James Cool: (Circa 1985) A Classic American Novel

by Toriano Porter

In the summer of 1985, the Winston clan - Virginia and Robert and their children Sonny and Cassius - move from the Southside of St. Louis to the city's Northside and take up space on a street famously known as James Cool. The family's resolve is tested im

122 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2012

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Reviews

[Daryia Dinkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“James Cool” is a novel set in St. Louis during the summer of 1985. It tells the story of the Winston family; a clan of four who move from south St. Louis to the Jeff-Vander-Lou housing projects on the city’s Northside and take up space on a street famously known as James ‘Cool Papa’ Bell . 

The family’s resolve is tested immediately after the mother, Virginia, befriends a neighborhood tough-guy; Robert, the father, gives in to the traps of success; and the two boys, Sonny and Cassius, are targeted by the posse of thugs that terrorizes the street. The story is narrated and told though the eyes of 11-year-old Cassius, a baseball junkie who falls in love for the first time.

Cassius was in a whole new surroundings from being the new kid at school and the new target for the JVL Posse. He lost a father during the summer but gained a new brother through her mother’s boyfriend Fast Freddy. Sonny was his protector when he could and even gave Cass his own butterfly knife. Gabrielle was his first love and have the classic puppy dog relationship. He waas nervous about that. Cass even managed to face his fears and beat up the local bullies.

[Makayla Hryniewicz]

This was a good historical book. The author portrayed the characters nicely. At first I thought I wouldn't enjoy it but I did.