Publishers Weekly Review
Lowery's dogged participation as a teen in the fight for equal civil rights-as told to Leacock and Buckley (collaborators on Journeys for Freedom and other titles)-offers a gripping story told in conversational language. "We learned the drill real quick: We went to jail, we came back out, and then we went to jail again.... Pretty soon we knew to take our own little bologna sandwiches... because jail food just wasn't good." The matter-of-fact tone often belies the danger Lowery and other protesting teenagers faced. Enhancing the narrative's appeal are Loughran's dramatic comics-style illustrations, which accompany archival photos. As the 1965 march to Montgomery drew closer, Lowery found herself in increasingly dangerous situations (e.g., the sweatbox in jail or being tear-gassed). Undeterred by fear, she joined the historic march, offering her description of what it was like as the youngest participant on the wet, four-day journey. In time to mark the march's 50th anniversary, this recounting informs and inspires. An afterword briefly explains U.S. segregation history and profiles people who lost their lives in connection with the march. Ages 12-up. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. |
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-At the age of 15, Lowery had already been jailed nine times, but she continued to help fight for the right to vote for black Americans. This memoir tells her story as the youngest marcher from Selma to Montgomery, AL. Damaras Obi nails the dramatic scenes, emphasizing the right words and phrases to draw listeners into the story. This audiobook is the perfect length to share with younger listeners in its entirety, or in short snippets to help students understand the experiences of a teen involved in the fight for civil rights. VERDICT A fascinating historical perspective from someone who made a difference for others.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |