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I Am America
If the Fire Comes: A Story of Segregation during the Great Depression (I Am America
It's 1935, and the Great Depression and California drought has left eleven-year-old Joseph McCoy shining shoes to help his family survive. Through his hard work and games with his sister, Joseph has figured out how to get by as one of the few black people in a mostly white community. But the order of the town is disrupted when an all-black Civilian Conservation Corps camp comes to Elsinore, sparking racial tension. It isn't long before prejudice spreads like wildfire and threatens to force the work camp to leave. Could Joseph's secret project save the camp and bring his family hope for the future? If not, the whole town just might go up in flames. It's the storytellers that preserve a nation's history. But what happens when some stories are silenced? The I Am America series features fictional stories based on important historical events from people whose voices have been under represented, lost, or forgotten over time.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2019
6 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Daley
11 books26 followersTracy Daley is known for telling Stories with heart, adventure, and mystery.
She wrote her first book in fifth grade and will forever be grateful for amazing teachers who encourage and empower their students. She spent ten years working in the publishing industry and has developed her love of storytelling through reviewing, acquiring, and reading every great book she could get her hands on. She is the author of a middle grade
historical fiction, If the Fire Comes. She now owns her own publishing company, Night Nook Publishing, where she publishes her own stories and is working to support other writers in the future. She loves skiing, eating, and traveling with her family.
“Tracy Daly draws the reader into the drama of her story.”
"YA at its best!"
"Tracy Daley's writing is topnotch."
"The brisk pace and Tracy Daley's skilled use of language keeps me turning the pages!"
She wrote her first book in fifth grade and will forever be grateful for amazing teachers who encourage and empower their students. She spent ten years working in the publishing industry and has developed her love of storytelling through reviewing, acquiring, and reading every great book she could get her hands on. She is the author of a middle grade
historical fiction, If the Fire Comes. She now owns her own publishing company, Night Nook Publishing, where she publishes her own stories and is working to support other writers in the future. She loves skiing, eating, and traveling with her family.
“Tracy Daly draws the reader into the drama of her story.”
"YA at its best!"
"Tracy Daley's writing is topnotch."
"The brisk pace and Tracy Daley's skilled use of language keeps me turning the pages!"
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 5, 2022
I really like this series for telling stories about people whose voices haven't been heard and for sharing stories that haven't been told a million times. This particular book has a lot of diversity and deals with tough issues like segregation, disability, mental health, poverty and WWI veterans. The book is short and I felt the action was rushed. The story leads up to something that needed to be shown rather than told about afterward. That's my biggest problem with this series- the books are too short. I never thought about segregation in California and kept thinking the book was set in the south. It was surprising to be reminded it's set in California. The story of carrier pigeons isn't new to me so I kind of skimmed the details but it's not too dense and should be new and exciting for the target age group. I also knew a bit about the CCC but not about the specific firefighting project or that it was segregated. I never thought about that issue before. I guess I wasn't surprised but what was surprising was that the CCC was NOT initially segregated and discrimination was against national CCC policy. I was aware of the polio epidemic but not that White people thought it affected only them. It seems like it would be the other way around, that they would blame people of color who lived in poor neighborhoods for spreading the disease. That's why I read these books- to learn something new!
Joseph's voice is very engaging. He's an appealing character. He didn't enjoy classroom learning and is happier learning as he listens. Shining shoes gives him the opportunity to practice being a spy! He listens to everything people say around him and tries to observe details about what he sees. Joseph is the best little brother. His older sister Maya is a great character too. She had polio which left her unable to walk but she is still very present in the story. Maya has been depressed since her illness has kept her bedridden and unable to go to school. She loves books and is crazy smart. She enjoys coming up with ideas for inventions and things. Every day Joseph tries to bring something that will cheer her up. Maya's latest project is caring for some ill pigeons. She's sweet and devoted to her new pets but when it comes time to give them up, she knows what she has to do and why and is eager to do it. Being involved in the pigeon training project gives her something to do and perks her up.
