggle. Told from a personal viewpoint and appended with a powerful author's note, this is a story to share across generations.

    - Booklist
  • "Based on some of the true experiences of the author's father, this fictional picture book contains illustrations that are so high quality as to resemble paintings rather than pictures... [As Fast as Words Could Fly] will undoubtedly inspire a new general of readers."

    - Children's Literature

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620148594
  • Publication Date Apr 20, 2013
  • Trim Size 10.5 × 8.5 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Word Count 1748
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600603488
  • Publication Date Apr 20, 2013
  • Trim Size 10.5 × 8.5 in
  • Weight 0.9375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Word Count 1748
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Historical / United States / 20th Century
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / School & Education
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Civil Rights Movement, Conflict resolution, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Fiction, Heroism, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Integrity / Honesty, Leadership, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Respect / Citizenship, Self Control / Self Regulation, United States History
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 7 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 2 - 7
  • Guided Reading S
  • ATOS Book Level 4.3
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 2 - 7
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 700
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • SRC 4.1
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 90
      High-Low Books for Preteens: Grades 4-6
      Collection of 90 books: $1,165.50

      Sacred Mountain

      A photo-essay exploring the cultural, geological, and ecological history of Mount Everest, focusing on the indigenous Sherpa and their spiritual connection to the mountain, record-setting climbing expeditions, and the effects of tourism on the environment.

      Vanishing Cultures: Frozen Land

      In this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.

      Vanishing Cultures: Far North

      In this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.

      Vanishing Cultures: Down Under

      In this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.

      Vanishing Cultures: Amazon Basin

      In this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.

      Up the Learning Tree

      Henry Bell is not allowed to learn to read and write. In fact, most enslaved children, like him, are severely punished if they are even caught with a book.

      The Pot That Juan Built

      With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz,The Pot that Juan Builtis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

      Surfer of the Century

      The true story of Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, six-time Olympic swimming champion and legendary surfer who popularized surfing around the world.

      Summoning the Phoenix

      A collection of original poems about children learning to play traditional Chinese instruments in preparation for a performance, accompanied by factual information about each instrument.

      Steel Drumming at the Apollo

      A photo-essay following the members of a high school band through several rounds of Amateur Night competitions at the Apollo Theater in New York City. Includes a CD of the band playing their competition song, plus original compositions.

      Seven Miles to Freedom

      The true story of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who commandeered a Confederate ship during the Civil War and escaped with his family and crew to freedom.

      Seeds of Change

      A picture book biography of scientist Wangari Maathai, the first African woman--and first environmentalist--to win a Nobel Peace Prize (in 2004) for her work planting trees in her native Kenya.

      Vanishing Cultures: Himalaya

      In this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.

      Richard Wright and the Library Card

      This is the true story of the renowned African American author Richard Wright and his determination to borrow books from the public library that turned him away because of his color.

      Ray Charles

      A beautiful new edition of the award-winning biography of world-famous musician Ray Charles.

      Paul Robeson

      An updated and redesigned edition of an award-winning biography of Paul Robeson, who overcame racial discrimination to become an international entertainer and civil rights activist. Includes a new introduction and afterword by the author, focusing on Robeson's legacy.

      Passage to Freedom

      The true story of Chiune Sugihara, the "Japanese Schindler," who, with his family's encouragement, saved thousands of Jews in Lithuania during World War II.

      Parrots Over Puerto Rico

      A nonfiction picture book about the history of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican parrot, which was brought back from the brink of extinction. Also available in Spanish.

      The Palm of My Heart

      When children are encouraged to celebrate their lives -- their joys, their influences, their hopes -- the results are pure poetry.

      Only the Mountains Do Not Move

      A photographic essay about contemporary Maasai--the changes in lifestyle, land, and farming practices they face and how they are adapting to those changes.

      The Monster in the Mudball

      In this lower middle-grade mystery, Jin must hunt down the monster he accidentally freed, before it eats his baby brother.

      The Mangrove Tree

      The fascinating story of Dr. Gordon Sato, who helped a small African village become self-sustaining by planting a forest of mangrove trees to reshape the community's ecosystem.

      Mama's Window

      After his mother dies, "Sugar" Martin is sent to live with his gruff uncle Free, a loner who makes his living fishing in a swamp in the Mississippi Delta in the early 1900s.

      Growing Peace

      This stunning photo-essay for children is a story of coexistence, focusing on Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families in a Ugandan village who created a Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative and learned to live and work together peacefully.

      A Full Moon is Rising

      A children's book takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the world to discover an amazing collection of full moon celebrations, beliefs, customs, and facts. We'll visit India, Israel, Morocco, China, Australia, and many more places.

      Water Rolls, Water Rises / El agua rueda, el agua sube

      Now in paperback: In a series of poetic verses in both English and Spanish, readers learn about the movement and moods of water around the world and the ways in which water affects different landscapes and cultures.

      Etched in Clay

      The acclaimed biography-in-verse about the life and times of Dave, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works with short poems during the years leading up to the Civil War.

      Twenty-two Cents

      A biography of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending.

