Oh, Freedom! [Paperback]

Casey King (Author), Linda Barrett Osborne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 1997

Now in paperback--a personal look at the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s told through dozens of interviews conducted by Washington, D.C., fourth graders with their parents, grandparents, neighbors, and others who helped fight the battle against segregation and changed the course of history. With a foreword by Rosa Parks, three introductory essays, and over 40 archival photographs, this thoughtful, compelling, and educational book pays tribute to the many ordinary people who dedicated themselves to the cause of freedom and the fight for equality.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8. A unique collection of oral histories about the civil rights movement that grew out of a fourth-grade assignment. The 31 interviews, all conducted by children, are organized into three sections: "Life Under Segregation," "The Movement to End Legalized Segregation," and "The Struggle to End Poverty and Discrimination." Each part of the book is introduced by background information that provides a thorough historical context. The interviews are brief?usually two pages?and include a black-and-white photo of the student and the interviewee. In addition, well-chosen historical photos support the text. They are especially powerful when they depict the subject participating in the activities that he or she describes. Some civil rights notables appear, such as James Farmer, but most of the participants are parents or other relatives and friends. Each one has a unique perspective, such as the minister of an interracial church who is a former member of the Ku Klux Klan, and an Asian-American woman who worked for civil rights because of her experiences in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. This book is important for the stories it tells, the pictures it shows, and especially for its prevailing message?that we are all a part of history, and we can all share and appreciate one another's experiences.?Marilyn (Makowski) Heath, Greenwood High School, SC
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-9. In 31 lively interviews, children ask family members, friends, and neighbors about the part they played in the civil rights movement. With each interview, there are informal photos of the child and adult talking and also dramatic documentary photos of the historic events they are talking about. The interviews are arranged in three sections, each introduced by a long historical photo-essay: life under segregation, the movement to end legalized segregation, and the continuing struggle to end poverty and discrimination. The essays are sophisticated, clearly for older readers and for teachers who want to fill in the historical background; but the interviews will grab elementary-grade readers. Both children and adults speak directly with strong individual voices ("Kids? They attacked kids?"). Some are colloquial ("Oh, my God, Mommy, that's terrible"); some, more formal. The book design is handsome and readable, with thick paper, lots of white space, and stirring photographs on nearly every page. The interviewing process is part of the appeal--several kids speak as if they were "live" on the radio or on TV. The respect given both the reporters and their subjects will stir interest in the civil rights movement and in local oral history projects. There is a bibliography of books, videos, and recordings as well as a chronology. Hazel Rochman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (December 16, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067989005X
• ISBN-13: 978-0679890058
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,025,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, June 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Oh, Freedom! (Paperback)

There are many wonderful stories told within the context of this rather difficult subject. For those who use writer's workshop . . . this is an excellent example of the use of interviews and other nonfiction techniques.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving, June 25, 2001

By 

Alana D. Stanley (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Oh, Freedom! (Paperback)

I was featured in this book along with my mother(pg.22)and I remember when it was just a homework assignment in elementary school. When I was told it was a book I was amazed to see all of the people I knew and the moving stories it consisted of. I enjoy that book everytime I pick it up. It is especially easy for children to read because it was written by people aging 10-14. I especially love the foreword that was written by Rosa Parks herself. Very insiteful.