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Who killed Beau Boutan? Ernest Gaines, an award-winning author, has written his fifth novel about aging, Southern black men who take a stand against racial injustice during the 1940's. A member of an influential Cajun clan in Louisiana has been murdered. The vengeful family of the victim is prepared for a lynching. Defenders show up with a shotgun, one spent shell, and a story of why each could be guilty of the murder. This is a rewarding story of changing times, loyalty, and friendship in the old South.

Reviewed by Jane A., Morrison Regional

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This book is wonderful! It moved me to tears. There was a lot of irony, symbolism and hidden depth inside it. When I finished reading, I felt like a better person.
-Alice, Princeton, NJ

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In this classic treasure, Hurston captures the imagination and brings her characters to life with symbolism, imagery, and vernacular often found within the African-American culture in rural Southern communities. Inspired by a blossoming pear tree, beautiful, intelligent, and sensual 16 year-old Janie Crawford has dreams that take her beyond the small, rural west Florida community where she lives. Nanny, Janie's grandmother, believes that Janie needs stability and is determined to make sure that Janie has a better life than she and Janie's mother. Discontented with relationships filled with drama, tragedy, and murder, Janie decides to take control of her own destiny and sets out on a quest to make sense of her inner-self and to discover her true identity.

Reviewed by Retha H., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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Sally Hemings was the beautiful, quadroon slave of Thomas Jefferson, former President of the United States. Set in Virginia, with brief jaunts to Paris, and told from the third person viewpoint of a white census taker, this novel is the fictional story of the intimate details of the culturally forbidden passion between 15 year old Hemings and 50 year old Jefferson. Vibrating with the conflicting emotions of love and hate, it is difficult to detect where fiction ends and fact begins. Although written as fiction, it contains authentic documents that are central to the controversial theme and reflects upon some of the tragic tales in the annals of American history. Recent DNA tests have proven that descendants of at least one of Hemings' sons have the same genetic-mapping as descendants of Jefferson's white sons.

Reviewed by Myriette E., Beatties Ford Road Branch

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Oprah Winfrey's Book Club author Breena Clarke's first novel is about the struggle, growth, development and triumphs of twelve-year-old, Johnnie Mae Byrum after her youngest sister Clara drowns in the Potomac River. Set in the segregated 1925 African American Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., this story realistically describes not only the interactions within the close-knit community, but also those between the black and white communities. Clarke accurately captures the pain that Clara's death inflicts on her family and the entire community. Also, the author's vivid use of imagery enables the reader to feel as though she/he is actually living the story. This is a good read for those who enjoy thought-provoking books, which also contain twinges of mystical elements.

Reviewed by Michelle G., Scaleybark Branch

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James Weldon Johnson takes a deep look into the race question in this book. Not only does he deal with race between Whites and Blacks and different nationalities, but he also tackles the topic of prejudices within the same race. The issue of how light skinned and dark skinned Afro-Americans treat each other differently is an important theme that runs throughout. Even though written in the early 1900's, Johnson tackles issues that are very prevalent in today's society. This book comes highly recommended.

Reviewed by Russell M., West Boulevard Branch

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Stigmata is the story of Lizzie, a fourteen year old African-American girl, who inherits a trunk and a handmade quilt from a grandmother she never knew. After receiving this gift, she starts reliving her grandmother’s past. The reliving takes Lizzie back to the slave ship and through the life of her grandmother. The reliving is so vivid, she even gets scars from the manacles without explanation. Her parents have her committed because they think she is trying to kill herself. After her release she resumes her life and comes to terms with the fact that these memories are a part of her forever. This is a great read for anyone who has or is coming to terms with their past.

