Reading Metrics
Description
Twelve-year old Essie believes that Black people should be allowed to vote, and she's willing to march for that right. Book contains violence and racism.
Quick Summary
Essie and the March on Selma: A Bloody Sunday Survival Story drops you right into the heart of the civil-rights movement through the eyes of a twelve-year-old who decides that standing up for voting rights is worth marching for. The story moves quickly enough to keep even reluctant readers turning pages, yet it weaves in enough detail about the historic Selma march to satisfy kids who love learning about real events. You'll feel the tension as Essie navigates fear, family, and a community that bands together, and you'll see how a young person can be brave even when the world around her is violent and racist. Parents should know that the book includes realistic scenes of police brutality and harsh language, but they're balanced by moments of humor and hope that make the book a good conversation starter about history. If you liked the way "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" mixes personal drama with a heavy historical moment, you'll find this one just as powerful. It's a quick, 10-page-plus read that leaves you thinking about courage and the importance of standing up for what's right.