From Publishers Weekly
The skilled author-illustrator team that introduced readers to 1930s Harlem in Tree of Hope here explores another dramatic chapter in African-American history: the 1964 Mississippi Summer Project. In the summer of 1964, Jolie's family plays host to Annie, a 19-year-old white woman who has volunteered to teach Freedom School. The segregated community of Chicken Creek is rattled by this arrangement--blacks are skeptical of learning about their history and their heroes from a white stranger; whites are suspected of violent efforts (burning down the church, throwing bricks through windows) to drive Annie away. Despite the unrest and tension in the air, Annie helps open Jolie's eyes to her heritage and to the great test of courage that the Freedom School poses to all involved. Littlesugar personalizes the events of an era by colorfully detailing one girl's experience. Vivid imagery and realistic emotion will quickly grab readers' attention. But the story stumbles a bit, rushing to mention a list of African-American historical figures and slightly inflating Jolie's role in comparison to that of Harriet Tubman. Cooper's grainy-textured oil washes, as radiant as ever, depict the strength shining in faces of people newly enlightened. His portraits of various Chicken Creek residents capture their mix of fear, wonder, faith and determination. An author's note includes more information on the Freedom School project and the real-life heroes who inspired this story. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-This is a fictionalized account of events that took place during the 1964 Mississippi Summer Project in which more than 600 volunteers risked their lives to teach black children in the deep South "-'bout people and places-'bout who you are." Annie, a 19-year-old white teacher from up North, is staying with Jolie and her family, and the child instinctively feels danger. When vandals throw a brick through her bedroom window, she wishes the teacher would head home. After arsonists burn down the Chicken Creek Church, Annie holds the Freedom School under an old hickory tree and Jolie begins her journey toward knowledge, learning about Jacob Lawrence, Countee Cullen, and Benjamin Banneker. Gradually, the girl comes to care deeply about Annie's safety and to realize that fears must be overcome in order to win real freedom. Littlesugar has created a slice-of-life story with a potent message. Through Jolie's eyes, readers see the frightening violence of the 1960s South. The courage exhibited by the volunteers and the families offering them shelter is never minimized. Characters are fully developed; Jolie is very real in her apprehension and anger. The illustrations are masterful and lush. Cooper draws faces with exquisite strength and real pain. A unique and poignant look at a moment in history.-Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NY
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
