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azajacks's review against another edition
3.0
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jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
Remarkably complex for such a short read -- set in Montgomery, Alabama during the bus boycott in 1956. Hard reading -- the Merryfield's lives are harsh, and Alfa's ability to embrace the message of non violence is astonishing under the constantly degrading and dangerous circumstances. I loved the mystery aspect in the middle of the book, and Alfa's strong narrative voice. Powerful.
cweichel's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book.
Set against the backdrop of Alabama in 1956 during the bus boycott, it provides an engaging way to garner a deep understanding of historic events. The reality of living in those times and the impact of Rosa Parks actions is experienced vicariously through the protagonists.
It is the story of two black children, Alfa, and his sister, Zinnia, who live with their aging grandmother, Big Mama. They all have to work to get by, but their rent money keeps disappearing. When they are accused of stealing from a rich white doctor, it is up to Alfa to figure it all out.
While there is much to like about this book, I have to admit that it was slow, even for me, an adult reader. It begins just fine and I was engaged for the first 1/3 and then I just got bored. I had to persevere to complete the book - not a good thing at all if I am thinking about recommending it to kids.
Set against the backdrop of Alabama in 1956 during the bus boycott, it provides an engaging way to garner a deep understanding of historic events. The reality of living in those times and the impact of Rosa Parks actions is experienced vicariously through the protagonists.
It is the story of two black children, Alfa, and his sister, Zinnia, who live with their aging grandmother, Big Mama. They all have to work to get by, but their rent money keeps disappearing. When they are accused of stealing from a rich white doctor, it is up to Alfa to figure it all out.
While there is much to like about this book, I have to admit that it was slow, even for me, an adult reader. It begins just fine and I was engaged for the first 1/3 and then I just got bored. I had to persevere to complete the book - not a good thing at all if I am thinking about recommending it to kids.
becca_osborn's review against another edition
4.0
Alfred, Zinnia, and Big Momma live in Montgomery in the 1950s bus boycott era. Every month when they try to make rent, the money disappears. Through a series of events, Alfa and Zinnia take it upon themselves to find out where it goes, and in the process risk arrest, loss of jobs, other accusations, and possibly losing their home.
This was a fantastic intermediate read about the civil rights era. Robinet captures the mind of these two child/teen characters exquisitely, all of them with distinct personalities. I love how we find out what happened to Alfa and Zinnia's mother, and though it's painful, I love how Big Momma is depicted, a pivotal matriarch in the community (black and white) with likely dementia.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Robinet's work! Her handling of the subject matter is age appropriate, but doesn't make any excuses. She keeps you interested with small inserts of details and real, raw depictions of surroundings. I also appreciated her author's note at the end of this book.
This was a fantastic intermediate read about the civil rights era. Robinet captures the mind of these two child/teen characters exquisitely, all of them with distinct personalities. I love how we find out what happened to Alfa and Zinnia's mother, and though it's painful, I love how Big Momma is depicted, a pivotal matriarch in the community (black and white) with likely dementia.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Robinet's work! Her handling of the subject matter is age appropriate, but doesn't make any excuses. She keeps you interested with small inserts of details and real, raw depictions of surroundings. I also appreciated her author's note at the end of this book.
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