annakim's review against another edition
2.0
In the Louisiana swamps, where segregation is still the way of life, young Calogero, a Sicilian, falls in love with Patricia, a young African American girl, disregarding the censure and disapproval of the community.
Though this book does a great job exposing readers to the little known history of Sicilians in the south and the injustices they faced, the writing is a bit weak and the pacing tends to be rather slow.
Though this book does a great job exposing readers to the little known history of Sicilians in the south and the injustices they faced, the writing is a bit weak and the pacing tends to be rather slow.
disconightwing's review
3.0
I have so many mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I think it was an excellent story that teaches a valuable lesson about an overlooked group of people at the turn of the century. On the other hand, the ending was a major downer and I'm not sure I'd want a kid to read it, and the present tense really got on my nerves.
I had a hard time getting into this story, but I'm glad I stuck with it until the end. I had a hard time identifying with any of the characters, but I felt really bad for Calogero at the end, too. So I'm really torn about how I feel about this one.
I had a hard time getting into this story, but I'm glad I stuck with it until the end. I had a hard time identifying with any of the characters, but I felt really bad for Calogero at the end, too. So I'm really torn about how I feel about this one.
heykellyjensen's review against another edition
I gave this the Nancy Pearl 50-page shot. The theme is tired and tried. I think there are far too many books about the topic of discrimination based on nationality, and no matter what group is doing what action, it has to chart new territory to gain readers. This one just didn't.
I tried again but just can't do it.
I tried again but just can't do it.
dlarca's review against another edition
3.0
Calogero lives with his uncles and cousin outside of Tallulah, Louisiana in 1899. Their family runs a grocery store, selling the best fruits and vegetables to members of the town. They are the only Sicilians in Tallulah and therefore a target. Not everyone takes kindly to the immigrants, who aren't white but aren't Negro either. Calogero doesn't fit in anywhere. Until he meets Patricia and her brother. Who happen to be black.
For the first time ever, the Scalise family has friends. But fraternizing with Negros makes the white townspeople detest them even more. As tensions mount and lies run rampant, Calogero is forced to make some difficult decisions and bear the brunt of unspeakable bigotry.
Based on a true story, Napoli explores other forms of racism in the south during the American Reconstruction. We often reduce the story to white and black, but forget that others were caught in the crossfire as well. Alligator Bayou is a quick read, but it will leave you pondering the effects of hatred, ignorance, and violence as our country struggled to rebuild itself-and how those forces can still be seen at work today.
For the first time ever, the Scalise family has friends. But fraternizing with Negros makes the white townspeople detest them even more. As tensions mount and lies run rampant, Calogero is forced to make some difficult decisions and bear the brunt of unspeakable bigotry.
Based on a true story, Napoli explores other forms of racism in the south during the American Reconstruction. We often reduce the story to white and black, but forget that others were caught in the crossfire as well. Alligator Bayou is a quick read, but it will leave you pondering the effects of hatred, ignorance, and violence as our country struggled to rebuild itself-and how those forces can still be seen at work today.
lynnlovegreen's review against another edition
Another excellent book from a great author! She brings to life a part of our history I never heard of, in a searing but beautiful way.
maple_dove's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Gun violence
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death
academianut's review against another edition
4.0
Hits you hard in the gut, but worth every moment - this painstakingly researched and exciting historical fiction novel is an amazing portrayal of an Italian American immigrant experience at the time when Italians were racially discriminated against--this book explores this, as well as the economic and systemic factors surrounding it (and continued discrimination against newly freed African Americans and the fear of both marginalized groups "fraternizing" through the eyes of a discerning child, and his incredible found family.
rae_girl's review against another edition
3.0
A very different kind of book than I usually read, but still very good. And very sad. It's sad to think that that kind of prejudice and bigotry really existed in our country but it did and paints a very sad picture of what life was like for the people who are different from us.
One thing I really dislike was all the kissing the main character did. I mean he'd only 14! I know it happens but it doesn't mean I like reading about it.
One thing I really dislike was all the kissing the main character did. I mean he'd only 14! I know it happens but it doesn't mean I like reading about it.
tracisbooks's review
3.0
I have so many mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I think it was an excellent story that teaches a valuable lesson about an overlooked group of people at the turn of the century. On the other hand, the ending was a major downer and I'm not sure I'd want a kid to read it, and the present tense really got on my nerves.
I had a hard time getting into this story, but I'm glad I stuck with it until the end. I had a hard time identifying with any of the characters, but I felt really bad for Calogero at the end, too. So I'm really torn about how I feel about this one.
I had a hard time getting into this story, but I'm glad I stuck with it until the end. I had a hard time identifying with any of the characters, but I felt really bad for Calogero at the end, too. So I'm really torn about how I feel about this one.