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Freedom Summer
Two boys—one black, one white—are best friends in the segregated 1960s South in this picture book about friends sticking together through thick and thin.
John Henry swims better than anyone I know.
He crawls like a catfish,
blows bubbles like a swamp monster,
but he doesn’t swim in the town pool with me.
He’s not allowed.
Joe and John Henry are a lot alike. They both like shooting marbles, they both want to be firemen, and they both love to swim. But there’s one important way they're Joe is white and John Henry is black, and in the South in 1964, that means John Henry isn’t allowed to do everything his best friend is. Then a law is passed that forbids segregation and opens the town pool to everyone. Joe and John Henry are so excited they race each other there...only to discover that it takes more than a new law to change people’s hearts.
John Henry swims better than anyone I know.
He crawls like a catfish,
blows bubbles like a swamp monster,
but he doesn’t swim in the town pool with me.
He’s not allowed.
Joe and John Henry are a lot alike. They both like shooting marbles, they both want to be firemen, and they both love to swim. But there’s one important way they're Joe is white and John Henry is black, and in the South in 1964, that means John Henry isn’t allowed to do everything his best friend is. Then a law is passed that forbids segregation and opens the town pool to everyone. Joe and John Henry are so excited they race each other there...only to discover that it takes more than a new law to change people’s hearts.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
25 people are currently reading
2110 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Wiles
20 books432 followersDeborah Wiles is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including the beloved Love, Ruby Lavender and two National Book Award finalists–Each Little Bird That Sings and Revolution. Her first picture book, Freedom Summer, received the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. She is also an NAACP Book Award finalist, E.B. White Award winner, Golden Kite Award winner, Jane Addams Peace Award Finalist, and recipient of a PEN Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Working Writer Fellowship. Her most recent novel is for young adults, Kent State. Her newest picture book, Simple Thanks, was published in 2024. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. You can visit her on the web at deborahwiles.com, write with her at Storybelly.com, and follow her on social media platforms at @deborahwilesbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 529 reviews
February 17, 2015
Stunningly done. I came close to crying at the end.
There is a wonderfully informative author note, and I’m so glad it was at the start of the book rather than at the end, that explains how the desegregation laws in the sixties didn’t necessarily mean true integration took place.
The story itself, of two boys who are best friends, one black and one white, the latter who is the narrator, who learn the real truth, painfully, is wonderfully told. It’s a grand but simple story, and its message is woven in seamlessly.
The illustrations are lovely and perfectly fit the story. I loved the art style, the colors used, everything about the pictures.
This is a terrific friendship story and also a fine story to inform kids about what the sixties in the U.S. south was like for black people and for white people. It would be okay as a first book and also would work well as an adjunct to other books and materials.
I looked at what shelves I put this book on and apparently I’m reading it for the Picture Books Club at the Children's Books group. As I recall, the month’s theme is friendship.
There is a wonderfully informative author note, and I’m so glad it was at the start of the book rather than at the end, that explains how the desegregation laws in the sixties didn’t necessarily mean true integration took place.
The story itself, of two boys who are best friends, one black and one white, the latter who is the narrator, who learn the real truth, painfully, is wonderfully told. It’s a grand but simple story, and its message is woven in seamlessly.
The illustrations are lovely and perfectly fit the story. I loved the art style, the colors used, everything about the pictures.
This is a terrific friendship story and also a fine story to inform kids about what the sixties in the U.S. south was like for black people and for white people. It would be okay as a first book and also would work well as an adjunct to other books and materials.
I looked at what shelves I put this book on and apparently I’m reading it for the Picture Books Club at the Children's Books group. As I recall, the month’s theme is friendship.
November 3, 2015
Freedom Summer is picture book perfection. Jerome Lagarrigue won the John Steptoe Award for New Talent for his illustrations and we can see why. The gorgeous impressionism-inspired pictures pulled us even deeper into this story of the South during the summer of 1964. Deborah Wiles's tale of young Joe and John Henry's friendship is incredibly sweet. Joe, who is white, is noticing the ugly side of the segregated world in which he grew up for the first time. He wants his friend John Henry to be able to experience all the same fun things he does in their small town. The ways in which the two small boys act and react to their town's fight against integration is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is a must read for pre-schoolers and up.
March 25, 2010
Freedom Summer is appropriate for students ages 5-8. In 2002, it received a Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award for Jerome Lagarrigue's illustrations and a Once Upon a World Children's Book Award. I feel that the deeper meaning of the book would be appreciated by readers in third through fifth grade as well as adult audiences.
An author’s note at the beginning of this text helps explain the true events that inspired the story in Freedom Summer. This text is set during the summer of the 1964 Civil Rights Act which states that “All persons shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment” of any public place, regardless of “…race, color, religion, or national origin.” The author of Freedom Summer, Deborah Wiles, was a Caucasian child growing up in Alabama and Mississippi immediately following the passage of this act. She observed that rather than allow African Americans the same rights, many businesses simply closed their doors, some of them forever. Wiles witnessed the grave inequalities that existed and Caucasian business owners’ blatant disregard for the Civil Rights Act—they simply refused to serve African Americans before every white person had been helped. Concurrently, “civil rights workers in Mississippi organized ‘Freedom Summer,’ a movement to register black Americans to vote.” A movement, which became the title of the book.
