McMullan, Margaret Sources of Light
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2010 233p 16.00
978-0-547-07659-1 hs Historical E-BN
Set in 1962 in Mississippi, Sam’s photography makes relatives, teachers and neighbors uneasy as she documents abuses during the civil rights movement. Powerful reading that captures the time period and conflicts perfectly. Grades 7-12.
A powerful novel about segregation and the civil rights movement in Mississippi in 1962. The plot races along with Samantha taking photos of everyday things that define Mississippi as well as events that are raising the ire of “true Southerners” that live in her neighborhood. Sam, given a camera by her mother’s friend, likes the idea that she can hide behind the camera and keep a low profile as she is introverted by nature. Little does she realize that the photos she takes as well as those that Perry takes will lead her into peril and cause her to become an activist. Weaving in the Vietnam War, the nuclear scare and bomb shelters, popular culture such as the Dinah Shore television show, saddle shoes, Bazooka bubblegum, and slumber parties with baby-doll pajamas, the reader becomes immersed in 1960’s culture as well as historical events. Those who did not want segregation do vile things to blacks as well as anyone who supports desegregation. The novel is not sugarcoated and the thoughts of both sides receive equal attention with Sam’s family values of respecting every human winning in the end. Captivating reading that will fit in to any curriculum unit on the 1960’s as well as courses in photography. Outstanding novel for grades 7-12. Strongly recommended for grades 7-12 for the depiction of the civil rights movement and culture of Mississippi in 1962. The reader feels the turmoil caused by beliefs on both sides of the segregation debate. Captivating reading. McNicol,Lois
Showing posts with label Mississippi_River. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mississippi_River. Show all posts
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Howard, Ellen. The Crimson Cap.
Howard, Ellen. The Crimson Cap.
Holiday House 2009 197p 16.95 978-0-8234-2152-7 ms/jr Eleven-year-old Pierre Talon leaves his family to join LaSalle’s expedition to find the mouth of the Mississippi River. Because he cannot refuse the honor, he heads into an adventure that will change the lives of many and give readers an insight into the hardships of settling our New World. Pierre Talon was responsible for his mother and sisters since his father disappeared. They were part of LaSalle’s expedition, funded by Louis XIV of France to settle the New world in France’s name. The expedition suffered many setbacks when they lost their ships and couldn’t find the mouth of the Mississippi River. The remainder of the expedition set up a settlement but they were stressed by illness and Indian attacks. Pierre fills the gap as provider for his mother and siblings when their father disappears. As a 10 year old he finds that he has a way of communicating with the Indians and other s. This is why he is so valuable to LaSalle when he takes off in search of help for the settlement. Pierre’s mother dresses him in some of his father’s clothes. Of which was a red wool cap that he will keep throughout the story. The group struggle not only with the harshness of the land but also the power struggle between the men. LaSalle is murdered and many of the men scatter. Pierre falls deathly sick and is taken in by the friendly Hasinai Indians. In time Pierre, with his Indian friends, returns to the settlement only to find devastation. He then set out on another endeavor to find his missing siblings who have been taken captive by a group of Indians. The red cap that Pierre has cherished throughout his travels serves him well when it is the one thing that allows his siblings to recognize him as their brother. It is a story of hardship and self enlightenment for someone growing up during the period of exploring the New World. McNeil, Linda
Holiday House 2009 197p 16.95 978-0-8234-2152-7 ms/jr Eleven-year-old Pierre Talon leaves his family to join LaSalle’s expedition to find the mouth of the Mississippi River. Because he cannot refuse the honor, he heads into an adventure that will change the lives of many and give readers an insight into the hardships of settling our New World. Pierre Talon was responsible for his mother and sisters since his father disappeared. They were part of LaSalle’s expedition, funded by Louis XIV of France to settle the New world in France’s name. The expedition suffered many setbacks when they lost their ships and couldn’t find the mouth of the Mississippi River. The remainder of the expedition set up a settlement but they were stressed by illness and Indian attacks. Pierre fills the gap as provider for his mother and siblings when their father disappears. As a 10 year old he finds that he has a way of communicating with the Indians and other s. This is why he is so valuable to LaSalle when he takes off in search of help for the settlement. Pierre’s mother dresses him in some of his father’s clothes. Of which was a red wool cap that he will keep throughout the story. The group struggle not only with the harshness of the land but also the power struggle between the men. LaSalle is murdered and many of the men scatter. Pierre falls deathly sick and is taken in by the friendly Hasinai Indians. In time Pierre, with his Indian friends, returns to the settlement only to find devastation. He then set out on another endeavor to find his missing siblings who have been taken captive by a group of Indians. The red cap that Pierre has cherished throughout his travels serves him well when it is the one thing that allows his siblings to recognize him as their brother. It is a story of hardship and self enlightenment for someone growing up during the period of exploring the New World. McNeil, Linda
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Deseve, Peter. Crows & Cards.
Deseve, Peter. Crows & Cards.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 344p 16.00 978-0-618-88395-0 ms/jr
In 1849, Zeb’s parents ship him off to St. Louis to apprentice with a tanner. Life presents many obstacles for Zeb. He ends up being apprenticed to a gambler and befriended by an Indian and slave. In 1849, Zeb’s parents ship him off to St. Louis to apprentice with a tanner. Life on the shores of the Mississippi presents many obstacles for Zeb. He eventually ends up being apprenticed to a gambler and befriended by an Indian and slave.
The well written and exciting story provides the reader with a good understanding of life on the Mississippi during the expansion of the West. It also shows how young folks just starting out in the world need guidance because they find it hard to make correct choices. Zeb found himself in a situation where he felt cheating was not right even though his mentor was smooth talking when he explained the benefits of relieving men of their wealth.
It is a story where Zeb learns that doing the right thing is the right thing to do. LM
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 344p 16.00 978-0-618-88395-0 ms/jr
In 1849, Zeb’s parents ship him off to St. Louis to apprentice with a tanner. Life presents many obstacles for Zeb. He ends up being apprenticed to a gambler and befriended by an Indian and slave. In 1849, Zeb’s parents ship him off to St. Louis to apprentice with a tanner. Life on the shores of the Mississippi presents many obstacles for Zeb. He eventually ends up being apprenticed to a gambler and befriended by an Indian and slave.
The well written and exciting story provides the reader with a good understanding of life on the Mississippi during the expansion of the West. It also shows how young folks just starting out in the world need guidance because they find it hard to make correct choices. Zeb found himself in a situation where he felt cheating was not right even though his mentor was smooth talking when he explained the benefits of relieving men of their wealth.
It is a story where Zeb learns that doing the right thing is the right thing to do. LM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)