Black and white : the confrontation of Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene "Bull" Connor

Black and white : the confrontation of Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene "Bull" Connor

3.85 of 5 stars 3.85  ·  rating details  ·  80 ratings  ·  30 reviews
In the 1950s and early 60s, Birmingham, Alabama, became known as Bombingham. At the center of this violent time in the fight for civil rights, and standing at opposite ends, were Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene Bull Connor. From his pulpit, Shuttlesworth agitated for racial equality, while Commissioner Connor fought for the status quo. Relying on court documents,...more
Hardcover, 80 pages
Published 2011 by Cakins Creek

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Alicia
Like Little Rock Girl and Marching for Freedom, these short nonfiction titles choose to highlight one issue of race integration in the south during the Civil Rights Movement. In this case, the focus is Birmingham and the story about preacher Fred Shuttlesworth and his battle with "the powers that be", namely, Eugene "Bull" Connor. White Shuttlesworth fought for integration and equality, Connor was fighting to keep the Jim Crow status quo.

Highlighted with many black and white photos of the time...more
Jaime Leroy
We have all heard about MLK and Rosa Parks and all they did for the civil rights movement. While they were great leaders and did a great many things to promote civil rights, they often overshadow lesser-known activists. Until I read this book, I had never heard of Fred Shuttlesworth or Bull Connor, but now I feel like it is a shame the rest of the world has not heard their story. Fred was a black Baptist preacher in Birmingham, Alabama—one of the most racist and segregated areas in the south. He...more
April Helms
This is an excellent book for older grade school and up. It offers a look at Birmingham, Alabama, during the Civil Rights movement, concentrating on the antagonistic relationship between the Rev. Shuttlesworth, a contemporary and friend of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a powerful advocate for Civil Rights, and Commissioner Connor, who was determined to keep segregation and Jim Crow in place. The book includes many pictures and notes, along with sidebars on other pertinent issues to the tim...more
Barbara
This beautifully designed nonfiction photo-essay focuses on two of the men at the heart of the Birmingham events that changed how the nation regarded the fight for civil rights. Brimner provides background information about Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth in the first chapter, his nemesis Eugene "Bull" Connor in the second, and the confrontation of two very opposing points of view on segregation in the third chapter. The engaging text and large number of photos make readers feel as though they are right...more
Meg Petersen
This is an introduction to the events of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham for younger readers. It covers much of the same territory as Carry Me Home, but in a much simplified version. Even though is presented more simply, it presents an unflinching portrait of events. The only possible drawback is that it highlights the confrontation between Shuttlesworth and Connor, which risks reducing the Civil Rights movement to a clash between individuals. Also the Black and White in the title risks...more
Jenny
The positives about this book:
1. Liked the juxtaposition of the stories of the two men and how their actions deeply impacted the destinies of each. Interesting to read and think about.
2. Different angle to the Civil Rights story. I put in the same category as the book about Claudette Colvin (Twice Towards Justice) and Marching for Freedom. I could see all three being key texts in a class studying the Civil Rights movement.
3. The opening pulls you immediately into the story.
4. Informative sideba...more
Jacque Williamson
This was an insightful and interesting read about a conflict regarding equal rights between the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. The setting takes place in the deep south of Birmingham, Alabama. It shares historical evidence between two men, a revered named Fred L. Shuttlesworth and a commissioner named Eugene ‘Bull” Conor. The story provided photographs of the people who were involved during that era. I noticed how the author/illustrator provided the photos in black and white. I really enjoyed how...more
Doret
In Brimner's latest non fiction book for young readers, he explores the confrontation between Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene "Bull" Connor, in Birmingham, Alabama during the 1950's and 60's. To grab the readers attention, the author begins by mentioning the first time the KKK tired to kill Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth. From there Brimner gives the reader more background information from both men, starting with Rev. Shuttlesworth.