Reviewed by Page I., Hickory Grove Branch

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Danzy Senna, identified by Black Issues Book Review as one of the best young African American literary fiction writers of the new millennium, takes her readers on a magical journey into the lives of Cole and Birdie, children born from the interracial marriage of Deck, a black intellectual and Sandra, a blue blooded Bostonian turned civil rights activist. The children's physical appearance often startles strangers. Cole taunts a honey brown complexion while Birdie is of a much lighter hue. The girls struggle to claim their identity as sisters. However, the way in which they are perceived by others makes the struggle that much more difficult. Set in New England in the 1970's, Senna weaves a wonderful tale.

Reviewed by Vickie C., West Boulevard Branch

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Seven year old Mariah is both hurt and confused when the mother she worships leaves her in the care of two elderly aunts. Not only must she adapt to her aunts' peculiar ways; she must also adjust to those of the 1960-1970 segregated rural Georgia. The story follows Mariah's growth and development from childhood to young adulthood. Youngblood's lyrical, poetic style allows the reader to understand the anger and despair Mariah feels. The reader sees how historical events guide the action of the characters. The novel demonstrates how self-motivation, good parenting and effective role models help one overcome and deal with life's challenges.

Reviewed by Michelle G., Scaleybark Branch

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Sarny lives on the Waller plantation. One day a slave named Nightjohn comes to the plantation with Mr. Waller. In exchange for a lip of tobacco, Nightjohn begins teaching Sarny how to write letters. After a while, it is revealed that he was free at one time, but returned to the South to teach slaves to read and write. But slaves caught reading and writing are punished severely. So when Mr. Waller catches Sarny writing, he looks for someone to blame. The punishment he inflicts has a permanent result. This book is filled with meaningful dialogue and characters. Written from Sarny's point of view, it powerfully portrays injustice, wonderment of the written language, and a spirit of hope.

Reviewed by Jeanenne R., Steele Creek Branch

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Reader's comments about this book

It was a great book!
-Sam, New York

Gary Paulsen has written a wonderful story about the brutal history of slavery. I have enjoyed the novel very much.
-koula, Queensland

It was so action packed.
-Des, KY

I had to read this book in 5th grade an i didn't understand it as well, but now I read it in the 9th and I am well informed about what happen back then. This was a wonderful book.
-Shaishai, Mobile, Alabama

This book was really good, and I enjoyed it a lot.
-Lila, Milwaukee, WI

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Guided by a flyer advertising a musical group that had mysteriously upset his mother before her death, ten-year-old Bud (not Buddy) sets off on a journey to Flint, Michigan to find his father. Although Bud's mission and discovery is serious, the story begins with a comical scene when a son in a foster home attempts to jam a pencil in Bud's nose. This will make a great read-aloud with slapstick and laugh-out-loud humor.

Reviewed by Nancy S., Morrison Regional

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A very moving story about a young, orphaned boy who vows not to give up until he finds his family. A simple but touching story.
-Abby, Charlotte, NC

A feel-good book that will warm your heart.
-Michelle, Charlotte, NC

This book is actually really good!
-Keenah, Toledo

This book was touching. I really liked it a lot!!!!!
-Lydia, NY

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I truly enjoyed the book Stealing Freedom. The book is about a slave's journey to freedom and the people who affect her. Ann Marie Weems and her family, excluding her father, have been slaves. Their master has never split a family, but when her family is separated she is saddened. When her father finds a way for everyone to be free Ann's master refuses to let her go. Ann tries to cope, but when she moves she meets more friends and falls in love, she is faced with a decision to escape and leave her beloved Alfred. I think you should check this book out to discover what happens to Ann, her family, and Alfred. This was a really good book and I recommend it for people who really enjoy Historical Fiction.

Reviewed by Alexis, Train Your Brain Summer Reading

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It is the greatest book I have ever read. I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up. It tells you a lot about what African- Americans had to overcome.
-Rebeckah, Charlotte, N.C.