The adults in the story are a lot more developed than is typical for this type of book, especially for a short book. Mr. Healey is Joseph's hero. A down-on-his-luck sort of man, Mr. Healey is rumored to be a spy. Joseph thinks he can learn to be a spy by spying on Mr. Healey, who then turns the tables on Joseph! Mr. Healey may seem grouchy but he has a kind heart. He provides Joseph with help but also allows Joseph to learn and be independent without adult interference. Mr. Healey also tries to help unite the town by being friendly with Mrs. Jackson who runs the store in Joseph's neighborhood and also with the White people. (Mr. Healey is White). Mr. Healey also represents the WWI veterans who were angry at not receiving the government bonus they were promised early. I'm not sure why they thought the president could just randomly hand out their money. I would think the decision would be up to the banks. Mr. Healey learns and grows as a result of the events of this story and I appreciated that.
Uncle Tanner, Joseph and Maya's guardian, is unemployed and that affects his mental health. He's angry and alternately expects Joseph to support the family and is angry Joseph has a job when he, an adult, does not. There's also a subplot dealing with Uncle Tanner's relationship with Maya. Once they were close and she idolized her uncle wanting to be like him. Now he won't even look at her since her illness. He can't see her as a person. That storyline I didn't care for as much. It was good to introduce mental illness and disability but the conclusion was corny and very kidlit.
Mrs. Jackson is the matriarch of the neighborhood. At her store she interacts with everyone in the community. She sees what's going on and knows everything. She tries to help Joseph and Maya with food and support but there's only so much she can do. Mrs. Bailey, a wealthy and influential White lady, is not so well-developed. She's a side character who has a huge impact on the plot. Secure and comfortable in her position, she spreads racist hate wherever she goes and wants the Black CCC camp GONE from the neighborhood. She doesn't have ANY good reasons why they should leave. They have jobs when the men of the town don't because they signed up for the government program. So why didn't the young men of the town join the CCC or one of the other programs? The CCC is there to help fight fires, something specialized that not just any old person knows how to do, which is shown in a dramatic scene towards the end of the book.
George, an artist, and CCC employee, intrigues young Joseph. George becomes a friend and mentor, inspiring Joseph and Maya to train pigeons to carry messages across long distances. George is a minor character. He's not well fleshed out. He seems to have a sense of humor and that's how he gets through the tough stuff. George doesn't seem as eager to mentor Joseph as Joseph is to befriend George but he is willing to let Joseph come around and mentor the younger boy until the CCC camp is moved.
The illustrations didn't wow me much and I didn't really notice them. They were kind of incidental to the story and didn't really show me anything special.
As always, this book includes an extensive historical note with photos and graphs.
FYI:
If you don't want your kid to learn about racism in America, skip this series.
If you don't want your kid to read about racist, ineffectual police, skip this book.
Joseph's voice is very engaging. He's an appealing character. He didn't enjoy classroom learning and is happier learning as he listens. Shining shoes gives him the opportunity to practice being a spy! He listens to everything people say around him and tries to observe details about what he sees. Joseph is the best little brother. His older sister Maya is a great character too. She had polio which left her unable to walk but she is still very present in the story. Maya has been depressed since her illness has kept her bedridden and unable to go to school. She loves books and is crazy smart. She enjoys coming up with ideas for inventions and things. Every day Joseph tries to bring something that will cheer her up. Maya's latest project is caring for some ill pigeons. She's sweet and devoted to her new pets but when it comes time to give them up, she knows what she has to do and why and is eager to do it. Being involved in the pigeon training project gives her something to do and perks her up.
