What do you think?
Rate this book
The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had
The last thing Harry "Dit" Sims expects when Emma Walker comes to town is to become friends. Proper -talking, brainy Emma doesn't play baseball or fish too well, but she sure makes Dit think, especially about the differences between black and white. But soon Dit is thinking about a whole lot more when the town barber, who is black, is put on trial for a terrible crime. Together Dit and Emma come up with a daring plan to save him from the unthinkable. Set in 1917 and inspired by the author's true family history, this is the poignant story of a remarkable friendship and the perils of small-town justice.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 9, 2009
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews
March 20, 2009
Set in Moundville, Alabama in 1917 this charming juvenile novel was based on the author's grandfather's handwritten memoir.
Folks who didn't grow up in the South may not "buy" that children of different races played together and often became friends, and Levine's story captures perfectly the truth that among White Southerners there was (and still is) a vast difference between those who were (and are) unencumbered by prejudice, those who hold their prejudice inside and allow graciousness and good manners to take precedence over personal feelings, and those who are just "no count." In my own experience as a child growing up in the South in the 1960's, I can tell you that if I had ever used the "n" word, or been otherwise contemptuous of those of other races I would have had my mouth washed out with soap.
But I digress.
Dit and Emma become very good friends when her father comes to Moundville to serve as Postmaster there. No one in town was expecting Mr. Walker and his family to be black, but Dit is more crushed when he finds out that the Postmaster's child (whom he'd been told was a boy) turns out to be a bookish girl.
Their friendship develops in spite of all their differences and more than a little peer pressure, and in many ways I was reminded of another great story of childhood friendships that has long been a favorite -- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
Levine's understated writing drew me in, and the bittersweet ending was powerful.
Folks who didn't grow up in the South may not "buy" that children of different races played together and often became friends, and Levine's story captures perfectly the truth that among White Southerners there was (and still is) a vast difference between those who were (and are) unencumbered by prejudice, those who hold their prejudice inside and allow graciousness and good manners to take precedence over personal feelings, and those who are just "no count." In my own experience as a child growing up in the South in the 1960's, I can tell you that if I had ever used the "n" word, or been otherwise contemptuous of those of other races I would have had my mouth washed out with soap.
But I digress.
Dit and Emma become very good friends when her father comes to Moundville to serve as Postmaster there. No one in town was expecting Mr. Walker and his family to be black, but Dit is more crushed when he finds out that the Postmaster's child (whom he'd been told was a boy) turns out to be a bookish girl.
Their friendship develops in spite of all their differences and more than a little peer pressure, and in many ways I was reminded of another great story of childhood friendships that has long been a favorite -- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
Levine's understated writing drew me in, and the bittersweet ending was powerful.
May 4, 2013
I loved this book so much. It really shows true friendship when friendships of that type was not allowed in 1918. I also love that kids were just kids and there were no electronics that took their time away from nature. I smiled and almost cried. It was just that good. GO NOW AND READ IT!
September 15, 2014
“I’ve been wrong before. Oh heck, if I’m being real honest, I’ve been wrong a lot. But I ain’t never been so wrong as I was about Emma Walker. When she first came to town, I thought she was the worst piece of bad luck I’d had since falling in the outhouse on my birthday.”
It’s the summer of 1917 in Moundville, Alabama. Harry “Dit” Sims can’t wait for the new postmaster Mr. Walker to arrive on the train from Boston with his family. He’s excited because he’s heard Mr. Walker has a twelve year old son, the same age as Dit. He sure hopes the boy loves to play baseball and go fishing. He hasn’t had anyone to pal around with since his best friend Chip left to spend the summer with his grandmother in Selma. He and the townspeople are very surprised when the new postmaster arrives and is not the white man they were expecting. Mr. Walker the new postmaster is black. And to Dit’s utter disappointment, he also doesn’t have a twelve year old son; he has a twelve year old daughter named Emma. To Dit’s way of thinking, things just couldn’t get any worse.
