With the Might of Angels

Dear America

by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Twelve-year-old Dawnie Rae Johnson's life turns upside down after the Supreme Court rules in favor of desegregation in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. Her parents decide that Dawnie will attend Prettyman Coburn, a previously all-white school -- but she'll be the only one of her friends to enroll in this new school.

Not everyone in Dawnie's town of Hadley, Virginia, supports integration, though, and much of the community is outraged by the decision. As she starts school, Dawnie encounters the harsh realities of racism. But the backlash against her arrival at Prettyman Coburn is more than she's prepared for, and she begins to wonder if the hardship is worth it. Will Dawnie be able to hold on to the true meaning of justice and remain faithful to her own sense of integrity?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Historical, African American

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Duke Ellington, illustrated by Brian Pinkney; Let it Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award; and Alvin Ailey, a Parenting Publication Gold medal winner.

Pinkney's newest books include Meet the Obamas and Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride, which has garnered three starred reviews and has been named one of the "Best Books of 2009" by School Library Journal. In 2010, Andrea's book entitled Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down, was published on the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-ins of 1960.

Her mother is a teacher and her father is a great storyteller, so growing up surrounded by books and stories is what inspired Andrea Davis Pinkney to choose a career as an author. The first official story she remembers writing was in second grade — it was about her family. Pinkney was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Connecticut. She went to Syracuse University, where she majored in journalism. After college, she followed her dream and worked as an editor for Essence magazine, but after watching her husband, Caldecott Award-winning artist Brian Pinkney, illustrate children's books, she decided to switch jobs and became involved in book publishing.

Andrea Davis Pinkney currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/andrea-d...

Reviews

[Hannah]

Now I want to go back and reread some of the Dear America books from when I was a kid, because this one is pretty great. That's probably because of the author, but then again, maybe they were all this good? Like, I could see some great classroom uses for this one, not to mention it just being a great read for everybody.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the 1953-1954 school year, Dawnie is a normal 12 year old African-American girl living in the small town of Hadley in Virginia. Her town is strictly divided along color lines. She's forbidden by her parents to go to Ivorytown the white section of town but that doesn't stop her from dreaming about the brand new school there. Dawnie dreams of becoming a doctor and she knows that the stinky, falling down school and ancient tattered textbooks of her school won't help her achieve her dream. Dawnie keeps her dreams to herself, writing them down in her precious diary, a birthday gift from her autistic younger brother. Dawnie finishes 6th grade at the top of her class and spends the summer jumping on her Pogo stick and playing baseball but come fall, her life changes forever when the Supreme Court decides schools must be integrated. Dawnie has passed the competency exam proving she's smart enough to compete with the white kids so her parents give her permission to integrate. Dawnie hopes to share this experience with her best friend Yolanda and another child from their class, but only Dawnie's parents approve of integration. The decision to attend an all-white school causes a lot of stress for both Dawnie and her family. They meet with opposition from both the white and black communities. A young minister from Alabama visits Dawnie's church and encourages non-violent resistance and Dawnie learns that she can write down all her rage and hatred in her diary while studying hard to stay on top. Finally, she finds an unexpected ally and they challenge each other to pull through.

This is a remarkable story of a fictional girl based on real life people and events that took place not that long ago. It's really eye opening to read the comments coming from the white community regarding their ignorant assumptions about African-Americans. Even more surprising was the opinions of many of the members of Dawnie's community who didn't believe in integration. It's really hard to believe this story takes place less than 100 years after the Civil War and just over 50 years ago. The writing is lively and entertaining as well as thought provoking. The author includes many historic events that occurred during this time as well as the usual historical note and information about her own life which inspired the novel This book is a must read for all ages.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most memorable and impactful Dear Americas I have ever read!

I meant to start and read it the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but I became sick. No matter! I've finished it during Black History Month and am inspired to continue reading books by Black authors in celebration of this month.

Author Andrea Pinkney does an outstanding job weaving Civil Rights Movement history, and some of her personal experiences as the only Black student attending an all-white elementary school, into the semi-fictional tale of Dawnie Rae Johnson. Not only is her research of and passion for this movement evident on every page, she is also a master storyteller who tenderly constructs each character and detail of Dawnie's story.

