Catacombs

By Madelene Roux 

     First off I have to apologize, I began reading this book before I realized it was the third book in a series.  I am in the process of rectifying the situation and will be posting on the previous two books as soon as possible.  Dan, Abby and Jordan are three friends that have a long and interesting history.  They have had experiences that are outside of the norm and have faced many dangers together.  As the trio prepare to enter life after high school and go their own way, they decide on a road trip to take Jordan to New Orleans.  Jordan will be living with his Uncle and attending college in the historic city.  Ellie plans on pursuing her art and Dan will be returning home to attend college.  

     Along their route, they get an inkling that something is not as it should be.  Strange things begin to happen and Dan reveals that he stole some folders from the "Warden".  People are following them and mysterious things begin to happen, like unexpected visitors outside of their tent in the middle of the night.  Do the trio know who they can trust? Where are they safe.  This harrowing tale and the nefarious people that they encounter help answer a lot of questions that Dan has about his past.  Dan who grew up with adoptive parents has always had questions about his family, who they were and why did they abandon him...  The paranormal is definitely involved in this interesting tale, in the guise of other worldly texts from a dead friend and ghostly visions of Dan's father.  Where else can this story take them but into the Catacombs under New Orleans.  

     I did find this book a very interesting read, unfortunately was a bit lost, because it was the third book in a series.  I am going to withhold my rating until I have read all three books.  Please look for updates in the near future.  I can say however, that this book is appropriate for middle school readers and older and that everyone should be able to enjoy the story.  

Links 

Author: Madelene Roux

Images of Catacombs

Cemeteries of New Orleans

History of New Orleans

Crow

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