Marching for Freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don't You Grow Weary

Gr 6 UpMuch has been written about the Civil Rights Movement, but what has not been documented as well is the role that children played in propelling the movement forward. This book does just that as the Selma, AL, voting rights protests are examined through the eyes of its youngest demonstrators, whose spirit, humor, and grit are clearly exhibited. The book begins by introducing Joanne Blackmon, who at 10 years old was arrested for the first of many times as a result of her participation in freedom marches. The stories of several other young participants are also acknowledged. Through moving prose, their bravery in the face of uncertainty and danger is demonstrated to have clearly inspired and motivated the adults in their lives, including their teachers, parents, and grandparents, to join the fight for civil rights. Effective and meaningful archival photographs, quotes, poems, and songs are woven throughout the narrative, giving readers a real sense of the children's mindset and experiences. The bibliography, source notes, photo credits, and resources for further discussion and research are exemplary. An excellent addition to any library."Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ" Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Partridge ("This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie") tells the unsettling but uplifting story of the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, using the voices of men and women who participated as children and teenagers. Their stories unfold over 10 chapters that detail voter discrimination and the subsequent meetings and protests that culminated in the famous march. Quotations from Joanne Blackmon Bland (first jailed at age 10), Charles Mauldin (a high school student) and other youths arrested and attacked make for a captivating, personal account. The chronological format builds suspense, while the narrative places readers at church meetings, in jail cells and at the march itself. Italicized lyrics to freedom songs are woven throughout, emphasizing the power drawn from music, particularly in the wake of the violence of Bloody Sunday (They were willing to go out again and face state troopers and mounted posses with whips and tear gas and clubs. The music made them bigger than their defeat, bigger than their fear). Powerful duotone photographs, which range from disturbing to triumphal, showcase the determination of these civil rights pioneers. Ages 10up. "(Oct.)" Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

★ "Gripping profiles of young people who made a difference." Booklist, starred review

★ "A perfect balance of energetic prose and well-selected, breathtaking photographs." Kirkus, starred review

★ "An excellent addition to any library." School Library Journal, starred review

★ "A dramatic and a memorable statement." VOYA, starred review

★ "A captivating, personal account." Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A sharply focused historical narrative for a younger audience." Horn Book, starred review