Freedom Summer tells the story of two boys, Joe, a white child and John Henry, a black child, in the early 1960's. John Henry's mother works for Joe's family, the boys get to work and play together and are close friends despite social expectations. In the south at this time, many places are still segregated, like the pool and the general store. John Henry and Joe swim at the creek and John Henry is the best swimmer that Joe has ever seen. When the pool is finally becoming desegregated, the boys are so excited to finally be able to go to the pool together. Soon, they find out that the pool is being filled in rather than desegregating, breaking both of the boys hearts. They go to the general store and for the first time, get to buy ice pops together.
This is a good book to teach students about the hardships of segregation and also teaches acceptance. ( )

The setting is the 60's. Historically, in particular, the south is a place of bigotry and hatred. Civil Rights workers who try their best to shine a glaringly bright light on the injustices of prejudice must pay a high price, including death. In Mississippi the "Freedom Summer" movement was in place. Their purpose was to ensure American blacks could vote, just like those of white skin could vote. Black people should be allowed to swim at a local pool, just like those of white skin can swim. Blacks should be able to obtain a job, just like white people could. Blacks should be able to sit in the front of the bus with white people, and children should be able to attend public school!!

In Mobile Alabama, John Henry's mother works for his family. She has a name, and that name is Annie Mae. She walks to the house with John Henry. Joe's family hires Annie Mae, and she is a hard-working, determined woman. The civil Rights legislation is passed, and John Henry should be allowed to swim in the public pool with Joe.

Instead of allowing black children to swim in the public pool, the pool is drained and covered with tar, deep enough to give the message that blacks are not wanted there.

As tears flow in John Henry's eyes, his friend Joe gives him a nickel, and while his pride will not allow him to take Joe's nickel, John Henry knows having his own nickel has some popwer. And, walking up to the store, proudly he holds up his chin and walks with his friend as they separetly purchase a pop sickle. They cannot swim in the pool together, but they are going to test the waters of the the ability to enter a store together, each purchasing a popsickle! ( )

historical fiction- civil rights

This book is about John Henry, his mom Annie Mae, and his best friend. He loves to play with John Henry. They have to do things the both can do because of his skin. They love to swim but can't go to the pool together and have to go to the lake. The boy goes to get ice pops but John Henry can't go in. One day the pool opens up for everyone and the boys are so excited. But they filled it with tar and they never got to swim together. It made the boys very upset. John Henry wants to do everything his best friend gets to do. He goes and gets an ice pop for the first time and they walked in the front door together.

I think this is a good book for students because it shows students how hard it was for kids of color in these time. These are all things everyone can do now, but that was not always the case. It sheds light on situations children just like them were put into.

The illustrations are painted very beautifully. You can really see all the brush strokes and colors the artist used to create the pictures. ( )

Freedom Summer shows the challenges and adversity of two young boys that are best friends despite societal expectations. The story is uncomfortable yet comforting, as you follow Young Joe, a privileged white boy, and John Henry, the son of the cook in Young Joe's home. Deborah Wiles takes you on Joe's journey of understanding his privilege and creating hope for John Henry through friendship, encouragement, and humility. I think this is a text that could easily be incorporated in a classroom, especially with our current social climate. The story teaches acceptance and emphasizes the innocence of a child while introducing sensitive subjects in an appropriate manner for young readers. ( )