Emma and her parents move into the house right across from Dit’s. It’s so close he can watch her sitting out on her porch in her fancy dress, reading her books. His mom has always told him that he doesn’t have to like everyone, but he does have to be nice to them. In other words, go make friends with Emma, show her around, and find something the two of you can do together. He really didn’t want anything to do with her and is not happy about this. He didn’t give a hoot that she’s black; it’s the fact that she’s a girl and doesn’t play baseball or go hunting or fishing that upsets him. How could he be friends with someone who always wore a frilly dress and shoes and had her nose in a book? Dit has many preconceived ideas about who Emma is. What was he going to do with a prissy girl who is the only kid in town who wears shoes, and clean shiny shoes to boot! He figures he can get rid of her if he can find something that she would probably hate. Climbing one of the mounds (what Moundville was named for) seemed like the perfect thing. “I figured that Emma wouldn’t like getting sweaty and dirty and that climbing the mound would be the best way to get rid of her.” He was right that she didn’t want to get sweaty and dirty. That’s how she was raised, plus she hadn’t had any opportunities to do any outdoor things in Boston. Her family lived in a row house with no yard and the park to play in was a bus ride away. But she hung in there and proved him wrong. She loved the view from the top of the mound, telling Dit it was worth the scolding she was going to get from her mama when she saw how dirty her dress was. I had to laugh a bit at Dit’s reaction. “I frowned. She wasn’t supposed to like it that much.”
Later Emma asks Dit to teach her how to throw a baseball so she can join in when all the kids in town get together for a game. Dit tells her she has first has to learn to skip stones across the water down at the river. I loved how the author described the scene when Dit was trying to teach Emma how to hold the stone correctly before skipping it. “I took her hand in mine and wrapped it around a smooth flat stone. Her fingers were cool and stiff, but her skin was beautiful, kind of like the mud in a creek after a hard rain.” Oh, I just loved that!
“I started to do some thinking. Taking Emma to the top of my mound hadn’t gotten rid of her. She hadn’t cried on the fishing trip, not even when we had to walk through the rain and the mud to Jim Dang-It’s. Now Emma had gone and learned how to skip stones when I had thought she couldn’t. Maybe there was other stuff I was wrong about too. Maybe Emma was someone who’d make a good friend.”
What I loved so much about their relationship was how they helped each other step outside of their respective comfort zones. For Emma it was climbing hills, getting dirty and sweaty, and learning how to fish and play baseball. Without being pushy or bossy, Emma got Dit to begin thinking about things he had never really paid much attention to before, like how much his words and actions could hurt others, or that killing animals for fun wasn’t a kind thing to do. One of my favorite scenes was when he was walking home from school with his friends Chip and Buster. His sister Pearl and her friend Mary were walking in front of them. The other two boys started teasing Mary by saying things like “I know how to spell Mary, S-T-U-P-I-D”. Dit tells them to knock it off but they keep it up. Dit remembers how he did the same thing last year to girl named Isabelle. Dit had thought it was funny and had spelled her name I-D-I-O-T. “I remember laughing as she cried. But this year it didn’t seem funny. And I finally realized that the idiot had been me.” In that moment, Dit had just grown years beyond his peers in maturity. I also think he knew how much Emma’s influence was making him a better person. Her voice had begun playing in his head, always asking him why he did or said the things he did. Suddenly, doing some of the things all the other boys did that used to seem like fun, didn’t seem fun anymore. They seemed mean.
Without spoiling a major part of the story for those who haven’t read it, I will say that Dit and Emma do something risky, but also ingenious, that has a very happy outcome. Dit’s father tells him he knows what he and Emma did and how proud he is of him. Dit asks him if he’s ever going to give him “the talk.” His father tells him that his older brother can give him the one about girls. “But the part about being a man, you don’t need that. That you already know.” I completely agree.
For Dit, meeting Emma wasn’t the bad luck he thought it was. Meeting her turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.
It’s the summer of 1917 in Moundville, Alabama. Harry “Dit” Sims can’t wait for the new postmaster Mr. Walker to arrive on the train from Boston with his family. He’s excited because he’s heard Mr. Walker has a twelve year old son, the same age as Dit. He sure hopes the boy loves to play baseball and go fishing. He hasn’t had anyone to pal around with since his best friend Chip left to spend the summer with his grandmother in Selma. He and the townspeople are very surprised when the new postmaster arrives and is not the white man they were expecting. Mr. Walker the new postmaster is black. And to Dit’s utter disappointment, he also doesn’t have a twelve year old son; he has a twelve year old daughter named Emma. To Dit’s way of thinking, things just couldn’t get any worse.
