You’re invited to Meet My Mississippi with an enchanting book about our intriguing state!
One of my favorite things about blogging is getting to know other writers and occasionally having the opportunity to review new books. When someone reaches out and asks if I’d be interested in reading a new book, I’m always excited.
Especially when that book is about my home state.
When Patricia Neely-Dorsey sent me a copy of Meet My Mississippi, I was thrilled. Mississippi is full of rich history and culture, but people from other places don’t always know about the beauty of our state or the abundance of literary and musical talent that has hailed from the Hospitality State because many of our state’s accomplishments are often overshadowed by the scars of our past.
Patricia Neely-Dorsey is a poet with a purpose to promote a positive Mississippi.
Her book does just that.
The winsome words of Meet My Mississippi introduce readers to a variety of facts about people and places throughout our state. From the Gulf Coast to the Delta, and almost everywhere in between, Neely-Dorsey highlights places of interest and people who made history.
Just a few of the people mentioned include:
- William Faulkner
- Eudora Welty
- Elvis Presley
- Muddy Waters
- Jim Henson
- Jimmie Rodgers
- and B.B. King.
Each page features beautiful artwork by Brenda Ragsdale, who illustrated the book with watercolor paintings. Each colorful page offers additional insight into the history and culture of our state.
For instance, did you know that Pine-Sol was invented here? I didn’t!
Meet My Mississippi is a wonderful book to add to your homeschool library, especially if you’ll be studying Mississippi history or even learning about the 50 states in general. In addition to a section of Mississippi trivia, there is a section of discussion questions in the back of the book; each one focuses on a different part of the poem, as well as a study guide.
The book is a wonderful starting place for an in-depth study of the state. Consider studying the following after reading the book:
- Mississippi Authors – The book mentions William Faulkner and Eudora Welty, but that doesn’t even begin to complete the list of famous Mississippi writers. Here are a few others whose names you might recognize: Tennessee Williams, Willie Morris, Margaret Walker Alexander, John Grisham, Beth Henley, Richard Wright, Alice Walker, Ellen Douglas…just to name a few.
- Mississippi Musicians – Mississippi has been called the “birthplace of America’s Music” and with good reason. The state is considered the birthplace of the blues, and both the King of Rock and Roll (Elvis Presley) and the Father of Country Music (Jimmie Rodgers) were born here as well. And, please don’t forget Jimmy Buffett – he created a style all his own, too!
- Mississippi Innovation – Now, it might surprise some people to know that Mississippi has offered the world its fair share of innovations, but did you know that the first heart transplant was performed here? Actually, the first lung transplant and kindey autotransplant happened here as well. Not to mention the fact that a man in Vicksburg was the first person to put Coke in a bottle….
- Mississippi Athletes – Archie Manning isn’t the only famous one we’ve had, y’all.
- Mississippi in Space – Did you know that most of NASA’s rockets were tested in Mississippi? If not, plan a visit to the Stennis Space Center. It’s a great place for a family field trip!
To be honest, I could go on and on about our state and its history, but my best suggestion is to read Meet My Mississippi. It’s the perfect introduction to our home state, especially for kids and students of all ages.
Enjoy!
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book but did not receive any other compensation for this post. I was not expected or encouraged to provide a positive review, and the words above reflect my honest opinions.