Equal

March 1, 2021

Gr 6 Up- Set in western North Carolina in 1959, the fifth book in the "Bakers Mountain" series explores racial inequality. When 13-year-old Jackie Honeycutt meets Thomas Freeman fishing by the river, Jackie hopes they can be friends. But their friendship won't be easy, as Jackie is white and Thomas is Black. The civil rights movement is growing, and Jackie learns about racism and prejudice through bullying at school, the experiences of his college-aged sister Ellie as she participates in peaceful protests with her Black friend Maribelle, and the behavior of community members when his family helps Maribelle's family. Historical details are easily intertwined with the Honeycutt family's journey to understanding and combating injustices in a racially segregated society; characters build a bomb shelter, fearing the United States will be attacked by Russia, and participate in lunch-counter protests at Woolworth stores. An author's note explains that the words Negro and colored are used throughout the story because those were the terms used by Americans at the time. The extensive notes also discuss the civil rights movement, the Cold War, and other elements such as 4-H that are important to the story. A list of resources completes the back matter. VERDICT A comprehensive and engaging choice for historical fiction collections.-Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga P.L. Syst., OH

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March 15, 2021
In 1959, a North Carolina teen is caught up in the social changes of the times. Eighth grader Jackie Honeycutt is coping with issues in his family and his community. The television is full of news about the sometimes-violent resistance to efforts to desegregate schools. In his still-all-White school, Jackie faces a bully. Further, his college-student sister is becoming involved in civil rights issues, bringing those concerns closer to home, although his parents are more interested in avoiding trouble. Jackie takes refuge in preparing his cow for the local fair and dreaming of winning a prize. Through it all, he has developed a friendship with Thomas, an African American teen he met at the local fishing spot--but it does not take long before the gulf between them is evident. Jackie ultimately realizes his own role in a hurtful incident involving Thomas and needs to decide how to make amends. Jackie is an earnest young person trying to make sense of the world around him, encouraged by a perceptive teacher. This depiction of racial struggles as seen through the lens of the White community has a dense narrative that is well crafted but takes a gentle tone about a time that is anything but gentle. The author's note provides information about actual events, including the racial terminology used at the time. A look back at a complex era that continues to resonate in today's world. (resources, picture credits) (Historical fiction. 9-12)

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