I believe my favorite part of With the Might of Angels is Dawnie's friendship with other characters: Gertie, Yolanda, her brother, affectionately nicknamed Goober, even her mother and father. All of these supporting characters seemed just as real as Dawnie because of the beautiful moments of friendship portrayed.

[Judy Blachek · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for an audio book that would be suitable for children on a road trip, this is a fantastic choice.

Dawnie Rae Johnson is 12 and was the first (and only) Black child to attend an integrated school in Hadley, Virginia in 1954. The author chose to use a diary format. Some days are about her challenges at school and other days she tells story of life in the 50s with her special needs brother, parents, and friends. There is little sugar coating of the life of this child. Some days she is happy and others not. She shows love to her brother in some entries, and other days, she is frustrated and angry with him. Like any of us are with siblings. I think there are some great lessons in that.

Other historical factors are that there is a boycott of a dairy where Dawnie's father worked, before he was let go because she went to the local whites-only school.

The epilogue tells us what happened to Dawnie, her family, and her friends after she grew up, went to college, and embraced her career.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a seat front and center to learn about the beginning of integration/desegregation in Virginia in 1954. I listened to this wonderful, inspired story which was incredibly enhanced by the reading of Channie Waites. Although the Dear America series is not ABOUT real people, I've got to guess they're based on real people, particularly in this case. Fascinating, disgruntling, ridiculous, unbelievable - the idea that people should be divided because of the color of their skin. My granddaughter listened to the first two discs with me and was mesmerized. I'm positive she never had a clue about segregation. This was an outstanding story, taking the reader inside the head of a young African-American girl who had to break those difficult, scary, almost-impossible boundaries set up by white people throughout history in our country. Highly recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than what I imagined a Dear America book would be like, which I guess I've just kind of grouped into an American Girls-like light historical category for reasons I don't really have. Pinkney's installment addresses school integration in the 1950s head-on, but it all just feels a little too pat. Dawnie's winsome voice might be characteristic of the era, but it and the diary-entry format grated on me after a while.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great historical fiction. Plenty of details on her life.
I really liked the book and hope they recommend more like it.

[Haniya Mohammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread!!

[Ajhegstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10yr old recommended this book to me. I am glad we could share it, it was a great conversation

[Pumkin pie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super fun and exciting! I couldn't put it down! This was a great book about segregation, family and friends. I firmly recommend this book!

[Elana]

This book was very interesting and sad, Dawnie Rae Is a very determined girl and is very straight forward.

[ClaraBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book about a fictional but true story inspired girl’s journey from shunned to accepted in the desegregation of schools in the 1950s following the Brown v. Board of Education decision!
Rating: 4 stars
Warning: racial slurs, disrespectful treatment of Dawnie’s mentally disabled brother, and Dawnie is forced to potty in the bushes behind her school because whites don’t want a “monkey tail” using their inside bathrooms.
Read: 8/24-9/7/20

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dawnie Rae Johnston begins her diary on her twelth birthday in 1954, the day after the Supreme Court decision ending segregation in schools. Dawnie is one of the top students in her grade at her segregated school, but she wishes she could go to the white school in town, which is a much nicer building, with new books and supplies and even a baseball field. When Dawnie's parents decide to enroll her at the white school for the following school year, she is excited to be attending such a nice school. But many people in Hadley are racist, and her family suffers as a result. Her father loses his job, and many of the teachers and students are cruel to her.

This was a difficult book for me to rate and review, because it was well-written and well-researched, but not to my personal tastes. I always feel bad trying to decide how to review a book when it's well-written but I just didn't enjoy it. And since the Dear America series is one of my favorite series, I had really hoped to enjoy this book, but it's a bad sign when it takes me over two weeks to finish a Dear America book. I would probably give it two stars for my personal enjoyment, but I added a third star for the excellent historical research.