Emma and her parents move into the house right across from Dit’s. It’s so close he can watch her sitting out on her porch in her fancy dress, reading her books. His mom has always told him that he doesn’t have to like everyone, but he does have to be nice to them. In other words, go make friends with Emma, show her around, and find something the two of you can do together. He really didn’t want anything to do with her and is not happy about this. He didn’t give a hoot that she’s black; it’s the fact that she’s a girl and doesn’t play baseball or go hunting or fishing that upsets him. How could he be friends with someone who always wore a frilly dress and shoes and had her nose in a book? Dit has many preconceived ideas about who Emma is. What was he going to do with a prissy girl who is the only kid in town who wears shoes, and clean shiny shoes to boot! He figures he can get rid of her if he can find something that she would probably hate. Climbing one of the mounds (what Moundville was named for) seemed like the perfect thing. “I figured that Emma wouldn’t like getting sweaty and dirty and that climbing the mound would be the best way to get rid of her.” He was right that she didn’t want to get sweaty and dirty. That’s how she was raised, plus she hadn’t had any opportunities to do any outdoor things in Boston. Her family lived in a row house with no yard and the park to play in was a bus ride away. But she hung in there and proved him wrong. She loved the view from the top of the mound, telling Dit it was worth the scolding she was going to get from her mama when she saw how dirty her dress was. I had to laugh a bit at Dit’s reaction. “I frowned. She wasn’t supposed to like it that much.”
Later Emma asks Dit to teach her how to throw a baseball so she can join in when all the kids in town get together for a game. Dit tells her she has first has to learn to skip stones across the water down at the river. I loved how the author described the scene when Dit was trying to teach Emma how to hold the stone correctly before skipping it. “I took her hand in mine and wrapped it around a smooth flat stone. Her fingers were cool and stiff, but her skin was beautiful, kind of like the mud in a creek after a hard rain.” Oh, I just loved that!
“I started to do some thinking. Taking Emma to the top of my mound hadn’t gotten rid of her. She hadn’t cried on the fishing trip, not even when we had to walk through the rain and the mud to Jim Dang-It’s. Now Emma had gone and learned how to skip stones when I had thought she couldn’t. Maybe there was other stuff I was wrong about too. Maybe Emma was someone who’d make a good friend.”
What I loved so much about their relationship was how they helped each other step outside of their respective comfort zones. For Emma it was climbing hills, getting dirty and sweaty, and learning how to fish and play baseball. Without being pushy or bossy, Emma got Dit to begin thinking about things he had never really paid much attention to before, like how much his words and actions could hurt others, or that killing animals for fun wasn’t a kind thing to do. One of my favorite scenes was when he was walking home from school with his friends Chip and Buster. His sister Pearl and her friend Mary were walking in front of them. The other two boys started teasing Mary by saying things like “I know how to spell Mary, S-T-U-P-I-D”. Dit tells them to knock it off but they keep it up. Dit remembers how he did the same thing last year to girl named Isabelle. Dit had thought it was funny and had spelled her name I-D-I-O-T. “I remember laughing as she cried. But this year it didn’t seem funny. And I finally realized that the idiot had been me.” In that moment, Dit had just grown years beyond his peers in maturity. I also think he knew how much Emma’s influence was making him a better person. Her voice had begun playing in his head, always asking him why he did or said the things he did. Suddenly, doing some of the things all the other boys did that used to seem like fun, didn’t seem fun anymore. They seemed mean.
Without spoiling a major part of the story for those who haven’t read it, I will say that Dit and Emma do something risky, but also ingenious, that has a very happy outcome. Dit’s father tells him he knows what he and Emma did and how proud he is of him. Dit asks him if he’s ever going to give him “the talk.” His father tells him that his older brother can give him the one about girls. “But the part about being a man, you don’t need that. That you already know.” I completely agree.
For Dit, meeting Emma wasn’t the bad luck he thought it was. Meeting her turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.
October 17, 2013
I read this book last week and already can't remember the plot that well. I liked the book but obviously it was a forgettable. The story was entertaining if unbelievable. I think the author nails it better in "Lions of Little Rock," with a stronger emotional pull. Dit Sims lives in Alabama in 1917 with so many brothers and sisters, his dad forgets his name. When the new Post Master comes to town with his family, Dit becomes friends with their daughter, Emma. She's black and he's white. Problems ensue and thirteen-year-old Dit starts to like Emma as a best friend. When it takes a romantic turn things turn ugly with his friends.