John Henry Waddell and Joe are best friends during a time when African Americans cannot be friends with Caucasians. It’s too dangerous. But they don’t care. They have similar interests: they like to shoot marbles and swim. However, instead of swimming together at the town pool, they have to swim in the creek because John Henry isn’t allowed. He is also forbidden to enter the general store. When Joe finds out that the “town pool opens tomorrow to everybody under the sun, no matter what color” he runs to tell John Henry. The next morning they wake up early, so they can be the first to arrive at the pool, but when they reach the pool, it is covered in asphalt. The worst part is: African Americans were hired for the job. After they’re done paving the pool, Joe and John Henry sit on the diving board staring at metal railings sticking out of black tar, a sight which makes Joe say, “I didn’t want to swim in this old pool anyway.” But tears well up in John Henry’s eyes; he wants to do everything Joe can do. At the end of the book, Joe is imagining all the things they can do together, the first of which is going to the general store. They walk through the front door together.
This book is very powerful and speaks to the way in which children sometimes transcend the evils of their time when adults cannot. It explains the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as race relations during that time in a way that is comprehensible to young children. It could be utilized in a unit on the Civil Rights Movement alongside other fiction and nonfiction texts that illuminate this period in our nation’s history from the perspectives of both adults and children.
An author’s note at the beginning of this text helps explain the true events that inspired the story in Freedom Summer. This text is set during the summer of the 1964 Civil Rights Act which states that “All persons shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment” of any public place, regardless of “…race, color, religion, or national origin.” The author of Freedom Summer, Deborah Wiles, was a Caucasian child growing up in Alabama and Mississippi immediately following the passage of this act. She observed that rather than allow African Americans the same rights, many businesses simply closed their doors, some of them forever. Wiles witnessed the grave inequalities that existed and Caucasian business owners’ blatant disregard for the Civil Rights Act—they simply refused to serve African Americans before every white person had been helped. Concurrently, “civil rights workers in Mississippi organized ‘Freedom Summer,’ a movement to register black Americans to vote.” A movement, which became the title of the book.
John Henry Waddell and Joe are best friends during a time when African Americans cannot be friends with Caucasians. It’s too dangerous. But they don’t care. They have similar interests: they like to shoot marbles and swim. However, instead of swimming together at the town pool, they have to swim in the creek because John Henry isn’t allowed. He is also forbidden to enter the general store. When Joe finds out that the “town pool opens tomorrow to everybody under the sun, no matter what color” he runs to tell John Henry. The next morning they wake up early, so they can be the first to arrive at the pool, but when they reach the pool, it is covered in asphalt. The worst part is: African Americans were hired for the job. After they’re done paving the pool, Joe and John Henry sit on the diving board staring at metal railings sticking out of black tar, a sight which makes Joe say, “I didn’t want to swim in this old pool anyway.” But tears well up in John Henry’s eyes; he wants to do everything Joe can do. At the end of the book, Joe is imagining all the things they can do together, the first of which is going to the general store. They walk through the front door together.
This book is very powerful and speaks to the way in which children sometimes transcend the evils of their time when adults cannot. It explains the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as race relations during that time in a way that is comprehensible to young children. It could be utilized in a unit on the Civil Rights Movement alongside other fiction and nonfiction texts that illuminate this period in our nation’s history from the perspectives of both adults and children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2012
In the early 1960's in the South, two young boys are best of friends. John Henry is black and Joe is white. The fact that the color of their skin is not the same does not bother them at all. Joe and John Henry are a lot alike in other ways. They both want to be fireman and they both love to swim. They also like to eat ice pops and go swimming in the creek. "The town pool opens tomorrow to everybody under the sun, no matter what color." The boys are extremely excited as they plan to be the first ones at the town pool. John Henry has never been in a real pool where the water is clear. He's only been in Fiddler's Creek. Their happiness is quickly cut short when they arrive the next morning at the pool only to find that it is being filled with hot and spongy tar. "White folks don't want colored folks in their pool."
This story is told through Joe's perspective which makes the story much more poignant. Deborah Wiles introduces the experiences of prejudice through the two boys. The feelings they experience are of anger, disappointment, and frustration. This story is an account of the "Freedom Summer," which was a movement to register black Americans to vote, which followed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is a book that can be used with K-3 students to introduce this topic which can at times be very difficult for children to understand. It most certainly can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
This story is told through Joe's perspective which makes the story much more poignant. Deborah Wiles introduces the experiences of prejudice through the two boys. The feelings they experience are of anger, disappointment, and frustration. This story is an account of the "Freedom Summer," which was a movement to register black Americans to vote, which followed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is a book that can be used with K-3 students to introduce this topic which can at times be very difficult for children to understand. It most certainly can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
December 9, 2010
This is a beautiful story of friendship between two children in the south during the tail end of segregation. When I got to the part about the pool, I nearly sobbed.
July 24, 2023
A story about two boys who are friends during a tumultuous time in our history. This sparked some good conversation with my eight year old.
