Dangerous Skies

by Suzanne Fisher Staples

A Season of Change

Along the Virginia shoreline where their families have lived for generations, Buck and Tunes Smith defy tradition. Raised together like brother and sister, they are bound by surname, but not by skin color. And just as Buck has come to rely on Tunes, Tunes has come to trust that even in a place where race can mean so much, their friendship will remain as dependable as the tides.

But then the horrifying events of one spring afternoon tear them apart—and change their world forever. Desperate to hang on to the thing that he values most, Buck struggles to uphold their friendship—without realizing that his efforts are pushing Tunes farther and farther away.

From a Newbury Honor-winning author, this is a powerfully moving story of friendship in the face of racism, and betrayal in the name of loyalty.
 

Dangerous Skies is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Teen, African American

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Suzanne Fisher Staples is the author of six books addressed to children and adolescents. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (U.S.A.), she grew up in a small community around Northwestern Pennsylvania. She had three siblings, a sister and two brothers. Suzanne went to Lakeland High School in Scott Township, Pennsylvania. Later, she graduated from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She got a job for 10 years being a news reporter and editor for the United Press International. She worked in many places across the U.S.A. and Asia, including Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, New York, and Washington DC. In 1985, she returned to Pakistan to assess the conditions of poor, rural women and report back to the United States Agency for International Development.

Reviews

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As part of my research for my historical novel Half-Truths, I am reading as many books as I can which probe the relationships between African Americans and whites. By now I am less surprised by stories of segregation and prejudice in the 20th century, but Dangerous Skies is an exception. Readers may be shocked that this story takes place in 1991--just twenty short years ago.


At twelve years of age, the friendship between Buck Smith and Tunes Smith developed since infancy. They grew up together along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay where their families' lives intertwined. "[Tune's] daddy, Kneebone, was manager of my father's farm, like his father and his father's father before him, all the way back to the time when they were freed from slavery, which was how they first came to work the Smith land." (p. 6)


The two were highly respected fish finders, but the summer that they were to turn thirteen the watermen not only asked where the fish were biting, but where Buck and Tunes had been together. "I didn't think much about it at first, but before long all the looks and questions were getting on my nerves." (p.9) Buck says, foreshadowing the book's main conflict.


When Buck and Tunes discover a dead body floating in shallow water, events unfold which baffle and anger Buck. As he doggedly tries to discover who killed him, Buck has to face his own lies as well as long-standing alliances within the white community which breed condemnation for Tunes.


The publisher recommends this book for readers from 8-12. I disagree. There are references to forced sexual intimacy between Tunes and a white man. Although these are written in a very subtle manner, I recommend this book for upper middle grade students and higher.


Prejudice, deceit, hypocrisy, love, and loyalty-- this book has it all. But a book set in 1991--is that historical fiction or not? What do you think?

[Lettie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my son when he was somewhere between 9-11 years old & I've never forgotten it. Tear jerker! Loved it so much.

[Kari Allsup · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult story to read. It’s paced a little slow, but it compels you to feel the injustice of all that occurs, so in that sense it is well written. The story would be good preparation for young readers before they read To Kill a Mocking Bird. However, I don’t this story balances the gravity of the injustices with the light heartedness of youth as well.

[Jazmier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked that many stars because i didn't really like the book... I think someone should read it if they like books like this one.... It would make it better is the author made the story more excited...

[Stephanie A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not remember this one whatsoever, but High School Me gave it 1.5 stars and put "racism, murder, yawn" in the tiny space for keywords I gave myself on the paper reading list, so draw what conclusions you will.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's. Story of friendship and racism, betrayal and loyalty.

[Ann Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very true to life stories if you have ever worked for a public library.

[Hermioneginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buck e Tunes hanno la stessa età e lo stesso cognome. Ma Buck è bianco, discendente di proprietari di una piantagione, e Tunes è nera, discendente degli schiavi che lavoravano nella piantagione. Sono amici da sempre, Buck si fida completamente di lei, anche quando trovano il cadavere di un uomo e lo sceriffo sospetta di Tunes. Solo in quel momento Buck si rende conto di quanto pesi il colore della pelle e che i pregiudizi spesso superano la verità.

È ambientato nel 1991, ma sembrano gli anni Trenta! Un libro che fa male, che ricorda l'ingiustizia de "Il buio oltre la siepe". Buck e Scout hanno lo stesso sconcerto e la stessa rabbia verso i pregiudizi, i sentimenti che dovremmo provare noi davanti agli stereotipi di chi ancora oggi giudica una persona per come è fatta fuori e non per come è dentro.

* Mamma non era tipo da esprimere i suoi sentimenti a parole. Ma capivi esattamente cosa aspettarti da lei nel momento in cui entravi in casa e annusavi quello che stava cucinando. Preparava pane quando era nervosa, torte quando era felice e patate fritte quando era arrabbiata.

