Catch a Tiger by the Toe

by Ellen Levine

Jamie is like most girls in the 1950s—she loves Hollywood movie stars and practicing her yoyo moves. But unlike those other girls, she has something to hide, a secret that is hurting her family. Jamie's father is a member of the Communist Party, and in 1953, that's the worst thing you can be. Senator Joseph McCarthy and his committee are throwing Americans in jail if they refuse to reveal the names of other Communists, and Jamie's dad won't. He's not a rat. When the truth comes out, and her dad loses his job, Jamie is ashamed to show her face in school. She's thrown off the school paper with no explanation, and all of a sudden Jamie knows how her father feels. Is there anything she can do to help her father? And what about herself?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Fiction, Childrens, Novels

176 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 2005

About the author

Ellen Levine's books have won many awards and honors, including the Jane Addams Peace Award. Although she enjoys writing both fiction and nonfiction, most of Ellen's books for young readers have been nonfiction. "Writing nonfiction lets me in behind the scenes of the story. I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people, even if they lived 200 years ago."

Ellen Levine was born in New York City. She received her B.A. degree in Politics from Brandeis University, graduating Magna cum laude. She has a Master's degree in political science from the University of Chicago and a Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law. She has worked in film and television, taught adults and immigrant teenagers in special education and ESL programs, and served a law clerkship with Chief Judge Joseph Lord, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. A former staff attorney with a public interest law group, Levine now devotes her time to writing, lecturing, and teaching. She is on the faculty of Vermont College's MFA program in writing for Children and Young Adults.

Ellen Levine divides her time between New York City and Salem, New York.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read about what life was like during the”McCarthyism” era in the 1950’s. The author’s notes at the end contained a chilling point: McCarthy was the number one “red hunter”, but he never produced a single Communist with all his tactics.
I remember being furious upon hearing that one of the actors called out for being a “Red” was Will Geer. Grampa Walton; seriously?
I think this would be an excellent teaching tool for middle-grade and Y.A. classrooms. *Red Flag Alert*-There was some language used that would have been common for that time period, but would be considered offensive in today’s society.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright, "Catch a Tiger by the Toe" was entertaining, but that's it. It is extremely historically inaccurate. Joe McCarthy never "threw people in jail." He was a senator, not a cop. I doubt Jamie's father would testify in front of him either, as Joe was mostly interested in Communists in the State department and the Army. Mr. Morse at most would be bothered by the HUAC. Oh, yeah, one more little tiny thing Ellen Levine fails to recognize...Joe was right about almost every Commie he called out. That is something that almost no history class points out. Seriously guys, if you want to learn about the Red Scare/McCarthyism/Joe McCarthy, these books are great:
1. "Joseph McCarthy: Re-examining the life and legacy of America's most hated Senator"-Arthur Herman
2. "Treason"- Ann Coulter
And I know that this one may be biased, but still good info, "McCarthy", by Roy Cohn.
4. "Blacklisted by History: The untold story of Senator Joe McCarthy and his fight against America's enemies.

So anyway, I guess this book would be better off as reading for a left Wing Propaganda class...Oh wait, that's what most schools are, I'm sorry.

[Jayme Fink · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was interesting. I feel bad for Jaime she has to keep her secret about her dad from everyone. Although the beginning was kinda boring because they didn't talk about the secret that much and that's all I wanted to know about!

[Christina Francine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catch a Tiger by the Toe
Ellen Levine
Viking Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, New York, N.Y. 10014
HC 192 pages, $15.99
ISBN# 0-670-88461-8
Review by: Christina Francine
CFrancine@mail2world.com

Thirteen-year-old Jamie Morse is like other kids her age in the 1950’s, almost anyway. She lives in New York City, loves going to the movies and looking through magazines, works hard in school, and listens to special radio programs with her family at night. There is a difference though, and Jamie keeps this a secret for as long as she can until one terrible day. She’s sick of hearing about politics, about “Commies,” those “Reds,” the “Moscow Menace,” and phrases like “Got to get rid of the Commie traitors in our government.” Her whole world turns upside down. Even her best friend won’t talk to her.

Jamie’s story mirrors what many families faced during the “Red Scare.” It isn’t the only time principals in the American Constitution have been threatened and by one of its own. It surely won’t be the last. ‘Catch a Tiger by the Toe’ stirs up conversation and debate, but that’s okay. Americans have the right to exercise the Amendments and shouldn’t be persecuted for assembling peaceably. Neither should they be punished for their ideas.

Story Excerpt:

(scene setter) Two men from the FBI have just stopped Jamie and begin asking her questions.

“It’s a survey about newspapers. Does your Dad read the New York Times? The National Guardian? The Daily Worker?”

These men must have thought I was real dumb. Sure, they’re doing a questionnaire. My foot!

“My foot!” I said. I startled myself as well as them. I ran around Mr. Talker, up the block, and headed for the playground. I wasn’t going home with them following me.”

Levine knows how to write an opening. In this story she opens in such a way as to pull readers in quick. Before they know it readers have read a whole chapter, and then another, and then another.

‘Catch a Tiger by the Toe’ is written in first-person through the main character’s eyes, teaches as well as entertains, and is set at a time when McCarthyism has an affect on everyone.

[Michelle Akers-dicken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect to like this as much as I did! "Like" is not a good word. I dislike how the subject (McCarthyism or Communism or Red Scare) makes me feel. I DEFINITELY didn't walk away with a warm and snuggly feeling. I closed the book with a knot in my stomach. History repeats and repeats and repeats. My hope is that we, as a nation, can say that we've learned at least a TINY little bit from, lets say, the Salem Witch trials, Slavery, Red Scare..... But have we?

