Joe and John Henry were the best of friends. Together they shelled butter beans, shot marbles, and swam in Fiddler's Creek. They loved playing and eating ice pops together. But there was one important difference between Joe and John Henry. Being white, Joe was permitted to go into any store, eat at any restaurant, and swim in the town's swimming pool. However, John Henry was black. Growing up in the south during the 1960's meant that he wasn't allowed to go and do most of the things his best friend could. The town's swimming pool was strictly off limits to him. Joe and John Henry had high hopes when they heard that due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964; they would finally be able to swim together at the town's pool. Their hopes were soon dashed when they saw the senseless filling of the pool with tar. This was done to prevent EVERYONE from using it. They soon realized that it takes more than changing the law to make things fair; it takes a changing of hearts. In Deborah Wile's, 'Freedom Summer', we see racism through the eyes of two young boys and witness their determination 'to make things right'.

Similar authors: Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert; Pat McKissack; Jacqueline Woodson

Similar books: Papa's Mark by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert; Goin' Someplace Special by Pat McKissack; The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson; Coolies by Yin; Pop's Bridge by Eve Bunting

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 8/1/2011

ISBN-10: 0689830165

ISBN-13: 9780689830167

Check the library catalog

Freedom Walkers is a riveting account of the civil rights movement. The scene is set by describing life for African Americans in the south in the 1950s. Then Freedman recounts the organization, the patience, the faith, and the tenacity of the men, women, and children who walked to and from work and school for 381 days, forcing the integration of buses in Montgomery. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were the crowning achievements of the civil rights movement. This is an engrossing, quick read about an important time in our country's recent history.

Reviewed by: djd

Date read: 5/19/2009

ISBN-10: 0823421953

ISBN-13: 9780823421954

Check the library catalog

It's scary enough to leave your old school and your old friends to begin sixth grade. But Rosemary will be one of just a few African American students at Robertson Elementary School, and when her best friend gets polio, she will be the only African American student in sixth grade. Her parent's troubled marriage is scary too, and now she has no one to talk to. Rosemary finds two new friends in very unexpected places, and she also learns to believe in herself. A very personal look into a troubled time in our history.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award 2011

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 4/27/2010

ISBN-10: 043966098X

ISBN-13: 9780439660983

Check the library catalog

Galen is a twelve-year-old slave in ancient Rome. He spends his time in various activities, including painting, and having adventures. He soon discovers a plot to assassinate the Emperor Augustus. Will he be able to prevent it? Book one in the Ancient World Journal series.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0152165355

ISBN-13: 9780152165352

Check the library catalog

George Washington did not want to be president of the new country. He had led the troops in the fight against the British; he helped write the constitution; he was tired, and wanted to go home. Besides, the idea of being president made him nervous! But the people wanted George to be president, and wouldn't support the United States unless he was. George reluctantly agreed. This is a warm, and humorous look at George's feelings about being president, and how he shaped the presidency.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-10: 0525475605

ISBN-13: 9780525475606

Check the library catalog