February 29, 2012
This book tells a moving story about two best friends set in the backdrop of the segragated south during 1964; Joe is Caucasian and John Henry is African-American. The boys know each other because John Henry's mother works as a housekeeper for Joe's family. In addition, they have many similar interests, like shooting marbles, swimming, and wanting to be firefighters. However, there are things that John Henry cannot do, like walking through the front door of the General Store or swimming in the town pool. One night, though, Joe's father mentions at the dinner table that the town pool will be open to everyone in town the following day because as his mom states, "That's the new law". As soon as Joe hears this, he runs to tell John Henry. The following day, they both race to the town pool only to find that it is being filled with asphalt and come to the realization that it takes more than a law to change people's hearts. This incident angers the boys and affects Joe to the point that he starts to wonder what it must be like for his friend John Henry to live in this town. These thoughts drive Joe to make a simple, yet powerful statement: "I want to see this town with John Henry's eyes". The story ends on a somewhat happy note when the boys decide to be bold by going to the General store to buy ice pops; but this time, they both decide to walk together through the front door.
The book has an author's note at the beginning of the text, giving a brief explanation of the background of the setting and time period in the story. I feel this can give students a good understanding of some of the issues that were going on during this time period. The story does a really nice job of depicting the disposition and emotions that existed with segragation and does it in a way that is relatable to students, considering the diversity that exists in today's classrooms. As such, the book can be an excellent catalyst to discussions about the civil rights movement of the 1960's. There are also a lot of activities that can come out of this book. For example, the students could write journals about the main characters and having them relate to the characters feelings. The book is also an excellent resource due to the dynamic nature of the topic, and hence, can be used for readers grades 1-6. This Coretta Scott King award-winning book is definitely one that needs to be part of your library collection.
The book has an author's note at the beginning of the text, giving a brief explanation of the background of the setting and time period in the story. I feel this can give students a good understanding of some of the issues that were going on during this time period. The story does a really nice job of depicting the disposition and emotions that existed with segragation and does it in a way that is relatable to students, considering the diversity that exists in today's classrooms. As such, the book can be an excellent catalyst to discussions about the civil rights movement of the 1960's. There are also a lot of activities that can come out of this book. For example, the students could write journals about the main characters and having them relate to the characters feelings. The book is also an excellent resource due to the dynamic nature of the topic, and hence, can be used for readers grades 1-6. This Coretta Scott King award-winning book is definitely one that needs to be part of your library collection.
March 29, 2020
Best friends Joe and John Henry enjoy many of the usual pleasures of boyhood together one hot summer - swimming in Fiddler's Creek (in their birthday suits!), savoring the ice pops from Mr. Mason's General Store - but the realities of segregated life in 1964 Mississippi intrude, keeping them from doing everything they would like, and from being too open about their friendship. When they learn that a new law requires their town to permit everyone - black and white - to use public facilities like the swimming pool, they are excited at the prospect of swimming in those crystal-clear waters together, for the very first time. But when they arrive at the pool on the fateful morning in question, they discover that the town, determined to resist integration, has filled it with hot tar, rather than allow blacks to swim. The law may have changed, but the people still had a long way to go...
Based upon author Deborah Wiles' memories of growing up in the South during the tumultuous Civil Rights era, Freedom Summer is a poignant exploration of friendship across racial lines, narrated by a young white boy (Joe) who, although content to have a black boy (John Henry) as a boon companion, has never really questioned the "way things are." It is only when change seems possible, and then impossible, that Joe truly considers how their friendship (and their town) might look to John Henry. I appreciated the perspective offered here on an important moment in our history, and the insight given, through the story, into the lives of ordinary young kids during extraordinary times. I was particularly impressed by the fact that the author chose to realistically depict "what happened next," highlighting the fact that things didn't immediately change, after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - there was (and still is) a long way to go.
With an engaging tale of friendship amidst the senseless wrongs of racism and segregation, and immensely appealing artwork by Jerome Lagarrigue, Freedom Summer is an outstanding work of historical fiction for the younger, picture-book set! Highly recommended to anyone looking for children's stories set during the Civil Rights era, or featuring interracial friendship. It could, perhaps, be paired with Jacqueline Woodson's , which presents the story of a friendship between a young black girl and her white neighbor in this same period.
Based upon author Deborah Wiles' memories of growing up in the South during the tumultuous Civil Rights era, Freedom Summer is a poignant exploration of friendship across racial lines, narrated by a young white boy (Joe) who, although content to have a black boy (John Henry) as a boon companion, has never really questioned the "way things are." It is only when change seems possible, and then impossible, that Joe truly considers how their friendship (and their town) might look to John Henry. I appreciated the perspective offered here on an important moment in our history, and the insight given, through the story, into the lives of ordinary young kids during extraordinary times. I was particularly impressed by the fact that the author chose to realistically depict "what happened next," highlighting the fact that things didn't immediately change, after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - there was (and still is) a long way to go.
With an engaging tale of friendship amidst the senseless wrongs of racism and segregation, and immensely appealing artwork by Jerome Lagarrigue, Freedom Summer is an outstanding work of historical fiction for the younger, picture-book set! Highly recommended to anyone looking for children's stories set during the Civil Rights era, or featuring interracial friendship. It could, perhaps, be paired with Jacqueline Woodson's , which presents the story of a friendship between a young black girl and her white neighbor in this same period.
October 15, 2016
"Daddy stirs his iced tea and says, "The town pool opens tomorrow to everybody under the sun, no matter what color." "Thats the new law," Mama tells me."
Freedom summer is a tearjerking story of two best friends, John Henry Waddell and Joe. They spend most of their time together, except when John Henry, who is Black, cannot go into certain stores or do certain things because of the color of his skin. This book tells the story of the two friends struggling when segregation gets in between their friendship, and what happens even after segregation is outlawed.