This is a wonderfully through introduction for any young reade...more
Kathy Maxey
Enjoyable Narrative Nonfiction experience! I had never heard of Fred Shuttleworth or Bull Connor, this is a great story of perseverance for one's beliefs. The violence perpetrated against the African Americans was horrific--often committed by Police against the people they should be protecting. Many Police and Government officials were members of the KKK. The author gave an informative note at the back updating the reader about the main characters after the story. President Clinton awarded Fred...more
Shawlynn
A African American preacher who decided to help in getting integration laws passed. He is constantly attacked by the KKK. A Caucasian commissioner hates the african american preacher and refuse to pass or vote for him for anything. I would use this book with students to show them what it was like for African-Americans and to help them understand the KKK and the segregation laws and what it took for all races to be able to be in the same room.


Mary
I think this book was very interesting and infomative. I liked how the story went from telling facts from history to telling about the story of the Reverend and what his role was in the fight for black rights. I think this story would appeal to 5-12 graders. It as a lot of pictures, which would keep the reader entertained but there is also a lot of information on each page. This book is on the Robert F. Sibert Medal and Honor Books from 2012.
Dolores
This was a very well-told story. Some of it was material that I had already read before in other books, but much of it was new. The format of the book was very appealing with lots of photos and sidebars of information. Shuttlesworth was a fiery, headstrong and incredibly brave man. Contrasting his story with "Bull" Connor who had the deck so stacked in his favor really highlights his amazing and uncompromising bravery.
Marsha Wiese
A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book, Black & White focuses on the civil rights struggle in Birmingham, AL during the 1950's and 1960's. Brimmer tells the story of people who were instrumental in promoting equality in that city, but not as well known in the overall movement as such names as King and Abernathy. A great addition to upper elementary and middle school civil rights shelves.
AnnieM
A very good book that shows the brutality of Birmingham at the end of segregation.

I might have given it five stars but I had major issues with the layout and design of the book. The font was way too large and made it difficult for me to tolerate reading.

The author's note and further information is great to help explain even more. The source list shows the validity of this book. A great addition to any collection or class.
B
Intense non fiction book about the confrontation between Fred Shuttlesworth, minister and civil rights activist and "Bull" Connor, the Public Safety Commissioner of Birmingham, Alabama and segregationist that went on from the late 1950's through mid 1960's.
Many excellent photographs and detailed information. We have it catalogued for young adults.
Arielle
This book should become mandatory in middle school. I had NEVER heard of Fred Shuttlesworth or Bull Connor which is a shame. They're story should be spread just as Martin Luther and Rosa Parks. I thought it was very interesting how they included historical facts throughout the text. This was an easy read and I think it definitely deserved the Sibert award!
Alison
Having recently visited Birmingham Alabama, and spent time in the park adjacent from the 16th Street Baptist church, the park where attack dogs and fire hoses water pressure was unleashed onto children demonstrating for the end of Jim Crow, this solid biography of two men and a place was a good read.
Donalyn
A well-written and thoroughly researched account of the fight for equal rights in Birmingham, Alabama during the 50's and 60's and the two powerful leaders on opposite sides of the battle.
Edward Sullivan
A concise, well-written and exceptionally designed account of the clash between the Civil Rights leader Shuttlesworth and arch-segregationist Connor is Birmingham, Alabama.
Wendy
Not a bad book, but lacks a certain sense of organization and clear message that I like in my juvenile nonfiction. Many outstanding photographs.
Jana
Great book. Easy read. I am so surprised this country didn't end up in another civil war over this issue.
Scott
An interesting look at 2 men at very opposite ends of the Civil Rights struggle in the 1950s and 1960s in the South.
Jacqueline
A quick compelling look at history from two points of view with amazing black and white photos on every page. I can see why this book won a Seibert Honor.
Liz Hoffman
I loved how the photos and side notes work so well with the main text.
Sara Taylor-hughes
Good story tell of civil rights movement in Birmingham AL
Lin Lin
This is a story of Reverend Fred Shuttleworth and his never-ending fight for racial equality. The same author who wrote "Birmingham SUnday
Ann
Jan 29, 2013 Ann marked it as to-read
Notable Children's Book, 2013 ALA
Written Melodies
May 02, 2012 Written Melodies marked it as to-read
Won in a copy in a SLJ Giveaway.
Karen
Sibert Informational Honor Book
Allison
A fascinating look at two men on different side of the segregation issue in Birmingham.
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101390
Award winning author of more than 150 titles for young readers--fiction and non-fiction. Lived in southwestern Colorado and currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.
More about Larry Dane Brimner...
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