Have we the knowledge and power to rise above the conscious and unconscious manifestations of hate against those who are different? EVERYONE should read this young adult book of prose poems, not just from a rational or logical point of view but from the gift of the heart that truly "knows" the truth beyond what has been taught or imposed upon one's beliefs about "difference". It's very short but oh so potent!
Multiple characters tell the story of one small town's response to African-American and Jewish residents. The poems reflect the surface experiences but imply unscathingly deeper meanings from the past and present that will affect the future of every offered perspective. Beyond the acts of hate lie numerous questions asked by children, women and men who act against, and in defense of, the right of all to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness initially promised in our Constitution.
What events change that dream so that the herd mentality prevails and hate is taught so effectively that its opposite is no longer known? What questions are asked in the night by those who receive, and those who carry out hateful, life-shattering acts of violence? Is it possible to remain neutral or to go against the grain of a whole town's acceptance of prejudice and brutality? Who receives justice and how? How does religion and the law contribute to, and justify prejudice? How does one remain immune to, or determined to resist, the deceptions that lead to destructive events?
These are just a few of the questions one will be forced to ask and answer as one experiences the suffering of Leonora Sutter and Esther Hirsh and the relentless justifications of Johnny Reeves, Harvey Pettibone and the Ku Klux Klan. One will walk the path of determination and uncertainty, noting the mounting tension as simple statements and agreements accelerate to irreversible death and self-destruction.
This isn't a "Woe is me" story but instead is a small town expose that leaves no attitude or point of view about racism and bias unexplored.
Karen Hesse, an award-winning Young Adult writer, presents the evidence. This novel is not an "easy escape" read. It is said that all are to be deemed innocent until proven guilty?
After reading this novel, the reader must decide which character stands on which side of the courtroom of life. On which side do you, the reader, find yourself? Do you truly think you are neutral after this reading experience?
Page 7 - What was the purpose of the minstrel show? What would be its effect on white audiences? Explain the metaphor on this page of, "…you're already nothing but a wild brown island."
Page 9 - What wrong did Johnny Reeves attempt to commit before Esther Hirsh saw him and Leonora Sutter.
Page 10 - Explain the statement, "I shouldn't let them get to me but I'm flint quick these days." Later on in the same page, why did she feel "scorched"?
Page 12 - Why is the last line on this page so startling to the speaker?
Page 13 - What is the reverse bias on this page?
Page 15 - What does Leonora Sutter mean? Why will Johnny Reeves be hung if it is found what he is doing? What is he doing to raise this fear?
Page 16 - How will they solve their own problems? How will the Negro problem solve itself in Harlem?
Page 17 - What is the effect of this violence?
Page 18 - Why should they be allowed to rent the town hall? Why shouldn't they?
Page 21 - Earlier actions with Leonora Sutter mean what about this speech?
Page 24-25 - Why does Viola disagree with Harvey Pettibone?
Page 26 - Is it possible to remain neutral when all around are taking very defined sides?
Page 27 - Explain the meaning of the two last lines.
Page 28 - Why is change under any circumstance so difficult for people to accept? This is political bias.
Page 29 - What are the motives for bias and prejudice here described?
Page 30 - Is there male/female bias on this page?
Page 31 - How is religion here used to justify prejudice?
Pages 35 & 37 - Why is this death of a white boy killed by another white person included in this book?
Page 38 - What kind of bias is definitely included and why is it so?
Pages 40 & 41 - What does the knowledge of a black regiment fighting in the war mean to Leanora Sutter and why is it so important?
Pages 42 & 43 - How does a child experience and remember death? Why is this important in developing fear of difference?
Page 44 - Characterize Viola Pettibone. Why is it so important to acknowledge her character?
Page 47 - Why were black people forbidden by law to read and write?
Page 48 - What is ironic about the ceremony and the dress to be worn (as described on this page) at that ceremony?
Page 51 - Why can Viola not accept Harvey's different love of music and yet reject his different choice of wanting to be a Klan member like most of the neighbors? What is the author suggesting here?
Page 54 - Is your reaction to this event similar to or different from Leanora's? Explain your answer.
Page 59 - What is the "deception" in the authority of the Klan that Sara is highlighting here?
Page 67 - Answer the question Sara asks on this page.
Page 69 - What kind of person would join the Klan and engage in their practices?
Page 70 - What is Johnny Reeves' definition of a true American? Do you agree or disagree and why?
Page 76 - What "kept him in place"?
Page 90 - How would the Klan respond in words to Iris Weaver's last comment?
Page 120 - Why will Harvey not get into bed with Viola after the activities he describes here?
Page 121 - Did Merlin have a choice at all? Would you? Why or why not?
Page 124 - Speculate on your answers to each question posed on this page by Percelle Johnson.
Page 125 - Should the "lone voice" be heard or silenced? Explain your response.
Page 128 - Will these countermeasures be successful or not? Explain your answer.
Pages 132 & 134 - Why does the Klan turn against Johnny Reeves and go after him? Is there a boundary to their horrible actions? Why or why not? Why do they brand him KKK?
Page 140 - Why does Johnny Reeves try to commit suicide?
Page 144 - Why did politicians tell women who should get their vote? Is this a form of bias? Is it still so? Why or why not?
Page 146 - Whom does Mr. Field remind you of in the end of the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird?
Page 152 - What is ironic about the letter described on this page? How does it fit into the theme of this book?
Page 153 - What made Vermont (a Northern state) reject the Klan and why did the South continue to accept them for so long (and in some states still do)?
Page 157 - Why is Harvey now able to reject the Klan? What happened to his original motives?
Pages 158 & 159 - What symbolism does the dead young buck have in relationship to the theme of this book?
Pages 160 & 161 - Did Johnny Reeves learn anything after his death? Is this the product of Merlin's overactive imagination? What do you think God would say to Johnny Reeves about his life and activities before his death?