The author, Deborah Wiles, includes a note about the text. She writes, "It is fiction, but based on real events." This book would be a great read aloud for teaching about the civil rights movement. Teachers can use it to engage students in thinking about what life was like during segregation.
Freedom summer is a tearjerking story of two best friends, John Henry Waddell and Joe. They spend most of their time together, except when John Henry, who is Black, cannot go into certain stores or do certain things because of the color of his skin. This book tells the story of the two friends struggling when segregation gets in between their friendship, and what happens even after segregation is outlawed.
The author, Deborah Wiles, includes a note about the text. She writes, "It is fiction, but based on real events." This book would be a great read aloud for teaching about the civil rights movement. Teachers can use it to engage students in thinking about what life was like during segregation.
February 24, 2013
In the summer of 1964, civil rights workers in Mississippi organized “Freedom Summer,” a movement to register black Americans to vote. It was a time of great racial violence and change. This story is told from the perspectives of kids. John Henry is a young African American boy who is best friends with Joe, who is white. There are many areas of town however that John Henry is restricted from going. Instead of using his white privilege and meeting up with John Henry later, as he used to, Joe decides he will only see the town the way John Henry is allowed to see it.
This is a great story with nice illustrations that has won multiple awards. I see it as an excellent book to teach white kids about our past and about making ethical choices.
This is a great story with nice illustrations that has won multiple awards. I see it as an excellent book to teach white kids about our past and about making ethical choices.
August 1, 2017
Ah, summer . . .
It's supposed to be a dreamy time of glee, relaxation, and play, but when your best friend can't join in the fun because of the color of his skin . . . that kind of ruins everything. The author tells the story of two boys growing up in the south during the turbulent sixties. It is based on real events from her life as a child in Mobile, Alabama.
Jerome Lagarrigue's artwork is evocative and touching.
It's supposed to be a dreamy time of glee, relaxation, and play, but when your best friend can't join in the fun because of the color of his skin . . . that kind of ruins everything. The author tells the story of two boys growing up in the south during the turbulent sixties. It is based on real events from her life as a child in Mobile, Alabama.
Jerome Lagarrigue's artwork is evocative and touching.
December 26, 2016
A moving children's story about a friendship between two boys, Joe and John Henry, which takes place in Mississippi in the summer of 1964 following the passage of the Civil Rights Act. The story shows how this civil rights act didn't necessarily immediately bring about the changes it intended, and that prejudice is a very hurtful thing, especially as it is experienced by John Henry, who is black.
The book does open with a great explanatory text about the story by the author.
The book does open with a great explanatory text about the story by the author.
February 13, 2018
Thought provoking read my son and I read together. A look at the tough times of racial inequality in the early 60's. It is a great read to have a meaningful discussion with your child about an unjust time in our American history. Beautifully written and illustrated.
April 19, 2018
Freedom Summer is a book about a young boy and his friend John Henry Waddell. Like any classic childhood friendship these two boys find comfort in their similarities. They both love to play, compete, swim, and dream of being fireman someday. However, there is one difference that hovers continually over their friendship. Our narrator is white, while John Henry is black. This means John Henry can’t go certain places our narrator can.
One day our narrator learns that the community pool is now open to everyone, no matter what color. Our narrator is excited, he can finally take his friend to go swimming. However, once they reach the pool they find workers filling it with tar. This confuses our narrator and upsets John Henry. This event and the conversations that follow force our narrator begins to wrap his head around the unfairness of the world he lives in. He decides to do something about it and together, with his friend John Henry, they take the first steps towards equality.
This book best fits within the genre of Historical Fiction.
This book is most appropriate as a read aloud for K-5.
This book is a wow book for a multitude of reasons. The themes and morals contained in this story are valuable and well executed. The illustrations are stunning and set the mood for the setting. The writing is elegant and descriptive with lines like “John Henry’s skin is the color of browned butter.” To top it all off, the closing sequence where the narrator decides to walk in the store with his friend is simple and real. Our narrator wants to deny the truths in front of him but through friendship is forced to think deeper about the world he lives in. All this blends together to create a beautiful story.
This is a book that I would read out loud during Black History Month as we explored the history of the civil rights movement in our classroom. Before I read this book, I would facilitate a whole group activity to address the primary theme in this story. I would announce a surprise center time. Except today there would be new rules, if you had blue eyes then you would not get to join, instead I would have a worksheet for ‘blue eyed’ children. Most likely, there would be immediate outrage. I would use this outrage as fuel for a group discussion. Why is it not fair? Blue eyed students, how does this decision make you feel? John, I know Jane is your best friend, but she has blue eyes so she wont get to play with you today in centers, how does that make you feel? After we have had time to discuss the emotions we feel then I would tell them that everyone will get to participate in centers, after we read the book. Once finished with the book I would revisit the emotions we experienced and relate them to the characters in the book.
One day our narrator learns that the community pool is now open to everyone, no matter what color. Our narrator is excited, he can finally take his friend to go swimming. However, once they reach the pool they find workers filling it with tar. This confuses our narrator and upsets John Henry. This event and the conversations that follow force our narrator begins to wrap his head around the unfairness of the world he lives in. He decides to do something about it and together, with his friend John Henry, they take the first steps towards equality.
This book best fits within the genre of Historical Fiction.