This period of time (1950's) during Senator Joe McCarthy's rein of terror is TERRIFYING to me. I'm 52 years old and I guess there's a reason people my age weren't taught or talked to about this time in history. In fact, what I learned about the Red Scare was probably more from TV or books that I chose to read. Definitely not in Catholic school or later, public school. Ellen Levine's book gave me insight into what it might have felt like to be a child during these times. If you believed that people should be treated fairly, that was Communism? Unbelievable! And if you were labeled as a Communist, your entire family is placed under scrutiny and in danger of becoming homeless (because probably everyone will lose their job so they can't pay rent) or your family (including extended family) might not be able to pay for food at the grocery store. Even the children's teachers are likely to treat their students poorly if they believe the student's family is involved in Communism. Your family might only read the wrong news paper! Or belong to a Union (it was common for Union members to be considered Communists). This was SO scary!

In the end, the book didn't end the way I would have liked for it to end BUT I loved that Jamie understood her family and had the insight to become proud instead of ashamed. I also loved that this little girl seemed so brave!

I would recommend "Catch a Tiger by the Toe" for a quick look into McCarthyism. Just maybe not for 8 to 12 year olds! I'm having a hard time picturing an 8 or 12 year old being interested in the subject matter.

[Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jamie is an average girl who loves going to the movies and working on her school’s newspaper, but Jamie carries a dark secret around: her parents are communists. When her parents are “outed”, they lose their jobs, and Jamie has to deal with the repercussions at school: being called a commie, losing her best friend, and being kicked off the school paper. Soon, Jamie starts losing faith in herself to carry on, can she cope with the political backlash following her parents’ beliefs?

I give 4 stars for the topic. I enjoyed reading about another dark and shameful period in America’s history. Apparently, calling people “communist” was a way to combat the growing need for unions at factories as well as hiding anti-civil rights sentiments. This also gives an interesting look into themes we have seen in the past few years regarding freedom of speech and religion and the administration’s move towards more socialist programs in government. But I digress. Despite an interesting topic, the story seemed to move kinda slowly, and I wasn’t a fan of the writing. In all, an interesting choice for non-traditional historical fic.

[Ruhama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie’s worried that all her lies will catch up with her, and sooner rather than later. Jamie’s biggest secret is her family is Russian and thus may be condemned for being Communists at a time when Senator McCarthy is ruling the airwaves. The Red Scare is affecting everyone, though some say it’s wrong and others go along for the ride. Jamie isn’t sure what to do about bullies, her best friend’s father denouncing anyone who has Communist ties or the debates that pop up all over school. Eventually both her parents are accused of Communism, and life begins to spiral downward for the family.

This is a well written story from the point of view of the Communist side of the Red Scare, making it rather unique for kids (who probably don’t know the half of it). Levine has included an author’s note at the end and a list of suggested reading, for those who want to know more (or teachers who want to use this in the classroom). Jamie is a likable girl and her development is on par with the events in the story, as well as her age. The family relationship is particularly touching, especially once they are “outed” as possible Red sympathizers.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always looking for well researched works of historical fiction about time periods and events that I know little about. When I was in school, it seemed that none of our social studies classes ever got past WWII, and although I have heard of McCarthyism and have a general idea of what it was all about, Catch a Tiger by the Toe provided me with a more indepth look at what life may have been like for Americans affected by Senator McCarthy's agenda.

Jamie is a typical Jr. High School student who is looking forward to working on the school newspaper and spending time pouring over movie magazines with her best friend Elaine. Her family has a secret though, and it is everyone's responsibility to keep it. When her family including Jamie herself starts living by their ideals, life changes but not necessarily in the ways they expected.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not huge into historical fiction, but I was interested in this book because I barely remember learning about it in school. I don't know why- but it bothers me that I never learned much about this or Japanese-American internment camps. I am embarrassed by what our country has done, but am more embarrassed that we aren't willing to put it out there, say we made mistakes, and learn from them. If you are interested in NYC after World War II and a very personal look at the McCarthy witch-hunt for communists

[Dest · Rating 3 out of 5]

There aren't a lot of books for kids about the Red Scare, which is probably because it's sort of difficult to understand. Heck, I consider myself reasonably well educated and I learned a few things from this book, most interestingly that McCarthyism was probably as much about stopping the Civil Rights movement as stopping so-called communists.

[Yi-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't even know this era occured- a 'witch hunt' hunt sort of thing in the modern age, but for Communists, really. everyone always says the communism is evil, but I don't think those people know what they're saying. it's sad how many people stabbed each others backs and were killed or became poor when Senator McCartney found they used to have a connection with the Communist parts.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The McCarthy era seen through the eyes of spunky thirteen-year-old Jamie Morse. The novel is more than an excellent history lesson. Readers will care about Jamie's attempt to be true to herself and her family's passion for social justice in a dangerous time.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book i'm not finished yet with but this book has got me interested. It's like an addition to my education. I'm taking history class of the world wars im even in a few reading class. this novel is growing my education.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a twelve year old girl in the Bronx, during the McCarthy era who keeps a dark secret. When the secret comes out her family is put through a lot and she loses her spot on the newspaper. This book teaches students about keeping secrets and different time periods.

[M'Kenzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love this book! the only thing i don't like is that the ending is horrible! i don't like books that end sadly.

[Sarah Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Morse and her family are caught up in the McCarthy trials.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not the best book book I have read.

[Emily T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for someone that likes historical fiction.

[Pascale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good look at the fear associated with McCarthyism and how it might of felt to a child growing up under that cloud.

[Deedee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexile 540L
IL: MG - BL: 3.7 - AR Pts: 5.0

[Marna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of scary, reading it now.

[Ms. P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slice of history when the McCarthy witch hunt for Communists in America highlights how hysteria can overcome human rights, and standing up for your First Amendment rights becomes more important than ever.