Virginia Hamilton's The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales offers a vivid exploration of African American oral traditions. Spanning four thematic categories, these stories encompass animal tales, extravagant narratives, supernatural encounters, and poignant slave tales. Through a blend of engaging storytelling and evocative illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon, readers are immersed in a rich tapestry of cultural history.

Origins and Themes

The folktales Hamilton presents originate from diverse regions, including Africa, North America, Europe, and South America. Central to many of these stories is the theme of the underdog outsmarting and triumphing over oppressors. This allegorical approach reflects the historical experiences of enslaved people, embodying their hopes of overcoming the disparities enforced by powerful landowners.

Animal Tales

Hamilton revisits familiar narratives often linked with the Uncle Remus tales by Joel Chandler Harris. Her rendition softens the dialect, providing accessibility while preserving the charm of characters like "Bruh Bear" and "Bruh Rabbit," as well as the infamous "Tar Baby." Each story is followed by a brief discussion of its variations and origins. Remarkably, the "Tar Baby" tale boasts about three hundred versions worldwide, including in Africa, India, and the Americas.

Real, Extravagant, and Fanciful Narratives

This section transports readers into worlds where the impossible becomes possible. Stories like "The Beautiful Girl of the Moon Tower" showcase fantastical transformations, while "Wiley, His Mama, and the Hairy Man" highlights the cleverness of a young boy facing a fearsome ogre. These tales capture the imagination, reflecting human creativity and resilience.

Supernatural Tales

In "... And Other Tales of the Supernatural," readers encounter ghosts and devils, with stories often bearing moral lessons. These narratives, designed to both scare and instruct, have transcended ethnic boundaries and appear in various cultural adaptations worldwide. Through eerie yet enlightening storytelling, they serve as cautionary tales for younger audiences.

Slave Tales of Freedom

The collection's final section delves into "... And Other Slave Tales of Freedom," featuring six stories, including the titular "The People Could Fly." These tales, rooted in the American slave experience, encapsulate the universal yearning for freedom and justice. While some stories are based on true events, others weave elements of African folklore, all unified by their hopeful messages of liberation.