By Barbara Wright
This is a thought provoking historical fiction novel. Enter into Southern United States 20 years after the Civil War and follow Moses in his coming of age journey of self awareness. Moses is a young, intelligent man. His parents are hard working; his mother is a maid and his father is a reporter for the only daily black paper. His father has had every opportunity, he has been to college and truly values the Constitution, the power of the vote, that knowledge is power and that facing your problems proves the depths of your character. Moses is being raised, in part, by his Grandmother, Boo Nanny. A former slave who looks at the world through old eyes, that believe in the old slave ways and omens. Moses balances his life and tries to steer clear of white supremacy groups.
As the racial tensions in the area continue to escalate, Moses, his family and their freedom are put in jeopardy. Moses just wants to be a kid and enjoy the hot summer months. His father still encourages him to broaden his horizons and continues to educate Moses. His best friend Lewis is slowly drifting away as he has a bike and Moses can not get the money together for a bike. As Moses begins to loose touch with his best friend, he befriends an unlikely individual. His dad's job at the newspaper becomes ever more dangerous, especially, when Mr. Manley writes an editorial that inflames that white populace.
As the state moves towards the November election, tension hit a high. Mr. Manley flees Richmond, the "Red Shirts" are threatening the black population and Moses's freedom dwindles. The frightening activity of the white supremacy groups keep many from voting, there is a riot and Moses' dad is requested to remove himself from office. How Moses grows through these events, matures and help those around him is well worth the read.
This is a very good historical fiction, I believe it portrays a very realistic image of the United States during the time of the Crow laws. This would be a very good classroom book, and I enjoyed the section in the back of the book that allowed for lesson extension. It has some mature inferences so would have to be in a class 6th grade and up. I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is a very worthwhile read and i did enjoy my copy.
Links
Patricia Wright - Author
Jim Crow Laws
Antebellum Period
The Red Shirts
As the racial tensions in the area continue to escalate, Moses, his family and their freedom are put in jeopardy. Moses just wants to be a kid and enjoy the hot summer months. His father still encourages him to broaden his horizons and continues to educate Moses. His best friend Lewis is slowly drifting away as he has a bike and Moses can not get the money together for a bike. As Moses begins to loose touch with his best friend, he befriends an unlikely individual. His dad's job at the newspaper becomes ever more dangerous, especially, when Mr. Manley writes an editorial that inflames that white populace.
As the state moves towards the November election, tension hit a high. Mr. Manley flees Richmond, the "Red Shirts" are threatening the black population and Moses's freedom dwindles. The frightening activity of the white supremacy groups keep many from voting, there is a riot and Moses' dad is requested to remove himself from office. How Moses grows through these events, matures and help those around him is well worth the read.
This is a very good historical fiction, I believe it portrays a very realistic image of the United States during the time of the Crow laws. This would be a very good classroom book, and I enjoyed the section in the back of the book that allowed for lesson extension. It has some mature inferences so would have to be in a class 6th grade and up. I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is a very worthwhile read and i did enjoy my copy.
Links
Patricia Wright - Author
Jim Crow Laws
Antebellum Period
The Red Shirts
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