Search

Friday, February 29, 2008

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963
By Cristopher Paul Curtis
New York: Delacorte Press, 1995
210 pages

An African American family experiences the fear and tragedy of the Civil Rights era as they travel to Birmingham. The story is told by Kenny with his wry humor and rich 11-year-old wisdom. The family experiences racism firsthand as the neighborhood church is bombed and three little girls die. Kenny is traumatized, but recovers through the caring of his older brother.
This book is a great blend of humor, history and honor.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins
By Scott O'Dell
Boston:Houghton Mifflin Co., 1960
181 pages

Karana, an Indian girl, learns to survive alone on an island after her people go away. Her solitude becomes full of animal friends and useful work. She confronts dangers and challenges with creativity and courage. After 18 years she is rescued and rejoins the world of people.
This beautifully-written story is based on a real person.

Hard Times for Jake Smith

Hard Times for Jake Smith
By Ailene Kilgore Henderson
Canada: Milkweed Editions, 2004
192 pages

The Depression era of the 1930s was a hard time for everyone, especially families who could not take care of their children. Maryjake wondered why her father sold the cow, and then her dog. When they packed up the car and drove off, she was ordered out and abandoned. Her mother gave her some final instructions and a mysterious package. Maryjake survives by becoming Jake and disguising herself as a boy. She makes new friends and solves the mystery of her family.
This is a great book about resourcefulness and commitment during hard times.