Scan barcode
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
This book about the murders of Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney in Mississippi in June of 1964 differs from the others in that it covers much more than the actual murders. It gives in depth background information on all three of the young men who were killed, and follows the quest for justice up through the 40th anniversary of the murders in 2004. This book does not spend a great deal of time talking about the Freedom Schools and the voter registration drives, but rather focuses on the reign of terror in Mississippi. Recommended for grades 5 & up.
rcaivano's review against another edition
I didn't like the flow of this book. It didn't feel like it flowed well and was disjointed. That being said, it was eye opening to read about the hate and injustice in 1964 Mississippi. One quote that resonates was from Martin Luther King, Jr. who said Meridian MS was the most hateful place he had ever been. That has to be saying a lot.
megsreads32's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to love this book. I believe everyone should know about the Freedom Summer murders and what the South was like during the Civil Rights movement to understand the issues and problems we still face today. This book could have been that book that every single teen in this country should be required to read, but sadly it's not.
While the beginning is strong and powerful the narrative gets lost in choppy narration and jumping around chronologically that happens after the first 50 pages or so. The book was extremely dense with lots of details packed in and I can't imagine a teen or most adult readers taking the time to wade through the very detailed text that could be confusing at times.
That said this is still a very worthwhile book and the first few chapters would be a great introduction to teaching a unit on the Civil Rights Movement or voting rights.
While the beginning is strong and powerful the narrative gets lost in choppy narration and jumping around chronologically that happens after the first 50 pages or so. The book was extremely dense with lots of details packed in and I can't imagine a teen or most adult readers taking the time to wade through the very detailed text that could be confusing at times.
That said this is still a very worthwhile book and the first few chapters would be a great introduction to teaching a unit on the Civil Rights Movement or voting rights.
couillac's review against another edition
3.0
Mitchell's examination of the murder of three Freedom Summer volunteers presents a comprehensive view of the political and social context surrounding the murders as well as providing the human side of the story. It's an interesting read, and Mitchell is thorough in his handling of the subject, presenting background on each of the victims, introducing the family members who continued to fight for justice in the aftermath, and providing a detailed picture of the communities, white and black, involved. I admit I was hoping for more of a thrilling read (as a fan of mysteries), but Mitchell's choice to start with the murders, and even briefly mention the perpetrators, before backtracking to follow the timeline of events eliminates any sense of suspense. Still, it's a thorough examination of the topic and the narrative is very easy to follow. Tweens and teens researching one of the hallmark events of Freedom Summer will find this an engaging read and a useful tool for classroom assignments.
skrajewski's review against another edition
4.0
The Freedom Summer Murders describes the brutal murders that took place on June 21, 1964 in Mississippi. By reading this book, one will be able to imagine the racist community where the murders occurred, as well as the unimaginable strength and courage these three men who were murdered had.
morgansbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
A good, concise summary of the "Freedom Summer Murders". There were lots of photos and primary documents, which helped break up the text. I enjoyed the first half more than the last. It was basically broke into two sections: part 1 was about the victims' lives and the actual crime and part 2 was about the trial and aftermath. I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't know much about the civil rights movement.
claudiaswisher's review against another edition
4.0
These events are not history to me. These young men, always and forever young, were about my age. I remember.
But Mitchell has done what other storytellers did not...he let us get to know James, Andy, and Mickey. Know them as children, young adults. He shows us how their hearts were opened to the justice work that they knew could kill them...the work that DID kill them. Poignant details that only friends and family would know.
Instead of sainted martyrs, we get to know them as sons and brothers. And when we see the potential each man was just growing into, it makes their loss even heavier.
The book covers the murders, the lazy cover-up, the stonewalling, the trials. And the uneven justice.
All three families continued their sons' work, but the loss of these three men will haunt them...and our country...forever.
But Mitchell has done what other storytellers did not...he let us get to know James, Andy, and Mickey. Know them as children, young adults. He shows us how their hearts were opened to the justice work that they knew could kill them...the work that DID kill them. Poignant details that only friends and family would know.
Instead of sainted martyrs, we get to know them as sons and brothers. And when we see the potential each man was just growing into, it makes their loss even heavier.
The book covers the murders, the lazy cover-up, the stonewalling, the trials. And the uneven justice.
All three families continued their sons' work, but the loss of these three men will haunt them...and our country...forever.
jesslady's review against another edition
4.0
This put a very human face on the three young men who were killed that summer of 1964. Very powerful.