A review by marmoset737
The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon
4.0
This is an interesting, and unique, look at the Civil Rights movement as it focuses one one adolescent's experiences with the Black Panther movement which as has been said by other reviewers, is pretty rare in YA/tween lit.
This is a good historical fiction choice for ages 10-15. The main character, Sam, is relatable - while he's dealing with a lot of extreme conflicts in terms of racial relations, his father and brother's conflicting ideals, etc. that shape the historical elements of the book, he's also dealing with normal adolescent issues like first crushes in a compelling way.
My only caveat with the book is that the ending felt rushed, particularly Sam's final decisions. No spoilers...but I just wish the author had spent a little more time wrapping up the complicated relationships and conflicts that faced Sam through the rest of the book.
This is a good historical fiction choice for ages 10-15. The main character, Sam, is relatable - while he's dealing with a lot of extreme conflicts in terms of racial relations, his father and brother's conflicting ideals, etc. that shape the historical elements of the book, he's also dealing with normal adolescent issues like first crushes in a compelling way.
My only caveat with the book is that the ending felt rushed, particularly Sam's final decisions. No spoilers...but I just wish the author had spent a little more time wrapping up the complicated relationships and conflicts that faced Sam through the rest of the book.