This book is most appropriate as a read aloud for K-5.
This book is a wow book for a multitude of reasons. The themes and morals contained in this story are valuable and well executed. The illustrations are stunning and set the mood for the setting. The writing is elegant and descriptive with lines like “John Henry’s skin is the color of browned butter.” To top it all off, the closing sequence where the narrator decides to walk in the store with his friend is simple and real. Our narrator wants to deny the truths in front of him but through friendship is forced to think deeper about the world he lives in. All this blends together to create a beautiful story.
This is a book that I would read out loud during Black History Month as we explored the history of the civil rights movement in our classroom. Before I read this book, I would facilitate a whole group activity to address the primary theme in this story. I would announce a surprise center time. Except today there would be new rules, if you had blue eyes then you would not get to join, instead I would have a worksheet for ‘blue eyed’ children. Most likely, there would be immediate outrage. I would use this outrage as fuel for a group discussion. Why is it not fair? Blue eyed students, how does this decision make you feel? John, I know Jane is your best friend, but she has blue eyes so she wont get to play with you today in centers, how does that make you feel? After we have had time to discuss the emotions we feel then I would tell them that everyone will get to participate in centers, after we read the book. Once finished with the book I would revisit the emotions we experienced and relate them to the characters in the book.
October 9, 2016
Freedom Summer, written by Deborah Wiles and illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue, is a powerful historical fiction picture book about the American South in 1964. The story is told from the perspective of Joe, a young boy who is white. Joe’s best friend is John Henry, who is African American and whose mom works as a housekeeper for Joe’s family. Joe and John Henry have a lot in common, and love to play together. Because John Henry is not allowed in the whites-only swimming pool, the boys swim together in the creek. Because John Henry is not allowed to go through the front door of the general store, Joe goes in and buys ice pops for the two of them. When the Civil Rights Bill passes, Joe and John Henry are excited that they can finally go to the public pool together. When they arrive the next morning, however, they find out the pool has been closed and filled in. They then decide to go into the general store together to buy ice pops. The book ends suddenly, making it unclear whether John Henry will be welcomed at the store.
Although this is a picture book, this book provides readers with a powerful story that demonstrates the complexities of the struggle for civil rights in our country. While the passage of the Civil Rights Act gives these boys hope that they can finally do things together in public, they realize that the reality is much more complex. With one step forward comes a step back. The ambiguous ending further emphasizes the frustration that these boys, and other people who wanted racial equality, must have felt in this time period (and in many ways still continue to feel today).
This book deservingly won the Coretta Scott King Award and the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award.
I would highly recommend using this book as a read aloud for first, second, or third grade students. The book could be used when teaching a social studies unit on the American South and the Civil Rights Movement, or when teaching broader concepts such as equality and justice. Teachers could also potentially use this book when teaching a writing unit on narratives, since it is told as a first person account from the perspective of an elementary school aged boy. Given the sensitive and complex material presented in this book, I would recommend providing background context (available in the book) and preparing guided discussion questions in advance.
Although this is a picture book, this book provides readers with a powerful story that demonstrates the complexities of the struggle for civil rights in our country. While the passage of the Civil Rights Act gives these boys hope that they can finally do things together in public, they realize that the reality is much more complex. With one step forward comes a step back. The ambiguous ending further emphasizes the frustration that these boys, and other people who wanted racial equality, must have felt in this time period (and in many ways still continue to feel today).
This book deservingly won the Coretta Scott King Award and the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award.
I would highly recommend using this book as a read aloud for first, second, or third grade students. The book could be used when teaching a social studies unit on the American South and the Civil Rights Movement, or when teaching broader concepts such as equality and justice. Teachers could also potentially use this book when teaching a writing unit on narratives, since it is told as a first person account from the perspective of an elementary school aged boy. Given the sensitive and complex material presented in this book, I would recommend providing background context (available in the book) and preparing guided discussion questions in advance.
November 2, 2009
Freedom Summer tells the story of a white boy named Joe who is friends with an African American boy named John Henry during the time of the Civil Rights Movement. Each day the two boys go swimming in the creek (John Henry is not allowed in the public pool) and get ice pops from the local store (only Joe is allowed to go inside). Things change one day when a new law gives African Americans “the same rights and freedom” as whites. Joe and John Henry head to the public pool, excited to swim together for the first time. The boys arrive just in time to see the pool being filled with asphalt. Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to accept equal rights for all. The owner of the pool would rather see it closed than to allow African Americans inside.
This is a thoughtful story that gives children a realistic view of the American South during the 1960’s. The simplicity of this story makes it enjoyable yet meaningful for readers of all ages. Young readers would be able to connect to Joe and John Henry’s innocent friendship. Older readers would appreciate that the author did not portray everything happy and perfect after blacks were permitted in the pool. Instead, she showed just how imbedded racism was and what a long road it was to move toward true equality. The Civil Rights Act did not create immediate change. Many whites chose to close their stores and restaurants rather than serve African Americans. The author based this story on her own experience growing up in the south. The title Freedom Summer is actually the name of a civil rights movement to register black Americans to vote during the summer of 1964. Deborah Wiles wrote this story because as a child she wanted to change the way blacks were treated. Children who read this story will surely gain an understanding of life during this important time in history. Ages 5-8.