This is a great book. It shows us a really vivid picture of the lives of African-American slaves.
-Michelle, MD

I LOVE this book! It is so inspiring to read the story of a girl my age doing something like escaping slavery. It's so cool!
-Jessica, Wyoming, MI

I love this book so far because a girl who is that brave is a girl who will have a great influence on young and old people. This book is really inspiring and I think that it should be read by more people.
-Jenny, FL

Excellent. A true novel. Anyone 7 and up. 5 stars easily. A great class book. Great excitement. Loved it.
-Ross, Gunter, TX

This book was truly amazing!
-Alyson, Nixa, MO

It was pretty kewl and vivid
-Melissa, Alexandria, Louisiana

I loved this book it was so amazing,and it truly shows how cruel slavery was and how well thought out the underground railroad was. I would recommend this book to any teenager- even if you are not a huge reader(such as myself).
-Nichole, MD

I love this book a lot!I like how it tells you the adventure of her running away and her feelings.
-Tierra, VA

This book was OK. It was sort of confusing to me, but I loved how it took place in my hometown.
-Brenna, MD

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Fourth grader Kenny Watson, who lives in Flint, Michigan, tells about his African-American family which consists of his strict but loving parents, little sister, and his older brother, Byron. Because Byron is in so much trouble, the family decides to return to Birmingham hoping his grandmother can shape him up. Curtis has succeeded in writing a hilarious, heart-warming, and thought-provoking book. A laugh out loud scene occurs when Byron freezes his lips to the mirror of the new family car. Readers will gain some insight into the Civil Rights Era and the senseless bombing of the Sixteenth Avenue Church in 1963.

Reviewed by Nancy S., Morrison Regional

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I really liked the book because it shows you what African Americans go though each and every day.
-Trabrissa, Charlotte, NC

I absolutely LOVED this book. It keeps you reading till the end, and you can't put it down. You gotta read it!
-Sarah, Matthews, NC

I am in the Sixth grade and my teacher got a class set of this book that we are all are reading in class right now! The book really gets me into reading because I usually do not like to read at all! But the book is really interesting and I enjoy reading. It shows how black or white families' lives are really the same. The book is the best. I love it!
-Jessica, Sachse, TX

I am a ten year old in fifth grade and my class read the book together. I enjoyed the book because it was exciting and had a lot of hooks where I couldn't stop reading.
-Bryn, Ny, Ny

I absolutley loved this book! I love how this book brings history into real life situations and events. I learned a lot about the civil rights movement from this book.
-Megan, Oshkosh Wi

This book was very good, I couldn't put it down for anything in the world. It was sad at times and funny at others. My 5th grade teacher Ms.Okolo wanted me to read it and I'm glad she did.
-Kristina, Houston, Txas

I loved this book! I am now doing a time capsule on Kenny and it should be a lot of fun. I will tell everyone to read this book because I really enjoyed it!
-Alanna, Joliet, Illinois

I love this book I could read it all day long! It is so cool it just feels like you are actually there when you start to read it. I actually thought I was not going to like it at first, but then it came to me I like Byron the most. He sounds like a nice character and he is funny. I love this book, it is one of my favorites!
-Ra, Indianapolis, IN

I think this book was GREAT! It was funny and you would always think, "What's going to happen next?" For me, this book was so good I could hardly put it down.
-Kate, Gastonia, NC

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This moving nineteenth century novel tells the story of Minnie and Louis, two priviledged mixed race young people, born under slavery and raised as white. They marry after learning of their true heritage, and subsequently dedicate their lives and fortune to the betterment of their beleaguered race in the hostile, post-war South. This idyllic, heroic couple mirror the struggle for emancipation fought through war, faith, education and voting rights. Through sadness and challenge the two consecrate themselves to self-sacrifice and to "the fiery crown of martyrdom" in order to encourage and ennoble their people.

Reviewed by Deborah O., Main Library

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South Carolina author, Dori Sanders, tells this charming narrative through the eyes of precocious ten-year-old Clover, whose father is killed in a tragic car accident following his wedding to a northern white woman. The grief-sticken new step-mom awkwardly embraces a reluctant Clover as her daughter, even as she determinedly seeks to adjust culturally and emotionally to Clover's hostile relatives and colorful neighbors, black and white, in their rural South Carolina peach farm community. Though Clover sometimes exhibits wisdom too far beyond her ten years, the book is enjoyable and insightful for both teens and adults.