The adults in the story are a lot more developed than is typical for this type of book, especially for a short book. Mr. Healey is Joseph's hero. A down-on-his-luck sort of man, Mr. Healey is rumored to be a spy. Joseph thinks he can learn to be a spy by spying on Mr. Healey, who then turns the tables on Joseph! Mr. Healey may seem grouchy but he has a kind heart. He provides Joseph with help but also allows Joseph to learn and be independent without adult interference. Mr. Healey also tries to help unite the town by being friendly with Mrs. Jackson who runs the store in Joseph's neighborhood and also with the White people. (Mr. Healey is White). Mr. Healey also represents the WWI veterans who were angry at not receiving the government bonus they were promised early. I'm not sure why they thought the president could just randomly hand out their money. I would think the decision would be up to the banks. Mr. Healey learns and grows as a result of the events of this story and I appreciated that.
Uncle Tanner, Joseph and Maya's guardian, is unemployed and that affects his mental health. He's angry and alternately expects Joseph to support the family and is angry Joseph has a job when he, an adult, does not. There's also a subplot dealing with Uncle Tanner's relationship with Maya. Once they were close and she idolized her uncle wanting to be like him. Now he won't even look at her since her illness. He can't see her as a person. That storyline I didn't care for as much. It was good to introduce mental illness and disability but the conclusion was corny and very kidlit.
Mrs. Jackson is the matriarch of the neighborhood. At her store she interacts with everyone in the community. She sees what's going on and knows everything. She tries to help Joseph and Maya with food and support but there's only so much she can do. Mrs. Bailey, a wealthy and influential White lady, is not so well-developed. She's a side character who has a huge impact on the plot. Secure and comfortable in her position, she spreads racist hate wherever she goes and wants the Black CCC camp GONE from the neighborhood. She doesn't have ANY good reasons why they should leave. They have jobs when the men of the town don't because they signed up for the government program. So why didn't the young men of the town join the CCC or one of the other programs? The CCC is there to help fight fires, something specialized that not just any old person knows how to do, which is shown in a dramatic scene towards the end of the book.
George, an artist, and CCC employee, intrigues young Joseph. George becomes a friend and mentor, inspiring Joseph and Maya to train pigeons to carry messages across long distances. George is a minor character. He's not well fleshed out. He seems to have a sense of humor and that's how he gets through the tough stuff. George doesn't seem as eager to mentor Joseph as Joseph is to befriend George but he is willing to let Joseph come around and mentor the younger boy until the CCC camp is moved.
The illustrations didn't wow me much and I didn't really notice them. They were kind of incidental to the story and didn't really show me anything special.
As always, this book includes an extensive historical note with photos and graphs.
FYI:
If you don't want your kid to learn about racism in America, skip this series.
If you don't want your kid to read about racist, ineffectual police, skip this book.
September 15, 2023
I know that this is a book meant for elementary school students but I felt that the plot was poorly constructed and the characters superficial. I did. learn about the CCC though, and I liked the information and photographs in the back of the book.
May 30, 2019
Thank you so much to North Star Editions/Jolly Fish Press and NetGalley for sending me a ebook copy of If the Fire Comes by Tracey Daley (from the I Am America series), in exchange for an honest review.
From the first line of this book I knew it was going to have such a heart to it and that I would instantly enjoy reading it.
The story follows Joseph McCoy a poor shoeshiner living during the Great Depression. He and his sister Maya who had suffered with polio both love pretending that they are spies, living with their uncle and their pigeons that Joseph saved. When one day Joseph is working and spying all at the same time he learns of things that were coming and changing in his town. These changes are the CCC workers coming to help cut out the fires in their area. Most of the citizens are unwilling to accept them. Joseph makes some new friends including George of the CCC, he learns a new job training his pigeons and he is brave and helps his people.
This story was so beautifully told, it had parts that made you smile, parts that made you laugh, other parts that made you sad. Throughout the whole book you are enticed and moved by what you are reading really wanting to know more of what is going to happen next, wanting to know more of what Joseph and Maya are doing.
This is a perfect historical story told in such a delicate and wonderful way, sharing what it was truly like during the depression, of how people were treated, how those willing to help were unwanted, of the hard work the CCC workers did and the ignorance they were given. Those times were not easy and this book shows a true example of it.