This is a thoughtful story that gives children a realistic view of the American South during the 1960’s. The simplicity of this story makes it enjoyable yet meaningful for readers of all ages. Young readers would be able to connect to Joe and John Henry’s innocent friendship. Older readers would appreciate that the author did not portray everything happy and perfect after blacks were permitted in the pool. Instead, she showed just how imbedded racism was and what a long road it was to move toward true equality. The Civil Rights Act did not create immediate change. Many whites chose to close their stores and restaurants rather than serve African Americans. The author based this story on her own experience growing up in the south. The title Freedom Summer is actually the name of a civil rights movement to register black Americans to vote during the summer of 1964. Deborah Wiles wrote this story because as a child she wanted to change the way blacks were treated. Children who read this story will surely gain an understanding of life during this important time in history. Ages 5-8.
February 28, 2009
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award (2002)
Ezra Jack Keats Award (2002)
This beautifully written and illustrated book tells the story of two boys, one black and one white, who are best friends living in the American South in the early 1960s. John Henry and Joe do everything together. They swim at the creek and go to the town store. They would swim at the town pool except John Henry can’t go to the town pool, because he is black. When they go to the store, John Henry has to wait outside until Joe comes out because only white people are allowed to shop there. Until one day, the law changes and black people are allowed to swim at the pool. Joe is so excited he runs to tell John Henry the good news.
The anxious boys cannot wait to swim together at the pool. Unfortunately, when they arrive the pool has been filled with asphalt. The boys know the pool was shut down so black and white people could not swim together. The boys are shocked and saddened. The book ends with a daring and brave gesture. Both boys walk into the town store to shop.
Lagarrigue’s illustrations exquisitely depict the friendship between the boys and the emotional turmoil they both experience. Particularly stirring are the paintings of John Henry’s brother when they arrive at the pool and the two boys sitting on the diving board looking out over the asphalt. This book can be used by educators who are teaching civil rights and social justice. It is a book about friendship and doing what is right. I enjoyed the book and felt inspired by the courage and friendship developed between John Henry and Joe.
Ezra Jack Keats Award (2002)
This beautifully written and illustrated book tells the story of two boys, one black and one white, who are best friends living in the American South in the early 1960s. John Henry and Joe do everything together. They swim at the creek and go to the town store. They would swim at the town pool except John Henry can’t go to the town pool, because he is black. When they go to the store, John Henry has to wait outside until Joe comes out because only white people are allowed to shop there. Until one day, the law changes and black people are allowed to swim at the pool. Joe is so excited he runs to tell John Henry the good news.
The anxious boys cannot wait to swim together at the pool. Unfortunately, when they arrive the pool has been filled with asphalt. The boys know the pool was shut down so black and white people could not swim together. The boys are shocked and saddened. The book ends with a daring and brave gesture. Both boys walk into the town store to shop.
Lagarrigue’s illustrations exquisitely depict the friendship between the boys and the emotional turmoil they both experience. Particularly stirring are the paintings of John Henry’s brother when they arrive at the pool and the two boys sitting on the diving board looking out over the asphalt. This book can be used by educators who are teaching civil rights and social justice. It is a book about friendship and doing what is right. I enjoyed the book and felt inspired by the courage and friendship developed between John Henry and Joe.
January 26, 2010
Freedom Summer is a picture book intended for students from grades one through three. However, it is a powerful story of friendship that spans all ages and grade levels. I gave this book four stars because its thematic content and overall message of both hope and despair really can resound with students and adults alike. The story follows the friendship of a white boy and an African American boy in a Southern town during the Civil Rights movement. And, even though laws of equality were passed, both boys see favorite pastimes (like a neighborhood swimming pool) destroyed before they would be allowed use by all races. The clear and vivid use of visual language allows the reader to put themselves into the action, with phrases such as “stare at the tops of silver ladders sticking up from the tar” and “I swallow hard and my heart says yes.” Deborah Wiles, the author, gives the reader “A Note about the Text” at the beginning of the book. This gives the reader both information regarding the Civil Rights movement and allows the reader to understand that friendships, no matter what color you are, can overcome anything and are blind to color. With this note, the author allows the reader to ponder and think about what it would have been like to be a different skin color. She allows the reader to “put themselves in someone else’s shoes,” allowing for an emotional and empathetic connection to the text. This book does an excellent job of allowing the reader to see that friendship and maturity can blossom, and even thrive, in the face of injustice.
April 18, 2016
This book gives an account of how segregation affected people’s lives, even children, in the 1960’s in Mississippi. It is a story about two best friends and how they were personally affected by racism and segregation in their society. The differing colors of their skin doesn’t bother either of the boys, but it bothers society. They have to keep their friendship secretive and can not go out and do the same things as two white friends can do, like go to the pool, movies, or store together. It informs readers of the implications segregation had on so many aspects of life during that time. The book also shows that even when anti-segregation laws were passed, not everything changed over night; it takes more than a law to change people’s hearts. What a powerful and true message! The two boys demonstrated how the power of love and friendship can overcome hate. This was a WOW book for me because although it is a simple story about friendship, it carries such a powerful message. The ending almost moved me to tears!
I would use this book as a read-aloud in a 3rd or 4th grade classroom. This book would be a great addition during Black History Month and could be tied into the study of the 1960’s Civil Rights movement. I think students could really relate with the two main characters, so it could open up a discussion about how it would feel not to be able to go to the movies or the pool with your friend.