Reviewed by Deborah O., Main Library

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Handsome, young Reverend Theophilus Simmons is in for the challenge of his life. Not only is he the newly appointed minister at the church of his ex-love; in walks the love of his life, Essie Lee Lane. Set in 1963 Memphis and Mississippi, this fast paced novel examines how church pressures and scandals affect the relationship of Theophilus and Essie. Despite their positive and negative traits Bowen’s major characters grow and offer the reader some hope. The author’s vivid description enables the reader to experience everything from a spirit filled church service to a romantic dance between two individuals in love. A most read for those who like humor, romance and realism in a novel.

Reviewed by Michelle G., Scaleybark Branch

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After reading this book for a Women's Studies Class, I was thoroughly impressed by the richness of the characters, as well as its examination of church politics. A great page-turner, and I can't wait for the sequel (now in process)!
-Meghan, Charlotte, NC

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“If the anger of the exploited ever mounts high enough in the South, it now has its Marseillaise.” When columnist Samuel Grafton made that statement in 1939, he was referring to “Strange Fruit,” a song that would become a standard for Billie Holiday and one of the first public pronouncements against lynching in America which, even at this late date, had yet to pass anti-lynching legislation. David Margolick traces the birth and evolution of this seminal work through countless interviews. He examines the man who wrote the song, the self-destruction of the woman who made it famous, and the political climate that surrounded the clubs in which she performed it. An insightful look at one of the most powerful protest songs in American History.

Reviewed by James K., Freedom Regional

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Trumpeter Miles Davis brought together a stellar sextet of players in the spring of 1959 and recorded Kind of Blue, a pivotal album in the history of jazz and after forty plus years still a strong seller. Music journalist Ashley Kahn gives the reader a picture of the jazz scene in the 1950s and Miles Davis’ place in it in the first third of the book. He describes the recording sessions take-by-take in the central section (assuming a little knowledge of music theory on the reader’s part). The last part testifies to the enduring importance of this particular album to musicians of all styles. In the end, he can only document genius rather than explain it, but anyone can appreciate the genius of these players better for reading this book.

Reviewed by Tom C., Main Library

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Set in rural Louisiana during the late 1940’s, Jefferson, a barely literate twenty-year-old black man, is wrongly sentenced to death for the murder of a white man. In a futile attempt to spare his life, his defense lawyer claims that he is not intelligent enough to be regarded as human. Eventually, his extended family convinces Grant Wiggins, the university-educated teacher of their parish, to help Jefferson realize his humanity and self-worth during his final days. Major social issues such as race, the death penalty, and religion are central to this powerful tale of human morality. This title is a must read for anyone who enjoys literature with an important social message.

Reviewed by LaJuan P., University City Regional

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The Charles Evers story echoes life in the South at the start of the Civil Rights Movement. Evers tells of the 1963 murder, on the night of John F. Kennedy’s poignant televised civil rights speech, of his younger brother Medgar, who worked for the NAACP. It took three trials and over thirty-years to bring justice to his murderer. Evers supported his brother’s idealism with illicit businesses such as bootlegging liquor and arranging call girls. The two brothers made a pact that one would carry on if something were to happen to either of them. Evers went on to become head of the Mississippi chapter of the NAACP, Mayor of Fayette, Mississippi and a self made businessman. Charles Evers strongest advice, which was passed on to him by his father, is Have No Fear.