I think there were two main reasons why I didn't enjoy it very much. One, I couldn't relate to the main character at all. She was a tomboy who was obsessed with sports and loved baseball. I am the least athletic person on the planet, gym class was torture for me, and I just got bored and annoyed whenever she would write about sports or use some kind of sport-y metaphor (Which was really often). Two, after reading this book and a couple others, I've come to the conclusion I just don't like historical fiction set after World War II. It just seems too modern to me. If you are interested in the Civil Rights Movement or 1950s history in general, and this book sounds like something you would enjoy, don't let my review put you off reading it. I think a lot of people will enjoy this book, and like I said it's well-written, it just didn't interest me.

[Rochetta G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What inspiration! This book was a breath of fresh air. This book begins one month before the Supreme Court ruling in the case of brown vs. the Board of Education. Dawnie Rae Johnson was twelve year old at the time. She learns she will be the only black attending an all-white school. She lived with two hard working parents; her mother had her own business of which she did laundry for town’s people. She had formulated her own pressing starch. Her father worked for the local dairy store until they found out it was his daughter that was attending an all-white school. From what the story tells, her brother had autism. They described him as being in his own beautiful world. Dawnie is a fun loving girl who loves baseball. Her idol Jackie Robinson. Although Dawnie is excited about the new school she experiences what she calls the anxiety monster. As with most historical fiction stories during that time, she experienced being mistreated (racism) by not only the students and teachers at her new school, but also those who known all her life to be her friends. Her family did received help for the NAACP and the local church. They even welcomed Dr. Martin Luther King to their church and he helped form a boycott of the local dairy store that was not in support of lifting segregation. To me this story was about an intelligent girl who shown nothing but bravery and determination. Despite the odds she pressed forward to show all the non-believers that she was just a worthy as other children to receive a meaningful education. The story was told through mainly diary entries and letters to certain people. In such difficult times, Dawnie found a way to channel her mixed emotions through writing. In the end, success she was an honor roll student and the bravery she showed paved the way for other just like her. The book was short novel book and therefore had o artistic elements. This book is recommended for intermediate readers due to its mature, relatable content.

[Sana Maria Soufi · Rating 4 out of 5]

With The Might of Angels
Non Fiction
336 Pages
Finished on 12/15/12

This true story is about the young, bright, African American girl, Dawnie Rae Johnson. Her friends and "special" brother, Goober make up most of her life. Segregation rules her life. Dawnie is skilled enough to attend Prettyman Elementary, the best all white school in her town. Not everyone is thrilled that Dawnie is attending Prettyman. People jeer at her and make fun of her. Dawnie keeps her head up and stays and excels at Prettyman Elmentary. Every detail is told from Dawnie's point of view in her diary.

I thought this book was simply astonishing. Not only does this girl live during the most shameful period of American history, but her life goes down hill at the age of eleven. She works hard to realize her dream of becoming a doctor. I find that truly inspirational. I could relate to this book in the sense that her little brother, Goober, was Autistic, just like my own little brother. With all the problems she faced she managed to be a great student, friend, daughter, and sister. Her actions are what make her a true hero.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was engaging and a fun read. It was fitting for the times we are all living in right now in terms of the protests and racism. The book also gave me an important history lesson regarding integration.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are avoiding the Dear America series because you think this is light, formulaic, for-the-classroom, series historical fiction, don't. Some of the best writers for children are involved in creating this stuff now, and Andrea Davis Pinkney is one of them. Dawnie's voice is very authentic, she is more than just a fictionalized character living a real story, she is a fully realized character with quirks and a real family and more trouble than just what is going on in the big picture. A great book.

[Kelsey Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another book that makes me appreciate how easy it was for me to get publication. The amount of hatred and racism that early black students had to face is astounding. Not only was it extremely challenging for them to integrate but once there they still felt enormous amounts of petty cruelty and prejudice. This character has a lot of spunk and is generally likeable but some of her dialogue doesn't always seem natural for a girl of her age even for the time period.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

My main issue with this book is how slow it is really. It's slow. There are so many extra entries in here, which does make it read more like a true diary, but it eats up you time and resolve as a read.

