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Richie’s Picks: CROW by Barbara Wright, Random House, January 2012, 304p., ISBN: 978-0-375-86928-0
“She grew up on a plantation by the ocean and knew an awful lot for someone who couldn’t read or write. She taught me things that Daddy, with all his degrees, didn’t know: that the full moon pulls the tides higher; that star formations appear in different parts of the sky depending on the season; that conch shells hold the sound of the ocean inside them; that the tiny beads of silver that twinkle at ...more
“She grew up on a plantation by the ocean and knew an awful lot for someone who couldn’t read or write. She taught me things that Daddy, with all his degrees, didn’t know: that the full moon pulls the tides higher; that star formations appear in different parts of the sky depending on the season; that conch shells hold the sound of the ocean inside them; that the tiny beads of silver that twinkle at ...more
I just finished reading this book and am still caught in its spell. I thought the first part of the book was a bit slow-going, but the author was establishing the setting so important to this novel of historical fiction based on the racial uprising in Wilmington, NC in 1898. I don't remember ever hearing about this frightening breach of justice and decency, and that is exactly why the author wrote this novel, after much research to ensure accuracy. She also wanted the reader to get to know the T
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There's a lot to love about this book, which has been included on lists as a possible Newbery this year. The characters are well written, the story is great and very informative. But it had a few problems, in my opinion. First, I thought the chapters were too long. I tend to think kids will stay engaged in a book with lots of places to stop and then come back. I also have a bit of an issue with historical fiction where only some of the events are true. I think it's a great book to use in a class
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This book introduced me to some of the most fascinating characters ever. I loved, loved, LOVED Boo Nanny. I loved that Moses wasn't presented as the most perfect child ever. I enjoyed the lazy pace of the book, and how we saw tensions build as the book progressed. I was unaware of this incident, and frankly, it kind of blew my mind. I found it totally shocking that total and complete lawlessness was allowed to have its way. I really wanted to know a little more about what led up to the editorial
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Dec 18, 2012
Barbara
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
disasters,
ncbla2013,
bullies,
social-studies,
families,
community,
death,
cultural-identity,
social-justice,
civil-rights
First of all, I must confess that I knew nothing about this event--the Wilmington Massacre of 1898--in which white supremacists bullied members of the African-American community, including elected officers. As anger grows within the white community as the result of an editorial written and printed by the publisher of an African-American newspaper, readers will be swept along with the irrational reaction that builds until there are several acts of violence. I liked the man character, Moses Thomas
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It is 1898 in Wilmington, NC and Moses's family has one foot in slavery and one foot in modern America. Moses's grandmother, Boo Nanny, is a former slave and knowledgeable in herbal medicines knows quite a bit regarding current events. Moses's dad is an educated man who works for the only African American newspaper of the time. He is also an elected alderman. Moses's mom works as a house maid for a white family and Moses can't imagine how drastic things are about to change. Based on true events
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Very good story. The tension really picks up halfway through the book when the mobs start forming. Sad part of American history how African Americans were treated. A story that needs to be heard so the past is not forgotten. Also a good novel for teaching tolerance.
Really good book. It makes me furious that these people never saw justice that even now, few have geard of the Wilmington massacre. I really wish someone would posthumously try some of those people. I know it wouldn't do any good, but it would give the story some kind of closure.
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Feb 20, 2012
Sarah W
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2012
Jennifer
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Mar 27, 2012
Carol Coutts
marked it as to-read
Mar 28, 2012
Megan
marked it as to-read
Jul 02, 2012
Joshua Whiting
marked it as to-read
Jul 10, 2012
Erin
marked it as to-read
Aug 03, 2012
Amy
marked it as to-read
Aug 13, 2012
Cecelia
marked it as to-read
Aug 15, 2012
Donna
marked it as to-read
Jan 02, 2013
Michelle
marked it as to-read
Jan 31, 2013
Sondra Eklund
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
to-check-out-children-s-fiction-new
