Description: James Meredith's 1966 march in Mississippi began as one man's peaceful protest for voter registration and became one of the South's most important demonstrations of the civil rights movement. It brought together leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Stokely Carmichael, who formed an unlikely alliance that resulted in the Black Power movement, which ushered in a new era in the fight for equality. The retelling of Meredith's story opens on the day of his assassination attempt and goes back in time to recount the moments leading up to that event and its aftermath. Readers learn about the powerful figures and emerging leaders who joined the over 200-mile walk that became known as the "March Against Fear." Thoughtfully presented by award-winning author Ann Bausum, this book helps readers understand the complex issues of fear, injustice, and the challenges of change. It is a history lesson that's as important and relevant today as it was 50 years ago.
Brief description:
Ann Bausum is the daughter of a history professor and grew up in Lexington, Virginia, with a love of American history and a passion for research. She writes books about US history for young people and adults, and many of her books deal with issues of social justice. Her books consistently earn prominent national recognition. Denied, Detained, Deported (2009) was named the 2010 Carter G. Woodson Book Award winner at the secondary school level from the National Council for the Social Studies. Muckrakers (2007) earned the Golden Kite Award as best nonfiction book of the year from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Freedom Riders (2006) gained a Sibert Honor designation from the American Library Association, and With Courage and Cloth (2004) received the Jane Addams Children's Book Award as the year's best book on social justice issues for older readers. She lives in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Review Quotes:
"Narrator Karen Chilton echoes the determination of Civil Rights activists in Mississippi's often overlooked but hugely influential March against Fear...As Martin Luther King, Jr., sought to temper more revolutionary members, Chilton conjures his famously Southern, deliberate, and lyrical manner of speech...When young Stokely Carmichael becomes the group's most prominent spokesperson, Chilton brings compelling intensity to his speeches...Her measured narration evokes the steady tramp, tramp, tramp of feet marching towards justice. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award."
-- "AudioFile"