The racism issue this entire book is based upon is pretty low key and not a prominent as one would think it would be. Dawnie spends an exorbitant amount of time talking about baseball and her pogo stick...as well as how much she hates her fancy shoes and her store bought dress that doesn't fit. I get hating fancy, uncomfortable shoes and dresses, but it absorbs a lot of space overall. Also makes the cover pages of every edition rather humorous because she is dressed right up!

But the racism, well they talk about the police having to protect her on her first day of school and a day or two after that, the fact her principal does his best to ignore her even when she's the only one in the room, and how most of her teachers are out to make her life harder...But these things are almost backseat issues that get grayed out by her constant obsession with wanting to be the bell ringer at school (the thought never enters her mind they might not let her), her love of her baseball idol, her love of baseball, her practicing baseball, her brother, her mother's successful business, complaining about her clothes, and her pogo stick obsession.

Even the fact that her father lost his job due to her going to the 'white' school seems... diminished(?) by the fact that they are boycotting a particular farmer's product as a result. It's not a "my daddy lost his job because of me and we are boycotting milk products to remind the white folk we have some power via consumerism," so much as a "everyone is mad at me and thinks I'm uppity because I got to the white school and they have to boycott milk products now because of it" kind of feel.

Yes her brother gets beaten up once, yes the terrible trio pick on her, yes they got eggs thrown at them once (at least I think it was eggs, I was pretty bored by that point), but the why is ALMOST always "they think I'm uppity because I go to the white school." It's never "they are trying to keep me in my 'place' because I'm black." The only other real racial issues of the time that are even remotely talked about is the fact that black people couldn't try on clothing in stores, didn't get the same return policy, and couldn't drink out of the white people's water fountain. All of these are mentioned once and then that's it.

There is no talk about how the only black staff members at the school are the lunch ladies and the custodian. Or how her father finds it impossible to find another job in town because everyone knows it's his daughter who is going to the white school. Or how her mother's entire demeanor changes when she goes into a white owned clothing store. Just mentioned and dismissed.

I also REALLY wanted to know what Dawnie said in her speech. If I have to read fictitious letters she wrote to random people, I should be allowed to get her to write down what she said in her made up speech. That annoyed me to no end. I could go on, but I'll stop. You get the point. Lots of larger an smaller issues that didn't win me over.

What I did like was the fact that the author, to a degree, does demonstrate a small fraction of the harassment people must have endured pushing through with 'integration,' as they called it. Dawnie's parents get harassing phone calls to the point her dad dismantles the phone. A couple of milk bottles get smashed against their door. And just once, someone throws a dead animal in a pail of milk on their porch. Dawn gets verbally picked up by the white brothers until her new Jewish friend sort of puts a stop to it. I am sure much worse things happened in reality, but at least it's sort of mentioned.

I also didn't mind how the author tried to be a bit more inclusive in her representation. Dawnie's brother is special needs. I don't recalled it ever saying exactly what he is diagnosed as, maybe it wasn't a thing with a name in the 50s? But Dawnie talks about his rocking, going into his own world, his repetitive parroting back of certain words and phrases, and his obsessive love of peanuts which sounds like maybe he's on the autism spectrum to some degree. Is there something else there? Quite possibly. Goober is a big part of Dawnie's life, which is nice to see as she tries to look out for him and they obviously love each other.

The author also squeezes in a few visits from Martin Luther King to Dawnie's church which is where and how the milk boycott is thought of and sustained. But what my rating ultimately came down to was, did it impacted me in anyway and did it teach me anything? And the answer is no.

Conclusion

With the Might of Angels is pretty weak and meek when held next to similar books about integration tensions, politics, and practices in the 1950's. It really waters down the abuse those people had to endure and how hard the struggle must have been.

It also doesn't hold a candle to the impactful nature of Dear America: Hear My Sorrow that I read just before this one, so I feel like it's always getting bashed a bit due to me drawing comparisons between the two books. I was hoping Might of Angels would have the same amount of struggle written into the pages of the diary, but it, unfortunately, isn't even in the same weight class.

