Crow - Barbara Wright

Crow by Barbara Wright
Set in 1898 North Carolina, only a generation after slavery ended and before the Grandfather clause was created. In Wilmington N.C, 11 yr old Moses dad is an elected official and a proud Republican, supporting the party of the president that ended slavery. Moses looks up to his dad who works at the only Black newspaper. Moses is also very close this grandmother, Boo Nanny who never learned to read or write but she still as a lot to teach Moses. When Boo Nanny and the dad argue Moses has learned to stay out of it like his mom.

Wright did a great job with Moses voice as he discovers the world around him. Moses relationship with his his dad and grandmother have a nice bit of depth. The author paints a clear picture of South after the 13 Amendment was enacted during Reconstruction period. The chapters read like interconnected vignettes, with some of the threads continuing to the next chapter. One thing I would've liked some more closure with a few of the threads. For instance Moses always lets the best friend, Lewis decide what they are going to do. Soon the best friend is hanging out more with Johnny, a boy Moses doesn't get along with, neither of these story lines never feel completely finished. While they are not important to the overall outcome of the story I didn't like the feeling of both being left up in the air.

I really enjoyed the second half everything seems to come together. An election is coming up and the democrats are using the threat of violence to keep Black men from voting. Moses along with everyone else in this small town witness what can happen when anger, hate and fear take over.

This is a very good middle grade debut and I am looking forward to the debates that will come about, when award season makes its way around again in regards to its five starred reviews.

An excerpt via authors site

Crow would pair nicely with Finding Family by Tonya Bolden

Ruby and the Booker Boy Derrick Barnes

Brand New School, Brave New Ruby (Ruby And The Booker Boys) by Derrick Barnes I found this little goody on Sunday while helping a customer. I am always exicted to find a new early chapter series, and its featuring a black girl. What! Thats double sweetness. Ruby Booker is going to the third grade and a new school. I like Ruby from the start, first day jitters won't stop Ruby from being herself. Ruby's first day of school outfit is a purple and orange ensemble including mismatched sneakers. Ruby's schoolbag is in the shaped of a guitar. Its easy enough to go with the trend but Ruby's fearless, and does her own thing.

As I looked in the mirror for the last time, I whispered to myself,, "Ruby Marigold Booker, you are fabulous! And that's the truth.

Ruby has three older brothers Roosevelt, Tyner and Marcellus aka the Booker boys. The Booker boys are very popular at Hope Road Academy, Ruby's new school. Ruby's worried she won't make a name for herself at Hope Road Academy. She doesn't want to be seen as the Booker Boys little sister but rather Ruby the singer. Throughout the day Ruby is determined to shine, but each time its about to happen the PA system comes, and its always about one of Ruby's brothers. I enjoyed the PA interruptions, it was fun trying to guess what the announcement would be. In the end Ruby finds a way to stand out.
This is a great book for younger siblings. They will relate to Ruby's desire to make a name for herself and get out of older brother's shadows. Plus its not a hand me down book, thats double sweetness. Ruby is going to be a fun girl to follow. I love that Barnes doesn't neglect Ruby's family. His writing is fun and enjoyable.
This is going to be a great series I can't wait to read more. I won't have to wait long. Trivia Queen, 3rd Grade Supreme, the second book in the Ruby and Booker Boys series was released with book one