      The Story of World War II Hero Irena Sendler

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this beautiful celebration of the life of Irena Sendler, a social worker who helped save nearly 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

      The Story of Car Engineer Soichiro Honda

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this compelling biography of Soichiro Honda, the innovative motorcycle and car manufacturer and Japanese business pioneer.

      The Story of Tennis Champion Arthur Ashe

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this action-packed tribute to Arthur Ashe, one of the most compelling athletes and humanitarians of the twentieth century.

      The School the Aztec Eagles Built

      A photo-illustrated book about the Aztec Eagles, Mexico's World War II Air Force squadron interwoven with the story of Sergeant Angel Bocanegra, whose service was rewarded with the building of a school in his village.

      Only One Year

      Three Chinese American children learn to trust and love one another again after the youngest child returns from a year living in China with extended family.

      The Crane Girl

      In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.

      The Magical Monkey King

      A retelling of stories about the brave, smart, and mischievous Monkey King, accompanied by Chinese brush painting and pen drawings.

      Bird

      In this gentle, award-winning picture book, an African American boy nicknamed Bird uses drawing as a creative outlet as he struggles to make sense of his grandfather's death and his brother's drug addiction.

      Tofu Quilt

      A collection of poems telling the story of Yeung Ying, a young girl in Hong Kong in the 1960s who, against the conventions of society and family members, aspires to become a writer

      Game, Set, Match Champion Arthur Ashe

      A picture book biography of tennis player Arthur Ashe, who began his career playing tennis as a child on the segregated courts as a child in Virginia and went on to become the top tennis player in the world.

      ¡Olé! Flamenco

      A photo-essay about flamenco, a centuries-old living art form, originating in southern Spain, that incorporates traditional dance, song, and music.

      Shining Star

      The true story of Chinese American film star Anna May Wong, whose trail-blazing career in Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s broke new ground for future generations of Asian American actors.

      Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree

      The true story of the famous writer, who as a young girl, learned about hope and strength from her mother.

      Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico! Americas' Sproutings

      A collection of haiku focusing on fourteen foods native to the Americas, celebrating the fun of the foods as well as their origins.

      When the Horses Ride By

      Through these graceful and eloquent poems, written from the child's perspective, readers will experience this resilience, this optimism, and understand that it is possible to get through difficult and unsettling times while holding onto one's hopes and dreams for a better, more peaceful future. 

      Vanishing Cultures: Sahara

      In this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.

      Vanishing Cultures: Mongolia

      This photo essay explores the life of Dawa and Olana, two young cousins who come from a family of nomads on the grassy plains of Mongolia.

      As Fast As Words Could Fly

      The story of Mason Steele, an African American boy in 1960s Greenville, North Carolina, who relies on his inner strength and his typing skills to break racial barriers after he begins attending a "whites-only" high school.

      Crazy Horse's Vision

      The true story of the great Sioux warrior who, as a young boy, defies tradition and seeks a vision on his own in hopes of saving his people.

      Cool Melons- Turn to Frogs!

      For hundreds of years, school children in Japan have been introduced to poetry through the work of Issa.

      Coming to America

      A photo-essay of a Muslim family from Egypt; their experiences living in America; and the sacrifices they make to have a better life.

      Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures

      A photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.

      Catching the Moon

      The spirited story of Marcenia Lyle, the African American girl who grew up to become "Toni Stone," the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.

      Capoeira

      A photo-essay about the history and practice of Capoeira, a centuries-old Brazilian martial art incorporating traditional movements and rhythmic music, that is popular today as an energetic game played throughout the United States and around the world.

      Buffalo Song

      The story of Salish Indian Walking Coyote and his efforts to save the vanishing buffalo herds from extinction in the United States during the 1870s and 1880s.

      Brothers in Hope

      Based on heartbreaking yet inspirational true events in the lives of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Brothers in Hope is a story of remarkable courage, and an amazing testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit.

      ¡Béisbol! Latino Baseball Pioneers and Legends

      In this fascinating and colorfully written collection of profiles, author/illustrator Jonah Winter gives us a guide to Latino heroes, including little known pioneers of the sport.

      Be Water, My Friend

      The true story of the formative years of Bruce Lee's early life growing up in Hong Kong in the 1940s and 1950s, before he became an international film star.

      Baseball Saved Us: 25th Anniversary Edition

      Twenty-five years ago, Baseball Saved Us changed the picture-book landscape with its honest story of a Japanese American boy in an internment camp during World War II. This anniversary edition will introduce new readers to this modern-day classic.

      Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life

      A photographic exploration of the cycles of traditional Balinese rice farming, a dynamic model of earth-friendly agriculture that connects a unique culture with the natural world.

      Animal Poems of the Iguazú / Animalario del Iguazú

      let's listen to / the green voice / of the rainforest

      The animals of the Iguazú speak for themselves, creating a collection of poems that will resonate with readers of all ages.

      Amazing Places

      A collection of original poems that celebrate some of the amazingly diverse places in our nation. Readers of all ages will want to visit each amazing place again and again!