As Dit becomes aware of other townspeople and their prejudice toward blacks he is still naive when it comes to the fact that people will kill over this issue. His youth makes him blurt out things and act in a way that threatens the black people in the community. When he challenges another black man to take a stand, he has no clue that he is asking him to risk his life. When he learns of some history regarding the white Sheriff and black barber, his interference has terrible consequences. The justice system did not favor blacks in the early 20th century and Dit's ignorance adds to the poignancy of his actions.
I didn't really buy the romantic part between Dit and Emma and the cock-a-mamy staged death was fun, but far-fetched. I do think Levine is quite good at creating characters and their internal struggles with friendships and life choices. The plot has plenty of action and tension but I would have liked a bit more history on why Emma was so educated for a black girl. I have read about the black middle class in the north and found the book, "Crow" by Barbara Wright, on the 1898 Wilmington race riots quite fascinating. I wanted more regarding Emma's background and her father's rise to becoming a Post Master. The author addresses it a little. I just wanted more.
As Dit becomes aware of other townspeople and their prejudice toward blacks he is still naive when it comes to the fact that people will kill over this issue. His youth makes him blurt out things and act in a way that threatens the black people in the community. When he challenges another black man to take a stand, he has no clue that he is asking him to risk his life. When he learns of some history regarding the white Sheriff and black barber, his interference has terrible consequences. The justice system did not favor blacks in the early 20th century and Dit's ignorance adds to the poignancy of his actions.
I didn't really buy the romantic part between Dit and Emma and the cock-a-mamy staged death was fun, but far-fetched. I do think Levine is quite good at creating characters and their internal struggles with friendships and life choices. The plot has plenty of action and tension but I would have liked a bit more history on why Emma was so educated for a black girl. I have read about the black middle class in the north and found the book, "Crow" by Barbara Wright, on the 1898 Wilmington race riots quite fascinating. I wanted more regarding Emma's background and her father's rise to becoming a Post Master. The author addresses it a little. I just wanted more.
May 11, 2011
What a fabulous book! I was hooked by the first paragraph. Dit's voice is so strong in this book, I can't help completely loving him and loving watching his bit of coming of age. I loved seeing Emma through his eyes, as well as everything else. I loved the atmosphere I felt from the book. Amazing writing. Beautiful story complete with humor, honesty, innocence, knowledge, right v. wrong, tragedy, fear, courage, and much more. Knowing this is based on the author's grandfather's experiences, and I am very curious to know exactly what was his experience. It won't make me love the book any less, but, well, you know me and based-on-true-stories.
I whole-heartedly agree with this as a Beehive nominee. I even read a passage to some fellow ULA attendees (who in turn gave me such a sweet compliment!) because I couldn't help sharing this book with as many as I could. I remember the book when it came in as a new publication at my last job. Though the title was interesting, the cover was "eh" and I knew nothing about it and the little blurb on the back was not enticing enough to get me to read it. Its green cover (May book challenge) and Beehive nomination were what got me to read it. Otherwise, I would have missed out on something great. Which is why I want to recommend it to many, many people. It may touch you differently than it did me or not at all, but I very much suggest you try just to see.
I whole-heartedly agree with this as a Beehive nominee. I even read a passage to some fellow ULA attendees (who in turn gave me such a sweet compliment!) because I couldn't help sharing this book with as many as I could. I remember the book when it came in as a new publication at my last job. Though the title was interesting, the cover was "eh" and I knew nothing about it and the little blurb on the back was not enticing enough to get me to read it. Its green cover (May book challenge) and Beehive nomination were what got me to read it. Otherwise, I would have missed out on something great. Which is why I want to recommend it to many, many people. It may touch you differently than it did me or not at all, but I very much suggest you try just to see.
November 13, 2009
This is almost a five star book for me. It was just so so good. Historical fiction at it's finest.
September 21, 2011
I am always little conflicted when reviewing children's books. I generally have two opinions: my adult response and my "what-I-think-kids-will-think" response.