[Ezra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say that this book did alot for in the thinking aspect of it. It had me ponder different situations I could be in and evaluate friendships that I am in. The relationship between buck and tunes despite all of the discriminations and the odds against them shows what it means to have a true friend, and that you dont have one until situations like these arive and your friend backs you up like Buck having to defend Tunes and vice versa. Both being males in a soceity as close minded as theirs makes me see what it is like to defy the odds. I actually red this book because I was in a Staples mood, for a while. After reading her great books Shabanu and Haveli I was compelled to read more of her books. This inspired me and made me want to only read more of her books. SO thanks to Staples for making my 11th grade so terrific with all of these books. And do i recommend this book to one who finds the conflicts between friends intriguing and compelling

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buck and Tunes have been friends since they were toddlers. The difference in color has never been an issue. Kneebone and Buck's father work side by side on the Smith family farm. Everything changes the day Buck and Tunes find a dead body. Tunes freaks and runs and Buck is left to deal with the sheriff. For some reason, Buck refrains from telling anyone that Tunes was with him ... and he talks of his suspicion about Jumbo Rawlings. The town thinks Jumbo is a saint, but Buck has seen differently. In the days that follow, Buck can't believe that Tunes has become the prime suspect in Jorge's murder and sets out to prove that Jumbo is setting her up. His father forbids him to get further involved. He warns Tunes anyway and she runs away. Finally, Buck knowing he's the only one who can find her, breaks his house arrest and goes to her. He talks her into turning herself in to the judge ... to tell her side of the story ... the whole truth about Jumbo and what he has done to her.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully written. In the context of an unlikely friendship between a white boy and a black girl living on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, the author explores the issues of racial prejudice, fear, and growing up and questioning authority. The ending is realistic and mostly good, though it's realism leaves it somewhat unsatisfying. The story is poignant and heartbreaking, but life goes on as usual at the end. The reader is left wondering if anything can truly break down the racial barriers that still exist in much of the country.

[Oscar Arciniega · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this story, Two kids that live in Virginia are very close to each other even though they are different skin color. Their names were Buck and Tunes. In a society heavily based on skin color, they are odd people some say because they are friends of different colors. Although, one day, something tragic happened to them, and they were split apart. Buck was worried that he might not see Tunes again and that they are being separated more apart. So, Buck is trying his best to be able to see his friend again.

[Eloise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really impressed with Suzanne Fisher Staples when I heard her speak a couple of years ago at the BYU symposium on Books for Young Readers.
This book is well written, but the ending left me feeling like I'd been kicked in the stomach. It's similar to To Kill a Mockingbird--without Atticus Finch.

[Amy]

This book is not one of my faviourite because i don't like murder mysteries accept from the one we read in class. I don't like it because it is boring, I am up to the bit about the boy and girl finding the dead body. I have only read 37 pages and I still find it boring although it is boring there is alot of description so I could imagine it but i don't want to imagine a dead body.

[Shelby Bretschneider]

I really liked this book. This book is a very good book. You really don't expect what is going to come next when they are sitting in the duck blind when Tunes is being looked for, for murdering someone. This is a very long story it kinda of drags on but then it gets really good at the end. So I encourage you to read this book and find out what I'm talking about.

[Wendee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely superior writing that sucks you in from the first page. This story covers some heavy stuff and yet can be put right into my absolute favorites stack. It was touching and true to life. I am so glad to have read this book even if it has a bit of sadness.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things gey shaky just because of skin color. A girl is discriminated because of her skin. She is said to have trespassed someones property when no such event has occurred. The police try to track her down but will it work?

[Kelli Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for kids learning about black/white issues that still take place today. This book takes place somewhere in the South and I think depicts very well what still goes on as far as racism and loyalty. Super quick read!

[Cookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a friendship between a white boy and a black girl - just friends, no love. An eye-opening tale for the boy when he realizes the family he thought he knew turns out to be something completely different.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

liked shabanu and haveli much better. it seemed kind of slow, and finally picked up towards the end. then it went too fast the very, very end. disappointing and not enough closure for me.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Old Children's Book. Liked it as a kid, but haven't read it in years.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant story beautifully told. I craved a happy ending even though it would not have faithful to the course of events and characters' behaviors.

[Scott Williams]

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[Cali · Rating 2 out of 5]

the story was interesting bit of was too long and I just got bored and it took me very long to read it so that is a 2 stars for me...

[Hoang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good movies with a twist.

[Jonathan Fuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is very good book tunes and buck good luck I <3

[Karina · Rating 2 out of 5]

one of the best mystery books that I have ever read.Must read!

[Edward Guillen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read it for 7th grade English and it just did not excite me boring plot flat characters meh

[Adam]

I give this book a 5 star rating because it was a really good book that i wanted to know what happened the whole time.If you like mystery and suspense than you would love this book because they are trying to find out who murdered the man jorge. This book was about friendship and keeping each other together so the sheriff would believe that tunes did not kill jorge. I won't say who murdered jorge because that would just ruin the whole book for people who really want to see what happened.I think you should read this book even if you don't like the genre i loved it.