Book of the Month: Freedom Summer

Warmer days.  Birds chirping.  Grass growing.  Summer is nearly here.  With that in mind, our Book of the Month is Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles.  This story is about two boys, Joe and John Henry, who are very similar.  However, there is one important difference:  Joe is white and John Henry is African American.  In 1964, being African American meant you were not able to do things other children could do.  For John Henry, this meant he could not do everything Joe did. 

The book takes readers through the summer of integration.  Laws were passed where everyone was allowed to go into stores, swim at the pool, or eat at restaurants.  Joe and John Henry were glad to see changes made, like the pool being opened to all.  However, not all people were following the new laws.   Despite the intense events occurring, how powerful it was to see two boys with a friendship stronger than any prejudice.   

Deborah Wiles uses such descriptive words , no illustrations are needed to picture her story.  Her words help you feel the summer heat.  Her words  show you the ache of injustice shown towards John Henry.  So much discussion could come from her writing of that summer in 1964. 

I am sure everyone is looking forward to summer, for many reasons.  It was awesome to see the united force at Marlin reading, sharing, and spending time focused on literacy.  Here’s to next school year and our reading community!

HAPPY SUMMER!