Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Sharon Robinson turned 13 in 1963. Living in Connecticut, and being the daughter of baseball superstar Jackie Robinson, allowed Sharon to live a life very different from the black children who were living in Birmingham, Alabama. Because her father was involved raising funds for and helping with the Civil Rights movement she was well aware of that difference, and she was afraid for them and heartbroken when she heard about the children's marches. Her problems at school - not getting asked to dance because she's one of only 2 black girls in her grade - seem unimportant to her, but her father tells her "Don't let anyone else define your value, Sharon. You don't have to fit in. Stand out. Be the best you can be.
While I loved the message and the story, I didn't feel the passion and concern for the children in Birmingham and the Civil Rights participants, there were just too many layers. We heard about things that happened the same way Sharon did, removed a little - even she had to do research to find out what was really happening. The writing is also awkward in places, conversations don't sound right, like Sharon is talking to a history teacher rather than her grandmother or father. There was a lot of background knowledge building, maybe too much. An interesting memoir, but not a great read about experiencing the Civil Rights Movement. Includes photographs.
Lisa Librarian
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