The Kitchen House

I LOVED The Help and I thoroughly enjoyed Their Eyes Were Watching God.  I enjoy books set in the slavery era - that just intrigues me and I enjoy reading about that time period.  So when I saw The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom, I knew I had to add this to my reading list.  I thought the story was strong although it wasn't always easy to read.  I will never get over how horribly these women were treated - that is very hard to read.  However, the story is powerful.  What I loved about this story is how the author ties in slavery issues but also slavery of another kind - a small girl, Lavinia, orphaned during her passage from Ireland.  She ends up on the plantation and becomes part of the servants' family - a little white girl in a black family.  They don't see the color - they just love each other because they are all they have.  It is just so hard to read how these women have no choices - no options - they are forced to live lives they would never choose for themselves.  I was drawn into Lavinia's story - which also ties into many other slave's lives as well - you see their good choices and you cheer them on.  You see their poor choices and you cringe inside knowing this can not end well.  This was a book that kept me thinking.  It is also a story of deep sadness, secrets, family, and maybe foremost - dignity.  It is WELL worth your time.

Across the Wide River

Stephanie Reed has written a novel that combines history and fiction to craft a story that will capture young and old alike. Across the Wide River tells the story of Lowry Rankin - a young boy that is heavily involved with the Underground Railroad. His story is intriguing - riveting really - all he goes through to move people along the railroad to safety comes out clearly in this story. All he gives up to be a part of this dangerous but important part of history is amazing - his story is eye-opening. What I loved about this book is that it is even based on the real Rankin family - and their involvement with the Underground Railroad. This would tie in so nicely with a unit on the Underground Railroad too - keep that in mind, all of you teachers!! The story is wonderfully told and would be just as poignant for a teen or an adult. Reed has written a sequel as well, The Light Across the River, and I am anxious to read that as well. I love it that you can experience this novel while you read and then go and follow the path in real life - don't miss Reed's website to see how to trace the Rankin route and continue on your own journey!

*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells

Philip Dray has written a wonderful story of the life of Ida B. Wells - as the subtitle says, "The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist." It is just that - a deeply touching story of a girl in a slave family - given their freedom - yet struggling from then on to keep it. It is a powerful story - Ida was tough and she deserves this recognition. At the end of the book, there is a beautiful timeline of Ida's life - it adds the authenticity and information that readers can use for reports and other projects. Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells is a great addition to our Civil Rights units, slavery, etc. Stephen Alcorn's illustrations add such a wonderful touch to this book.

Seven Miles to Freedom

Janet Halfmann's Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story is a powerful slave story. I was not familiar at all with Robert Smalls but now that I've read this book - I am SURE to recommend it to others studying slavery or just interested in reading on the Civil War/Slavery, etc. Duane Smith's illustrations are marvelous - they give you a rugged feel for the times. The powerful picture book tells an amazing story - I would read this to students WAY up even into middle school - it will be long-remembered.

Copper Sun

Having just finished Copper Sun by Sharon Draper, I am, once again in awe of the horrific conditions of slaves and their treatment. I seem to be getting "hit over the head" with this lately - between Amazing Grace, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and now this book - Wow - I am just having my eyes opened. I thought this was a wonderful book - it told the story wonderfully of Amari, a 15 year old girl - taken away from her life in Africa and sent to America on a slave ship and then sold to Clay, a 16 year old boy, as his birthday present. It is sad and yet totally believeable. I came away with my eyes opened - this is truly a great read.