Actual rating: 2.25-2.5. It's hard to decide.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well-written and researched. The voice was believable, the true events were woven seamlessly into the fictional narrative, and the author obviously believes that children are capable of deep thought and introspection. I will happily be recommending this to my higher-level middle readers (4th & 5th grade).

[hannah renee. · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the better Dear America books I've read in a while... Though the last time I read a good one was when I was younger, a time when I was not as good a judge of books (or less critical maybe; it's one of the two ;) )

[⚘ Itz Lia the Bibliophile ⚘ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really touching my heart

[Kat Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been dragging my feet to finish the last few diaries in the series, and I'm not going to lie--I wasn't really excited about this one. It's the longest book in the series, and it's about a time period I know quite a bit about already. That being said, this was much more engaging than I expected, and I thought the narrator's voice was strong.

Dawnie is the sole student to integrate the all-white middle school in the fictional town of Hadley, Virginia. As a a result, her father loses his job at the local dairy, which in turn inspires the Black community to boycott the dairy in an act of nonviolent protest. As you might imagine, Dawnie faces a lot of backlash--from both white and Black community members. It was interesting to see the reasons why some Black people were wary of integrating due to fears of retaliation and violence. There are some pretty disturbing scenes where Dawnie and her brother are bullied. As a word of caution, some intense words are used including racial and the "r" slurs.

I did struggle with her brother's characterization. Readers are told that he's "different," but it's not revealed until the epilogue that he is on the autism spectrum. I just didn't really get a sense of the purpose his character serves here because he was underdeveloped.

I also thought that the ending left a lot to be desired. First, I don't really get why she was so hung up on being the bellringer in the first place. While yes, it would have been predictable for Dawnie to win the position on her own merit, it bothered me that her white friend, who legitimately earned the position, "gifts" her the role. It just feels kind of condescending and white savior-y, even though the character is Jewish? And it also still seems very unlikely that the school would allow her to take on this role since, for the most part, the other students and teachers still treat her with open hostility and barely tolerate her presence.

Still, I appreciated that this is one of the few books in the series--actually, maybe the only one--that doesn't have a romantic thread! I appreciated how "real" her parents felt and how they wanted the best for Dawnie, even when the "best" was going to be difficult. The back matter is also incredibly detailed with an overview of the Civil Rights movement and its key players. The research and historical accuracy for this one is top notch and should be commended.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scholastic is bringing us new editions of the Dear America series and I couldn't be happier. I loved this series growing up and I'm happy to see that kids will still be reading it. Dear America series brings us important history topics that we should learn from. They take us into the shoes of others who didn't have the easiest time in life, but they grew stronger and paved the way to our future because of it.

WITH THE MIGHT OF ANGELS is in diary format and focuses on Dawn Rae Johnson who becomes the first African-American to attend a school that was previously all white people. This is a huge step in history that brings us to the integration we have today, but for Dawn Rae Johnson, it wasn't easy. She tries to be brave, especially when her school attendance has a domino effect on others. Her dad loses his job and her brother is bullied.

Dawn Rae Johnson teaches us that change doesn't come easy, but it's worth it. She also teaches us that justice will always prevail. I love the bravery she shows and Dawn Rae Johnson is someone to be inspired by. No matter how difficult things become, she knows in her heart that what she's doing is right. Dawn Rae Johnson is someone children can relate to and learn from.


Final Verdict: I recommend this to fans of the Dear America Series, stories about sensitive topics like racism and segregation, and historical fiction.

This review can also be found on YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...

[amira · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The moon is a softball, pitched high up into the curtain of black sky that hangs over our house. If my bat could reach, I’d swing and knock that ball free until it fell and tumbled to the place in our yard where the tree mop swings from its raggedy rope. For now, I’ll let that softball moon spread its white light, right here into my bedroom, giving me the light I need to fill your pages with my determination.”