I would use this book as a read-aloud in a 3rd or 4th grade classroom. This book would be a great addition during Black History Month and could be tied into the study of the 1960’s Civil Rights movement. I think students could really relate with the two main characters, so it could open up a discussion about how it would feel not to be able to go to the movies or the pool with your friend.
January 3, 2016
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=6962
Deborah Wiles amazes me every time I read something by her. I think I need to get everything she has written and devour it. Her books make me a better person. This one is no exception to these statements. Freedom Summer starts with a personal story of Wiles’s and sets the stage for the book: What would it be like to have a best friend who is black in the South in 1964? Do you know what it is like? Any other friendship! Except many people felt that it was wrong and you cannot go places together. Freedom Summer is about Joe and John Henry. They are both young boys. They both like to swim. They both love ice cream. However, only one can go to the pool and only one can buy ice cream from the store. I think what makes this story so impactful is that Wiles sets the stage of the friendship as something so normal (because it is!!) then shows how different their lives are. So powerful. Made me cry. It’s lyrical writing, soft and beautiful illustrations, and powerful message are so moving. Go read it if you haven’t.
This book belongs in classrooms. It will start discussions and make students think. Luckily, Deborah Wiles helps us out a ton by sharing so many resources with us on her Pinterest board https://www.pinterest.com/debbiewiles/ and her website http://deborahwiles.com/site/resource....
Deborah Wiles amazes me every time I read something by her. I think I need to get everything she has written and devour it. Her books make me a better person. This one is no exception to these statements. Freedom Summer starts with a personal story of Wiles’s and sets the stage for the book: What would it be like to have a best friend who is black in the South in 1964? Do you know what it is like? Any other friendship! Except many people felt that it was wrong and you cannot go places together. Freedom Summer is about Joe and John Henry. They are both young boys. They both like to swim. They both love ice cream. However, only one can go to the pool and only one can buy ice cream from the store. I think what makes this story so impactful is that Wiles sets the stage of the friendship as something so normal (because it is!!) then shows how different their lives are. So powerful. Made me cry. It’s lyrical writing, soft and beautiful illustrations, and powerful message are so moving. Go read it if you haven’t.
This book belongs in classrooms. It will start discussions and make students think. Luckily, Deborah Wiles helps us out a ton by sharing so many resources with us on her Pinterest board https://www.pinterest.com/debbiewiles/ and her website http://deborahwiles.com/site/resource....
October 31, 2009
Joe and John Henry have very similar interest. They both enjoy fireman, shooting marbles, and especially swimming. However, there is one major difference between the boys, the color of their skin. Taking place in the South in 1964 John Henry who is black is not allowed to do everything that his white best friend can. When the segregation law is passed allowing everyone in town to swim at the town pool the boys are ecstatic to race each other there. However, they see that just because a law has passed doesn’t mean people’s hearts are open.
I thought this book was wonderful and conveyed such a strong and powerful message. I believe that many children can relate to the boy’s special bond in this story because the situation is written so realistically. What I really loved about this book was how the young characters were determined to stay together no matter how others were feeling. I loved reading the book The Other Side this year, and feel that I connect to this story in the same engaged way. I think that this book brings up important topics to discuss with students such as friendships, racism, and self confidence.
November 9, 2009
This is the story of an unexpected friendship between a white boy(Joe) and a black boy(John Henry) in the segregated South in the sixties. John Henry's mom works for Joe's mom, and in the summer they spend almost every day together. They shoot marbles, chase the cats, and help John Henry's mom with her work, but their favorite thing to do is swim in the creek! They can't swim together at the town pool because John Henry isn't allowed there, but that will soon change. Joe's parents tell him that the law has changed, and he can't wait to tell John Henry! Will they enjoy swimming in the town pool as much as they like swimming in the creek? And what will the rest of the town think of the new law?
This is a beautifully written book that makes the topic of segregation accessible to young readers. For many students this time in history can be difficult to comprehend, but this story makes it easy to understand. The book will raise many questions, and is a good conversation starter for approaching this topic.
This is a beautifully written book that makes the topic of segregation accessible to young readers. For many students this time in history can be difficult to comprehend, but this story makes it easy to understand. The book will raise many questions, and is a good conversation starter for approaching this topic.
March 3, 2012
This is an emotionally-charged book about the summer following the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The friendship between Joe and John is fictional and likely not very realistic, but it is a good vehicle to depict the events of that summer in Mobile, Alabama and the injustices that have slowly been reversed over time. The book also serves as a great discussion-starter, to introduce the concept of racism and the Civil Rights Movement. We really enjoyed reading this story together and I think it was a very important book for our girls to read with me, helping them learn a little bit more about our country's history, without glossing over our imperfections, mistakes and injustices.
This story was selected as one of the books for the February 2012 - Friendship reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This story was selected as one of the books for the February 2012 - Friendship reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
February 20, 2015
Personal Response - I liked the book right off the bat from the cover! This story is told in the eyes of a Caucasian boy who has an African American best friend who he loves to spend all of his time with but cannot always take his friend everywhere due to racial segregation. I think this story is very enriching and very expressive in that it shows that everyone can be friends no matter what they look like or act like.
Purposes: Read aloud for first-third grade.
-Enrichment/Enjoyment
-Students can relate to this on a level that they express they have a best friend or friends who they enjoy spending their time with.