The art work by Eric Freeberg was beautiful and made it even more enjoyable getting to see the characters on the pages as you read. The back of the book holds vital information and facts of the real life people during the depression and is so informative, I’m so happy it was included.
I highly recommend reading this book not only children but adults too, stories like this are very rarely told and it teaches you so much. History is for all and anyone reading will have their eyes opened and will learn so much. I will certainly be looking for the other three books in this series as I enjoyed this one so much.
From the first line of this book I knew it was going to have such a heart to it and that I would instantly enjoy reading it.
The story follows Joseph McCoy a poor shoeshiner living during the Great Depression. He and his sister Maya who had suffered with polio both love pretending that they are spies, living with their uncle and their pigeons that Joseph saved. When one day Joseph is working and spying all at the same time he learns of things that were coming and changing in his town. These changes are the CCC workers coming to help cut out the fires in their area. Most of the citizens are unwilling to accept them. Joseph makes some new friends including George of the CCC, he learns a new job training his pigeons and he is brave and helps his people.
This story was so beautifully told, it had parts that made you smile, parts that made you laugh, other parts that made you sad. Throughout the whole book you are enticed and moved by what you are reading really wanting to know more of what is going to happen next, wanting to know more of what Joseph and Maya are doing.
This is a perfect historical story told in such a delicate and wonderful way, sharing what it was truly like during the depression, of how people were treated, how those willing to help were unwanted, of the hard work the CCC workers did and the ignorance they were given. Those times were not easy and this book shows a true example of it.
The art work by Eric Freeberg was beautiful and made it even more enjoyable getting to see the characters on the pages as you read. The back of the book holds vital information and facts of the real life people during the depression and is so informative, I’m so happy it was included.
I highly recommend reading this book not only children but adults too, stories like this are very rarely told and it teaches you so much. History is for all and anyone reading will have their eyes opened and will learn so much. I will certainly be looking for the other three books in this series as I enjoyed this one so much.
July 11, 2019
If the Fire Comes
A Story of Segregation during the Great Depression
by Tracy Daley
North Star Editions
Jolly Fish Press
Historical Fiction , Middle Grade
Pub Date 01 Sep 2019
I am reviewing a copy of If the Fire Comes through Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley:
If you are looking for a good historical fiction novel set in the Middle of the Great Depression for your middle grade reader If the Fire Comes is one I recommend! The book would make a great tool for opening up a discussion on The Great Depression as well as racial prejudice!
The year is 1935, and between the California drought and the Great Depression has left eleven year old having to shine shoes so his family can survive. Joseph has had to figure out how to get by as one of the few black people in the mostly white community. Sadly the order of the town is disrupted when an all black Conservative Corp Camp comes to Elsinore, the camp sparks racial tensions. Before long racial prejudice spreads like a wildfire forcing the work camp to leave the community! Will Joseph’s secret project be able to save the camp?
I give If the Fire Comes five out of five stars because I find that this book is both accurate and well written!
Happy Reading!
A Story of Segregation during the Great Depression
by Tracy Daley
North Star Editions
Jolly Fish Press
Historical Fiction , Middle Grade
Pub Date 01 Sep 2019
I am reviewing a copy of If the Fire Comes through Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley:
If you are looking for a good historical fiction novel set in the Middle of the Great Depression for your middle grade reader If the Fire Comes is one I recommend! The book would make a great tool for opening up a discussion on The Great Depression as well as racial prejudice!
The year is 1935, and between the California drought and the Great Depression has left eleven year old having to shine shoes so his family can survive. Joseph has had to figure out how to get by as one of the few black people in the mostly white community. Sadly the order of the town is disrupted when an all black Conservative Corp Camp comes to Elsinore, the camp sparks racial tensions. Before long racial prejudice spreads like a wildfire forcing the work camp to leave the community! Will Joseph’s secret project be able to save the camp?
I give If the Fire Comes five out of five stars because I find that this book is both accurate and well written!
Happy Reading!