Absolutely phenomenal. You think you’ve read every segregation era story until you pick another one up and tap into the humanity of the victims and perpetrators; finding yourself completely renewed with the courage, dignity and strife of the time. Though im pretty sure this was a children’s book, the prose was strong enough for me to both resonate and sympathize with Dawnie. Imagery through colloquialisms was done REALLY well — and made the piece enthralling, relatable and dynamic. I loved the characterization of Dawnie’s family, as well as her community; and the heroism of so many individuals amidst the collective nature of integration and the CRM. Can’t think of enough ways to say I enjoyed this so I’ll shut up!

[Peyton Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally in love with Dawnie, the narrator of this diary. She is utterly charming, completely inexorable, and the feistiest character I have gotten to know in this series so far. I loved her love of baseball and challenged expectations for girls. I loved her family, that she had a brother with autism, that her dad learned a lesson about gender roles, her mom was the implacable breadwinner, and Dawnie busted her butt to be an honor roll student and Oh by the way, she integrated her Virginia high school?? I think that’s what I liked the most about this book, was that we expect a historic moment or role that a person fills to be all consuming - and don’t get me wrong, the challenges of being the first black student at an all-white school in 1954 was a huge part of the plot - but so was getting in fights with her brother, saving up for a pogo-stick, and resenting homework. It was such a complete portrait in a way I’m not sure I have seen in other Dear America’s? I loved this one, full stop.

[Megan Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the Might of Angels: The Diary of Dawnie Rae Johnson, Hadley, Virginia, 1954 is another book in the Dear America series that is about the Civil Rights Movement. This historical fiction book is about a young girl named Dawnie in 1955 who attends a previously all white school after the Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. In this book, we see the different struggles that Dawnie goes through at this new school. In this book, we also see the realities of racism during this time period. Dawnie receives a lot of backlash and we see the impact of it on her and her family. This book does a really good job at explaining racial integration in schools. I think this would be a really good book to read when talking about racial integration and the Civil Rights Movement with your students. The students could have small group and class discussions. This is a really good book to get students more engaged in their reading in general. This would be a good book for students in 3rd grade through 5th grade. I will definitely be adding this book to my classroom library!

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawnie Rae Johnson is 12 years old when Brown v. the Board of Education rules to desegregate public schools. It's all anyone seems to be talking about in her town. Secretly Dawnie wonders what the white school looks like inside. She hates that her school is referred to as the crows nest, and the white school is called ivoryton. In an unbelievable turn of events, Dawnie is chosen to enroll at that very school, without any of her friends. Through her diary, Dawnie shares her experiences. Some of her entries are joyful, and some are painful, but beneath it all is a girl unwilling to give up.

Grades 4-6
One of the things I really like about this book was the vocabulary. Dawnie is always looking words up in the dictionary. What an great way to incorporate vocabulary into a lesson. I would recommend this book for a discussion on segregation and the significance of Brown v the Board of Education.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect a novel in a series like this to be as well-written as this book turned out to be! Not only does it expound on an important moment in our national history, but it does so in a way that wasn't preachy or condescending and that didn't get so bogged down in the historical details that we forgot the characters. Dawnie Rae Johnson is a delight to read, though. Her voice is believable and honest (kids don't always get along with their siblings, even if they love them!) and surprisingly funny during such a difficult time. She uses such fun colloquialisms. I loved the way Andrea Davis Pinkney addressed the hard things (including the possibly surprising lack of support of some within her own Black community) and had Dawnie dig deep to overcome hardships without coming across as some super-human child. She felt very real. She was very honest in facing challenges and in how things made her feel. And that makes her triumphs even more fun to celebrate.

[Julia Wieselmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

'With the Might of Angels' by Andrea Davis Pinkney was a good book. It was funny in some parts and definitely sad in some other parts. Some bits of this book were hard to read, because there were some tough things going on, but on the whole it was a very good book. It really represented the bravery of fictional character Dawnie Rae Johnson. Because it was written in Dawnie's perspective, you could read her personal thoughts and feelings about everything going on around her. 'With the Might of Angels' was also an easy read reading-level-wise. This book was written as though it were Dawnie's personal diary, which was an interesting format. I would recommend this book to those interested in the Civil Rights Movement, as well as the school integration taking place during it. On the whole, it was a good read.