Curriculum
-This book would be good to teach when introducing the idea of diversity and being able to teach that everyone should respect each other no matter the color of their skin.
-This might be hard for a student to conceptualize that for some reason that John Henry, the African American boy cannot enter all the places Joe can. This would be a good opportunity to discuss the history and what is going on.
Purposes: Read aloud for first-third grade.
-Enrichment/Enjoyment
-Students can relate to this on a level that they express they have a best friend or friends who they enjoy spending their time with.
Curriculum
-This book would be good to teach when introducing the idea of diversity and being able to teach that everyone should respect each other no matter the color of their skin.
-This might be hard for a student to conceptualize that for some reason that John Henry, the African American boy cannot enter all the places Joe can. This would be a good opportunity to discuss the history and what is going on.
February 9, 2017
I read Freedom Summer for one of the historical fiction books. This story took place in the summer of 1964 when The Civil Rights Act of 1964 became law. The story is about two boys, one white boy who's mama hires John Henry Waddell's mama Annie Mae to work for her who are African American. The boys enjoy doing many things together, however John Henry isn't able to do everything in the town because he is African American. The boys have a special creek they swim in because the pool is whites only. The boy who is white wants his friend to be able to explore the town the same as him. By the end of the summer, the boys end up going to the store to buy popsicles together instead of John Henry waiting outside the store like he normally does so they walk in the store with the arms wrapped around each other to pick out exactly what popsicles they'd like. This story is very heart-warming, but it is also a realistic representation of what it was like for children during the 60's and how all the simple things that we take for granted now were once fought for.
February 11, 2012
Wiles tells the story of two boys whose friendship is impacted by the civil rights movement, called "freedom summer", that took place in 1964.
Joe, white, and John Henry, black, enjoy swimming together but John Henry isn't allowed in the public pool so they swim in the creek. Joe and John Henry enjoy ice pops but John Henry isn't allowed in Mr. Mason's General Store so Joe goes inside alone.
And then a new law is passed allowing blacks to swim in the pool with the whites...what happens next is alarming but is true to the time period. Despite this hateful act, Joe and John Henry rise up and face the evils prejudice together.
Wiles' story is full of meaning and shows just how powerful friendship can be. Lagarrigue's illustrations showcase the range of emotions expressed throughout the story and helps to capture the bond between the two boys.
Great book.
Joe, white, and John Henry, black, enjoy swimming together but John Henry isn't allowed in the public pool so they swim in the creek. Joe and John Henry enjoy ice pops but John Henry isn't allowed in Mr. Mason's General Store so Joe goes inside alone.
And then a new law is passed allowing blacks to swim in the pool with the whites...what happens next is alarming but is true to the time period. Despite this hateful act, Joe and John Henry rise up and face the evils prejudice together.
Wiles' story is full of meaning and shows just how powerful friendship can be. Lagarrigue's illustrations showcase the range of emotions expressed throughout the story and helps to capture the bond between the two boys.
Great book.
March 4, 2010
For this book I listened to it on tape and found it very appealing and moving. Freedom Summer is a story about two young boys living in teh South during teh 1960's who are best friends and love to do every activity together. The only problem is one of the boys is white and the other is black. This is a very powerful an moving story of how these two young boys try to change the minds and hearts of the people in the South through their strong freindship.
This book is great for 3-5 grade students. Teachers can use this book during a unit on the Civil Rights Movement, friendship, racism, prejudice. I am sure this picture book would also be great if you read to the students or have them listen to the book on tape.
This book is great for 3-5 grade students. Teachers can use this book during a unit on the Civil Rights Movement, friendship, racism, prejudice. I am sure this picture book would also be great if you read to the students or have them listen to the book on tape.
February 24, 2014
This book is a very powerful story about two young boys Joe and John are best friends. However, there is one huge difference between them one is white, and the other is black. Although, that is not an issue now days, it was in the early 960’s. During their forbidden friendship, the Civil Rights Act becomes a law and segregation ends. John and Joe are both excited that they will be able to swim in the pool together and go into stores. The illustrations appear to be oil paintings.
I recommend this book for 2-4th graders who are learning about segregation.This is a good book for class discussions that deal with segregation and discrimination. Other books that students will enjoy are: Going North and The Other Side.
I recommend this book for 2-4th graders who are learning about segregation.This is a good book for class discussions that deal with segregation and discrimination. Other books that students will enjoy are: Going North and The Other Side.
July 22, 2015
This book was published in 2001, long before Deborah Wiles published her next wonderful, and extensive books about the times before and during Freedom Summer. It was re-released last year. This brief story tells about a white boy and his African-American friend, whose mother works for the white boy's family. They do everything together, play, do chores, swim in the creek. But they can't do exactly everything together because colored people can't go to the movies, get ice cream at the ice cream place, or swim in the town pool. The illustrations show friendship and sadness; the story is based, Wiles says, on truth. So it is not non-fiction, yet would be a good entry into conversations about Jim Crow laws, the Civil Rights Act, and being an ally when it is so hard to be one.
December 31, 2014
This is easily one of the best picture books I have ever read and is worthy of the praise it receives. Set in the 1960s South, this moving, lyrical text depicts the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of a child who just wants to adventure with his friend. The messages of are powerful, and I plan to purchase it to read again and again with my son. After we read this as a family, my husband and I wondered if it was a work of nonfiction because it felt so very real to us.
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