September 21, 2019
If The Fire Comes: A Story of Segregation During The Great Depression
By: Tracy Daley
North Star Editions
Jolly Fish Press
Historical Fiction, Middle Grade
Pages 128
Publish Date September 1, 2019
#IfTheFireComes#NetGalley
This is a great and quick read. Your school age children will love this book. This book is set during the depression. It is about the work groups that FDR set up for people to work to get back up on their feet. This story is about a group of black men who are in the work company called the CCC. They are to put out fires in the areas. The young man Joseph is a shoeshine boy and he befriends one of the workers and helps him train pigeons. The pigeons are a new project they working on. For a short book there is a lot going on but it keeps your interest. I would highly recommend that you give this book a read.
By: Tracy Daley
North Star Editions
Jolly Fish Press
Historical Fiction, Middle Grade
Pages 128
Publish Date September 1, 2019
#IfTheFireComes#NetGalley
This is a great and quick read. Your school age children will love this book. This book is set during the depression. It is about the work groups that FDR set up for people to work to get back up on their feet. This story is about a group of black men who are in the work company called the CCC. They are to put out fires in the areas. The young man Joseph is a shoeshine boy and he befriends one of the workers and helps him train pigeons. The pigeons are a new project they working on. For a short book there is a lot going on but it keeps your interest. I would highly recommend that you give this book a read.
June 3, 2019
*I was given an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The cover of this book is very inviting and draws your right in. It's perfect for a middle grade reader. There are mentions of blood, but its very vague and barely worth mentioning. The brunt of the storyline is very inclusive and about a very important part of American history that is still being battled today. Segregation, racism, bravery, valor. All things children should know about. The illustrations bring the story to life. I would recommend this book. 4 out of 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The cover of this book is very inviting and draws your right in. It's perfect for a middle grade reader. There are mentions of blood, but its very vague and barely worth mentioning. The brunt of the storyline is very inclusive and about a very important part of American history that is still being battled today. Segregation, racism, bravery, valor. All things children should know about. The illustrations bring the story to life. I would recommend this book. 4 out of 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 28, 2023
Like other "I Am America" books, this is an accessible and entertaining historical fiction for middle grade. The characters are interesting and realistic. The pacing is good--especially considering the intended age range of readers. A group read of this book is a good way to introduce and discuss various historical topics like racism, the financial disparities of the Depression, polio, unemployment, homing pigeons, and more.
August 3, 2019
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really love the I Am America series for the way it enlightens about history. I think they're a great teaching tool.
I really liked this one. Joseph and Maya are likable, Scrappy protagonists who care for pigeons in the beginning and their journey is really interesting.
I really love the I Am America series for the way it enlightens about history. I think they're a great teaching tool.
I really liked this one. Joseph and Maya are likable, Scrappy protagonists who care for pigeons in the beginning and their journey is really interesting.
April 7, 2021
Read this with the boys and they could not wait to see what happened each night!
May 20, 2022
Great book was a enjoyable quick read and I learn3d something I never knew!
May 27, 2022
Excellent YA read. Topics include racial conflict, class bias, polio, economic distress, and pigeons. The pigeons were the highlight and provided hope among the challenges.
November 19, 2023
Genre Historical Fiction
Grade level 5th-6th
This book is set during the Depression and is about the workgroups that FDR sets up for people to work to get back up on their feet. The characters in this book are a group of black men who are in a work company called the CCC, who put out fires in the areas. A young man Joseph is a shoeshine boy and he befriends one of the workers and helps him train pigeons. The pigeons are a new project they working on. This book keeps your interest and is a quick read.
Grade level 5th-6th
This book is set during the Depression and is about the workgroups that FDR sets up for people to work to get back up on their feet. The characters in this book are a group of black men who are in a work company called the CCC, who put out fires in the areas. A young man Joseph is a shoeshine boy and he befriends one of the workers and helps him train pigeons. The pigeons are a new project they working on. This book keeps your interest and is a quick read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews