Scan barcode
A review by rainbowbookworm
Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles
3.0
Joe and John Henry are best friends. Joe never questioned why his friend couldn't go into stores with him and didn't seem to mind that they couldn't swim together in the public pool. That changes when he overhears his parents saying that the pool and businesses of their town will be open for all, regardless of race.
Joe and John make plans to swim there the following day. They rush excitedly to the pool, only to find workers covering it up with tar. The townspeople would rather close the pool down, than have African-Americans be able to swim in it. Shocked and disappointed the boys look on until the job is done.
As they head home, they stop at the store where they'll buy ice cream as they usually do. This time John Henry is not satisfied waiting outside while Joe gets the treats. The boys decide that they will go in together. This is how the book ends.
While the books ending is meant to be hopeful, I can't help but wonder what fate awaits the boys as they walk in that door.
Joe and John make plans to swim there the following day. They rush excitedly to the pool, only to find workers covering it up with tar. The townspeople would rather close the pool down, than have African-Americans be able to swim in it. Shocked and disappointed the boys look on until the job is done.
As they head home, they stop at the store where they'll buy ice cream as they usually do. This time John Henry is not satisfied waiting outside while Joe gets the treats. The boys decide that they will go in together. This is how the book ends.
While the books ending is meant to be hopeful, I can't help but wonder what fate awaits the boys as they walk in that door.