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Loading... Night on fire (edition 2015)by Ronald KiddI liked that the white girl at the center of this story set in 1961 was realistically portrayed as a child who had inherited racist views from her family. It seems like in children's historical fiction, young white American characters are somehow untainted by the culture of white supremacy that surrounds them. This story really examines how you can think you are a good person from a nice family (as Billie does) but be completely blind to what is really going on. Billie slowly wakes up to the injustice that has always surrounded her. I think this is (sadly) relevant to many young white Americans today. We might think everything is hunky-dory, but that's because we live in a bubble of privilege. So I liked this book a lot. At the same time, I recognize that there are already too many books that center white voices in American history. So while I think this is a good book and that is has the potential to speak to young white readers where they are, it is important to boost books (especially those by African American authors) that center people of color. Do not read this without reading books by the likes of Christopher Paul Curtis, Rita Williams-Garcia, John Lewis, Carole Boston Weatherford, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Jacqueline Woodson, Kekla Magoon, and Walter Dean Myers (and others). Night on Fire is a historical fiction novel that takes readers back to the Civil Rights Movement. Instead of the viewpoint from a revolutionary activist we get to see the world from a young teenager’s eyes. Billie, our main protagonist, doesn’t fully understand racism, but as she experiences small incidents in her everyday life she is starting to see the prejudice against African-Americans. She realizes its wrong, and sees the hate behind people’s actions, but doesn’t know what to do. After a huge violent outburst in her hometown Billie really starts to question segregation and feels that everyone deserves equal rights. And in doing so she transitions from a naive to a confident person who wants to join the fight for justice and equality. This novel gives younger readers a somewhat in-depth look at what the Freedom Riders achieved during this era as well as showing why it was so significant to the Civil Rights Movement. I also think it would make good teaching material in a classroom and will encourage readers to do more research on the entire movement. The book also does a great job of highlighting the events from time period and condensing it in a roughly 300 page space that manages to keep the plot flowing smoothly. While it was based on actual events I felt like I was reading a story rather a history book. This novel keeps the reader engaged while also teaching them about the Civil Rights Movement at the same time. I absolutely loved this book, and will defintely consider using it in school. I actually initially assumed this was semi-autobiographical, which is testament to Kidd's skill in creating characters and using Billie's narrative voice to bring history alive. The comparison with To Kill a Mockingbird is perhaps too obvious because of the setting and subject matter, but I felt that Billlie's story, like that of Scout Finch, is powerful because of its perspective. Billie is a kind, curious, precocious, somewhat spoilt child whose generally idyllic childhood is interupted by tumultuous events in her society. Her response is both heroic and believable, and she would be an inspiring heroine for readers of any age. I received an advance digital copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book, and will defintely consider using it in school. I actually initially assumed this was semi-autobiographical, which is testament to Kidd's skill in creating characters and using Billie's narrative voice to bring history alive. The comparison with To Kill a Mockingbird is perhaps too obvious because of the setting and subject matter, but I felt that Billlie's story, like that of Scout Finch, is powerful because of its perspective. Billie is a kind, curious, precocious, somewhat spoilt child whose generally idyllic childhood is interupted by tumultuous events in her society. Her response is both heroic and believable, and she would be an inspiring heroine for readers of any age. I received an advance digital copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I liked the book "Night on Fire". In this book the main characters are two 13-year-olds, their hopes and dreams are discusses. I like that the differences between black and white are shown through the eyes of children at a younger age, and discovered throughout the book. Additionally, I like how the plot of the books has two lives coming together at the end. I think that by showing the two points of view and then bringing them together, the book shows the feeling of the time period. The main idea of this book is the prejudice that was going on in the time period the book was written about. Night on Fire by Ronald Kidd basically blew me away for so many reasons! This book brings the past to life and allows us a glimpse of what it felt like to live back in the time of the Civil Rights movement with Martin Luther King Jr. and the Freedom Riders. While some this story's message is bold and loud, other's are quietly subtle. Both are delivered in a way that is not preachy and leaves the reader with much to think about. I can't say I loved reading this book - the topic was too painful to allow that but I do feel Night on Fire is a very good book with a message that is for everyone! Rating for this book is 5 stars! A definite thank you to Albert Whitman and Co. as well as Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The fight for equality. Based on real events in the civil Rights Movement in Alabama USA, this Young Adult book was well written and accessible. A worthwhile read for young adults and adults alike. In the 1960s, equality was written into Federal law, but some of the Southern States had yet to enforce it. The Freedom Riders, a group of mixed white and black students decided to ride buses together through some of the Southern States on a peaceful demonstration. Billie Simms is 13 yrs old and white, but she doesn't take for granted the traditions of black servants, with separate entrances and seats at the back of the bus. When she meets up with Jarmaine, the daughter of the family servant, she finds that even more questions require answers. Her parents' responses don't satisfy her, so she decides to join the fight for equality. Billie is horrified to realise how much segregation there is between her way of life and Jarmaine's. She realises how much she's taken for granted and treated the black workers as if they are invisible. She also becomes aware that just standing by and watching is not the same as getting involved and fighting for change. An excellent book that should be required reading in Europe as well as US. Recommended. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.54Literature American literature in English American fiction in English 1900-1999 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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I actually initially assumed this was semi-autobiographical, which is testament to Kidd's skill in creating characters and using Billie's narrative voice to bring history alive.
The comparison with To Kill a Mockingbird is perhaps too obvious because of the setting and subject matter, but I felt that Billlie's story, like that of Scout Finch, is powerful because of its perspective. Billie is a kind, curious, precocious, somewhat spoilt child whose generally idyllic childhood is interupted by tumultuous events in her society. Her response is both heroic and believable, and she would be an inspiring heroine for readers of any age.
I received an advance digital copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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