Reviewed by Jimmy W., Main Library

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If you enjoy reading a good mystery as a change of pace, you will not want to miss Walter Mosley’s Fearless Jones. Paris Minton is the happiest man in L.A. in spite of the cops. He lives a pretty simple life as the proud owner of a used bookstore. For once his bills are finally caught up. On a cloudy October day in 1954, Love walks into his store. Within 24 hours of his encounter with Love, Paris is beaten, robbed, shot at, and his bookstore is burned down. As a result, he has no other alternative but to bail his friend, Fearless Jones, out of jail. Together they start out on a journey in search of the person responsible for Paris’s downfall. Mosley includes racist cops, crooked lawyers, ruthless ex-cons, shady storefront preachers, post-WWII schemes and a conniving woman to help tell the story of Fearless Jones.

Reviewed by Dot S., Hickory Grove Branch

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My favorite book -- the one that inspired me the most when I was growing up and that I would recommend to all readers -- is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Set in the rural South during the 1930s -- a time when justice often took a back seat to the color of a person's skin -- the novel tracks the journey of its characters and their society as they find new meaning in the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality upon which our great nation was founded. By getting to know the different characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, you, too will find new meaning in these values and understand why our nation's rich diversity is one of our most profound blessings.

Reviewed by Bill C., former U. S. President

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This literary classic is the coming of age story of John Grimes, a fourteen-year old who is torn between his secular and spiritual desires. The story is told as one long day in John’s life, and is divided into three parts which not only detail John’s life, but also the lives of his mother, step-father, and aunt, who are also battling their own personal demons. The novel also serves as a brilliant commentary on the complex relationship between African-Americans and the Christian church. Baldwin’s use of Biblical symbolism and rhythmic prose invokes an engaging narrative of self-exploration and redemption that will captivate its audience. The story has a universal element that makes it appealing to all.

Reviewed by LaJuan P., University City Regional

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Randy Dreyfus is living the American dream: he has a beautiful wife, 2 beautiful daughters, and he’s having an MVP year playing shortstop for a team in a pennant race. All of a sudden, Randy has a little problem -- he’s falling in love with D.J., his second baseman. Randy is white, D.J. is black, and they are both men. Gay men playing in the major leagues? Perish the thought! Randy can’t stand the idea. Randy can hardly think of anything else. This outrageously funny novel pokes fun at many social norms of our times and of America’s favorite pastime. Between the laughs and the foul lines are lessons, but the pure fun of the game and of a good story well told are never sacrificed.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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After seven years one of the best writers of science fiction returns with a creative twist on the vampire novel. Shori is a vampire or, as they call themselves, the Ina. The Ina are not fallen humans but a separate species that has evolved along with us. Shori has been badly injured and has no memory of who or where she is. With the help of a human male who finds her walking down a rural road she slowly discovers she is Ina. Unlike the vampires of myth the Ina live in symbiotic relationships with select humans. The Ina feed off their human symbionts and in doing so deliver venom that lengthens human life. Shori eventually finds her family and discovers she is being hunted because she is the result of a bold genetic experiment. Her fight for survival climaxes in an intense examination of race and equality…vampire style.

Reviewed by Ed M., Morrison Regional

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Chris Gardner's mother told him that he could make a million dollars if he wanted to. Who would have thought it would actually happen! The Pursuit of Happyness is the account of a black man's struggle to the top of the stock market industry and the story of a human being not willing to give up in the face of poverty and homelessness. He did not settle for an ordinary life, but pushed through abuse, racism, and poverty in order to reach his destiny, not only for himself, but for his son and daughter to come. This memoir will inspire anyone who dares to pick it up and read it. It will make you change your life forever if you so desire.

Reviewed by Vivian B., University City Regional

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"Come closer. This is not a story to go down easy." So begins Lalita Tademy's work Red River in which she chronicles the lives of her paternal ancestors after the finality of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction. By telling of the events of April 13, 1873, Tademy weaves an intricate tale of the lives of colored men, women and children after the Civil War and the battles that continued to rage for equality, including the massacre within the town of Colfax, Louisiana. Much like Cane River, this is once again a remarkable story of survival, integrity and love told by a woman descended from ordinary men and women. A woman who while discovering her family, created a new world for readers.

