IN KUCKACHOO, MISSISSIPPI, 1963, Addie Ann Pickett worships her brother Elias and follows in his footsteps by attending the black junior high school. But when her careless act leads to her brother’s disappearance and possible murder, Addie Ann, Mama, and Uncle Bump struggle with not knowing if he’s dead or alive. Then a good deed meant to unite Kuckachoo sets off a chain of explosive events. Addie Ann knows Old Man Adams left his land to the white and black people to plant a garden and reap its bounty together, but the mayor denies it. On garden picking day, Addie Ann’s family is sorely tested. Through tragedy, she finds the voice to lead a civil rights march all her own, and maybe change the future for her people.
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"A tale of prejudice, hate, and the struggle for human identity in 1960's Mississippi. Although it's similar to "The Secret Life of Bees," this story is told from the perspective of an African-American child, instead of a Caucasian child. I enjoyed this book, especially because of its narrator's viewpoint, but I have to say that "Secret Life of Bees" captured me more due to the superior writing. Still, I would encourage all middle-school kids to read this for a personal immersion into life in civil-rights Southern America."
— Kathy (4 out of 5 stars)
" A Thousand Never Evers is a scary and thrilling story, and the violent racism of the Jim Crow era is in the background everywhere. But in the foreground there are wonderful characters and beautiful writing and quite a bit of humor. Also, the audio is beautifully read by the actor Kenya Brome. Held my interest from start to finish! "
— OJ, 1/29/2022" Eh. Not much that thrilled me about this book. "
— Liz, 2/16/2014" Great historical fiction for young adults. It follows a young African-American girl in rural Mississippi in 1963. "
— Sherri, 1/21/2014" Loved this book. My 11 year old daughter read it and loved it, so I wanted to read it too. Deals with the realities of Jim Crow laws in the south. It really put life into what those laws actually meant to African Americans, and the lack of freedom they experienced. Lots of talking points for us to discuss. Highly recommend. "
— Sarah, 1/16/2014" Strong historical fiction. Loved the characters, the story, the writing. "
— Laura, 12/23/2013" This book is a must read for any student or person who doesn't quite understand what life was like for the African American in the 1960s US South. It is from the perspective of a girl going into and then in 7th grade. It doesn't sugar coat a thing, but it doesn't directly point them out. "
— Carrie, 12/18/2013" I read this in fits and starts. Its tone and plotting were uneven, and boring at points, and I just couldn't get into it. "
— Catherine, 12/3/2013" 2010-2011 Young Adult Golden Sower Nominee. "
— Elyce, 11/29/2013" This book was so amazing. It basically deals with the reality that blacks had to go through during segregation time. In this book it talked about the limitations that blacks had to deal with. "
— PeOplE, 9/20/2013" Addie Ann's voice blew me away with its rich dialect and emotional resonance. The story's theme, plot, characters, setting and language felt pitch perfect to me. Of course, I love historical fiction anyway, but I'd be ready to read anything else Burg writes on the basis of this stellar novel. "
— Anne, 9/6/2013" Set during the Civil rights movement in 1968. It gives you a good look at how people were treated and awful hatred for people just because of the color of their skin. "
— Maggie, 8/11/2013" powerful book, but is it okay for juv? "
— Paige, 7/6/2013" 3.5 stars. It was a good story. "
— Marie, 6/27/2013" Hannah and I both enjoyed the audio version of this. Though not as powerful as Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry it was still a good story. "
— Heidi, 6/25/2013" I haven't finished this book, in fact I only heard a few minutes but right away I was interested. "
— Elena, 6/7/2013" I cant believe how this poor little girl and her family are suffering for being african american. It's so sad. If you read this book, you will cry and weep about what this girl is facing "
— Liliko, 4/19/2013" You fall in love with the main character quickly and feel for her the rest of the book. Written for YA but I certainly enjoyed it. "
— Kim, 2/1/2013" real events from the civil rights movement are intertwined with the story of Addie and her family great voice great story "
— Linda, 1/26/2013" Does a nice job of helping to bring the civil rights era to life. Would be a great accompaniment to The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. "
— Ariel, 12/3/2012" Burg brings the Civil Rights Movement to life in Mississippi. She nailed the feel of racism in the South. It's historical fiction, and middle schoolers will enjoy this read. "
— Lisa, 2/27/2012" My fourth-graders did a civil rights unit so I got a few relevant books from the library, including this one. I liked the introduction by the white, Jewish author explaining why she wrote it. I also like that the audio book version benefits from an excellent narrator. "
— Zoe, 7/19/2011" I learned about this book from my GR friend Suzi Ramos. It is a great historical fiction book to give more insight into the injustices that occurred in the South. I want to remember the quote from the book, "There comes a time when a man's [or woman's] dignity is worth more than his life." "
— Barbara, 6/11/2011" 2010-2011 Young Adult Golden Sower Nominee. "
— Elyce, 3/6/2011" I liked this book alot. "
— D.lamar, 10/4/2010" This was a wonderful period book written in a easy format. It's in the young adult section but this is something I would not have sat through as a young adult to read. I am glad I have gone back and taken a second look. "
— Tasha, 5/14/2010" Compelling story of a young girl growing up in Mississippi during the civil rights movement. Very well done. "
— Vicki, 2/19/2010" Pretty good <br/>mystery/ realistic fiction about segregationa nd civil rights "
— Hailey, 1/10/2010" Eh. Not much that thrilled me about this book. "
— Liz, 11/25/2009" Some quiet books surprise you. This one is about Jim Crow in the South--you can figure out the plot yourself. You need to read the book to find out how well developed the characters are and how nicely the story unfolds. "
— Alexa, 11/13/2009" i dont no about this book but lets see what happens "
— Brenna, 10/23/2009" powerful book, but is it okay for juv? "
— Paige, 10/18/2009