Porch Lies: Tales of Slicksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters

McKissack, Patricia C. 2006. PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS. Ill. by Andre Carrilho. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.
ISBN 0375836195

*Plot Summary

Patricia McKissack has written a collection of entertaining tales, which she calls "porch lies." These stories are inspired by ones she listened to as a child in Nashville, Tennessee, on the porch of her grandparents' house. The plots of these stories are varied, from a man trying to get into heaven to a woman who allows outlaws to reside in her home. Although the stories follow different plot lines, they all represent characteristics of great storytelling and the African American oral tradition.

*Critical Analysis

The stories McKissack relates to readers have simple plots; most involve a twist or surprise ending that make them appealing to readers. The settings consist of small towns and some larger cities mostly in the south, but they seem of little consequence when compared to the lively characters McKissack has created. The presence of interesting characters, like determined musician Bukka Black and "rascal" Mingo Cass, is one example of repeated elements throughout the book. Likewise, McKissack's use of exaggeration and fanciful events can be found in several stories. For example, in "A Grave Situation," Mis Cricket is dug up from her own grave after being "rescued" by Link Murphy. Also, most stories include protagonists who are African Americans; many of these characters strike up unlikely friendships like the one between Mis Cricket and Link Murphy.

As a tribute to oral traditions and storytelling, each tale lends itself to reading aloud. The dialect and slang of the characters make the stories more interesting. Accordingly, McKissack uses many idiomatic expressions and figures of speech. Characters "chitchat," smile "as wide as a country mile," and suffer temperatures "hot as blue blazes." This quality of her writing changes the reader into a listener and surely adds to the charm and appeal of the stories. Illustrations in the collection are spare but add interest to each story. The black and white cartoons are at once surreal, whimsical, and unique.

The book itself is organized into sections, each representing a separate story and listed in the table of contents. Although the story lines may be unfamiliar to younger readers, McKissack's "author's note" at the beginning of the book relates the purpose and background of her writing. In addition, a short introduction of the person telling the porch lie and the circumstances surrounding the tale comes before every story. The culture represented is predominantly African American although not every character is black. This cultural impact is seen in several stories as references to racism, the Ku Klux Klan, and peculiarity of a friendship between a white woman and a black man are made. Ultimately, McKissack's stories and characters are interesting and likable, drawing in any reader who enjoys a good story.

*Personal/Student Response

As I made my way through this collection, I was reminded of the pleasure I have always taken in listening to family members tell stories about the past. None of McKissack's tales were familiar to me, but I could find a bit to relate to in each story. The more I read; the more I came to enjoy the book. My personal favorite is "Aunt Gran and the Outlaws." The idea of hardened criminals having a sentimental side pleased me, and the ending was terrific.

I chose to share the "author's note" and the first story, "When Pete Bruce Came to Town," with several third grade classes when they visited the library. I had to prompt the children a bit to understand the trick played by Pete Bruce, but they enjoyed the tale even if they didn't fully understand it. I know this because many students were searching for other Patricia McKissack books and wondering when they could check out PORCH LIES, so they could read more of her stories. (They were especially interested when I mentioned that a couple of the stories were a bit creepy.) I hope to share more with them and perhaps some of the fourth and fifth graders; I predict that as the children come to understand the patterns of speech and plot, they will enjoy the book more and more.

*Review Excerpts

“These 10 literate stories make for great leisure listening and knowing chuckles.”
School Library Journal

“Like McKissack’s award-winning THE DARK THIRTY (1992), the nine original tales in this uproarious collection draw on African American oral tradition and blend history and legend with sly humor, creepy horror, villainous characters, and wild farce…Great for sharing, on the porch and in the classroom.”
BookList *Starred Review*

*Connections

-Research (through interviews with family members) a family story and write an original "porch lie."
-Research African American oral traditions.
-Discuss friendships between unlikely people and make connections to other stories that include similar relationships.
-Discuss the use of idioms, slang, and figures of speech in the book. (What impact does the language have? Can you use these in your writing?)
-Research some of the historical and cultural references mentioned in the collection (the Great Depression, music, classic literature and poetry).
-Discuss the elements of good storytelling. How does this relate to oral reading such as fluency and prosody?