Reviewed by Courtney A., South County Regional

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Sepha, an Ethopian refugee, is the owner of a grocery store in an older African-American neighborhood in Washington D.C. that is rapidly changing as it undergoes gentrification. Sepha spends the brunt of his personal time with two other African immigrants until he meets Judith and Naomi - a white professor and her biracial daughter who've purchased a home in the neighborhood. A relationship sparks between the three which gives Sepha hope that his fortunes will turn around. But racial tensions in the neighborhood eventually threaten the safety of Judith and Naomi. Mengestu's debut novel is loosely based on his own life experiences and it paints a poignant portrait of a man struggling to find his sense of home after being forced to flee his native land.

Reviewed by LaJuan P., University City Regional

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One morning in 1983, Hector, a Harlem postal employee, pulls out a pistol and shoots someone who only came to purchase stamps. This and Hector’s possession of the Primavera statue head, which adorned a Florence bridge since the 16th century, lead readers back in history, bringing to life a largely overlooked historical moment of WWII. During the Nazi massacre of the Tuscan village of St. Anna di Stazzema, Hector and three fellow African-American Buffalo soldiers are trapped. Sam, a soldier from North Carolina, saves an Italian orphan, an act which reveals to the soldiers the ‘miracles’ of this remote place and the discovery that “everbody got something to do with everything.” Based on historical fact, McBride’s first novel is an eloquent tribute to friendship, truth, forgiveness, and the power to do good that lies in everyone.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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A terrorist attack on the Institute of Modern Art in New York City triggers memories for a New York City newspaper columnist of a church bombing during the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. Carter Ransom struggles to put both of these events into perspective as the KKK's Grand Imperial Wizard is retried for the church bombing. The events from the past are told through a series of flashbacks, but Ransom family secrets from the past are about to come to light. Was there a cover-up involving Carter’s father in the first trial? Magic Time will draw you in with two fascinating stories of the past and present. It may also give you new enlightenments on life during the civil rights era.

Reviewed by Cassandra H., Mint Hill Branch

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Set in pre-Civil War Maryland, the story is centered on a runaway slave named Liz, who’s wounded during an attempt to capture her. Her wounds enable her to see into the future. These visions, along with the "code" used by slaves, allow her to escape. But she becomes the target of competing slave catchers who all have different motives for wanting to capture her. Other characters include Amber, a slave who falls in love with Liz while aiding her and a wild forest inhabitant known as Woolman. The story intricately connects the characters and historical events of the time to weave an adventurous story of love and greed. It also provides a fascinating look at a region seldom examined when discussing slavery.

Reviewed by LaJuan P., University City Regional

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Colson Whitehead’s debut novel seems to be about an obscure topic: elevator inspectors. His protagonist, Lila Mae Watson, is the first black female elevator inspector in 1950’s New York. She uses her intuition to repair the elevators. There is a rival school of elevator inspectors called Empiricists who physically inspect the elevators for safety. Watson’s confidence is shaken when an elevator crashes shortly after an inspection. The elevators’ guild is also having an election which pits the Intuitionists against the Empiricists. James Fulton, the founder of Intuitionism left behind a black box with instructions to create the perfect elevator. Watson is searching for this box. Whitehead uses the elevator inspector allegory to interweave race, spirituality, and humor into an inventive work.

Reviewed by Megan M., Main Library

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Step back to 1934 where King uses baseball to examine American society then and now. The Cardinals have just won the World Series. Henry Ford, racist and anti-Semite, wants to fund a game between black all-stars and white all-stars to prove white superiority. The whites are led by Dizzy Dean, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and minor league phenom Joe DiMaggio. The blacks are led by Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, and Buck Leonard. On October 20, 1934 two teams of great baseball players divided by race gather in Boston’s Fenway Park. To keep the game secret it will be played under the lights, a big deal back then. This game is something of a dance between the races with dignity on the line.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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