Black History Month Book Reviews

 

Over the past week, I read four books in honor of Black History Month. The first of these books was Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi. This biography combines prose and verse to tell the life story of the science fiction author, Octavia Butler, who wrote Parable of the Sower and Kindred. What I liked most about this book was how the short chapters explained and elaborated on the poems. I also thought it was cool how some of the poems had shapes. There was even one that looked like a star. I definitely learned a lot about Octavia Butler and the challenges that she faced as a Black woman writing science fiction short stories and novels. If you're a fan of science fiction or Cold War-era history, you should read this biography.

Next, I read Victory. Stand!: Raising My First for Justice written by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile. This graphic memoir describes Tommie's Smith life from his childhood when he helped his family pick cotton in Texas through his career as a track and field athlete and beyond. After a successful college career at San Jose State University, Tommie Smith was the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. On the podium during the national anthem, he and the bronze-medalist, John Carlos, raised black-gloved fists protesting racial injustice against African Americans. After the Olympics, they faced death threats and economic hardships and weren't recognized for their achievements until decades later. I definitely enjoyed reading this graphic memoir and I found it interesting learning more about Tommie Smith's life because I've seen images and documentaries of his protest with John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics. It made me angry that he faced racism despite the fact that he was an amazing athlete. On the other hand, I liked learning that he wasn't afraid to be an activist for justice even if it ended up affecting his athletic career. I would recommend this book to sports fans and anyone who would like to learn more about an athlete who participated in the Civil Rights Movement.

Afterwards, I read Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement written by Angela Joy and illustrated by Janelle Washington. This biographical picture book is about Mamie Till-Mobley who moved with her family from Mississippi to the Chicago area and whose son, Emmett, was brutally murdered when visiting relatives back in Mississippi. After fisherman found Emmett's body in the Tallahatchie River, she made sure that the crime wasn't covered up and that Emmett was brought home where she let the people, including reporters, see what was done to him. This horrific tragedy led to the start of the Civil Rights Movement and Mamie's fight for justice because Emmett's murderers were found not guilty. I was especially excited to read this nonfiction picture book because I recently saw the movie, Till, and wanted to learn more about the life of his mother. Although it's a tragic real-life story that tugs at the heartstrings, I thought it was interesting, as described in the author's note, how Rosa Parks was inspired to not give up her bus seat just days after a meeting discussing Emmett's murder. I also liked the poetic nature of the writing and the mosaic style of the illustrations. This book shares an important story about the history of racism in the United States and everyone should read it.

Finally, I read Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas. This graphic novel is about Bree, a girl who loves math puzzles and moves with her dad from Brooklyn to Florida. She's excited to start going to her new school, Enith Brigitha Middle School, but when the only elective that fits her schedule is Swim 101, she has to face her greatest fear because she doesn't know how to swim. Although she gets into a pattern of skipping the class, she learns how to swim from her elderly neighbor, Ms. Etta, after learning she was a former swim team captain. When Bree returns to Swim 101 and Coach Pinella has Bree try out for the swim team for extra credit, Bree discovers she actually enjoys competing and joins the squad. Through hard work and Ms. Etta's training, Bree and her new friends on the team try to beat their rival, Holyoke Prep, and win a state championship. This book was an absolute delight and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It reminded me a little of the Mighty Ducks movies, but with swimming instead of hockey. I also liked how the author-illustrator incorporated the history of racism as it relates to public pools and beaches because it's an important discussion as to why there is a stereotype that Black people can't swim. The book was fairly suspenseful and at times I wondered if Bree and her teammates would ever be good enough to win it all, but they did steadily improve even when there was conflict among themselves and I was elated by the end. Swim Team is an excellent choice for sports, particularly swimming, fans and anyone who enjoys friendship stories.

Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson

 

Last night, I finished reading Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson. This historical fiction novel is about Homer, a twelve-year-old boy who escapes from Southerland Plantation with his younger sister, Ada. With the help of Suleman, Homer and Ada discover Freewater, a secret community of formerly enslaved people and their freeborn children in the swamp, where they find freedom. Although Homer and Ada befriend some of the other children, Sanzi, Juna, Billy, and Ferdinand, over the next few weeks, Homer can't forget his mother who was left behind when she went back to the plantation for Homer's friend, Anna. As loggers approach the boundaries of Freewater, Homer helps with building a new sky bridge that they can use for escape if necessary. Then, after Sanzi accidentally lights the cornfields on fire with a flaming arrow following a wedding, Homer decides it's time to go back to the plantation to rescue his mother and Anna.

This book was absolutely amazing and definitely a worthy winner of the 2023 Newbery Medal. I really enjoyed how adventurous it was and there was suspense throughout that made me want to keep reading and learn if Homer would be successful in freeing his mom. Although I often found Sanzi frustrating because she seemed ungrateful as a freeborn child, she grows as a character after she makes the mistake of starting the fire in the cornfields and helps Homer on his journey back to the plantation. The relationship between Homer and his sister, Ada, was sweet and it made made me happy that they looked out for each other. Ada's imagination was especially a joy to read. I also loved the friendship (future romance?) between Juna and Billy. The climax of this book when Homer and the other children carry out their plan of rescuing Homer and Ada's mom and stealing tools during a wedding at the plantation was exhilarating. Additionally, the book includes an author's note at the end explaining the history of hidden communities founded by Black and Indigenous peoples.  Everyone should read Freewater whether they like historical fiction, adventure, or stories of family and friendship.