For children, the author very successfully presented the topic of race relations. The language was concise, accessible, and the story intriguing. The main character, Dit, was well developed. I liked that he didn't always make the right choice. I think kids will really respond to him and injustice presented in the plot.
On the flip (and adult-reader) side, I couldn't help but think the author had simply presented me with a very watered down, and sugar coated variation of "To Kill a Mockingbird". The general ideas where fairly unoriginal, the main antagonist was completely one-dimensional, and the plot required a little too much suspension of disbelief for my taste. Call me a pessimist, but let's face it, they wouldn't have pulled it off.
So my verdict is: I don't know. I didn't love it. But I think kids will. Since it was written for children, perhaps that makes it a success.
For children, the author very successfully presented the topic of race relations. The language was concise, accessible, and the story intriguing. The main character, Dit, was well developed. I liked that he didn't always make the right choice. I think kids will really respond to him and injustice presented in the plot.
On the flip (and adult-reader) side, I couldn't help but think the author had simply presented me with a very watered down, and sugar coated variation of "To Kill a Mockingbird". The general ideas where fairly unoriginal, the main antagonist was completely one-dimensional, and the plot required a little too much suspension of disbelief for my taste. Call me a pessimist, but let's face it, they wouldn't have pulled it off.
So my verdict is: I don't know. I didn't love it. But I think kids will. Since it was written for children, perhaps that makes it a success.
October 26, 2015
This book was amazing I like it a lot and I think girls and boys my age, older or maybe a year or two younger would like this book. this book The best bad luck I've ever had is about a boy named Dit and a girl named Emma and she had darker skin. This book was written with the setting being Moundville Alabama in 1917. The people in Moundville were surprised by there color of the new post-master families skin while Dit focused more on that Emma was a girl and he was told there was gonna be a boy his age, not a girl. They didn't get along at all she was from the city and him the country, she always whore nice dresses and he always whore handy-downs because of all his brothers, he had sisters to but he probably shouldn't ware their clothes. This book is realistic fiction and I would recommend this book to anyone who was looking to read a really good and a little bit sad book.
June 22, 2009
Some book are just good literature and do not need the adjectival clause "young adult"; examples are The Book Thief and The Bog Child. Some probably need the clause but are still excellent literature; examples would be Holes or The Keeper. This book fits in neither category but is just typical young adult literature, mostly written in that over excited slangy style that we adults seem to think attracts young adults. The book is saved by having an interesting topic - racism in Alabama in about 1917 - and having a sympathetic main character - Dit Sims. The plot suffers from incredulity and I could have done without the whole murder - save the prisoner theme.
All in all I would advise just re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird.
All in all I would advise just re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird.
December 5, 2014
The 1
This story takes place somewhere in the South of the United States. It's in a rural town called Moundville. It's called mound ville because they are Indian mounds. It's a small town where not a lot happens. The story begins in June 1917. There is al lot os racism because the people who live there don't like the new black family that moves to the town. When the new family arrived " It got real quiet for a moment. Everyone stared a Mr. Walker. ". This shows racism in a small town at the beginning of the 20th century.
This story tells us about a period of life of dit. Dit lives in Moundville, he is a racism person. He don't stop insulting the black person "they is niggets,". This talks also about the the Sim and the new black family the Walkers. They have a big problem of comprehension because the black person think that Sim's family insult them.There is a big problem of racism and comprehension between the white and black people.
This story is talking about Dit life and adventure. Before the new family came to Moundville, Dit was very enthousiastique. He was waiting for a white person in his age but he was disapointed it was a black girl person called Emmy and don't like baseball. He had problems in communication with Emmy because they were very different. Dit wanted to impress her by killing a bird but she found it horrible " You kill it". This paragraph shows us that this story is gull difference.
The temes of this story are Racism, Family and also Faith. One of the themes is Racism. The Racism influence this story because the small town is racism and the new family is black. There is also the two themes Family and Faith that take place in the story. The Sim's family had faithing with the black family " do you think I am your slave" Emmy's mom said. This story involve many themes.
The 2
This story included many characters, in every chapter a new character appear. The story have two big character that we see in all the chapters. Dit and Emma are always in the chapters. This story is going on Moundville, South America. Dit said "I live in a little town called Moundville, it's called Moundville because they are Indian Mound." This story never became boring because of the new character in each chapter.
In this part of the story, we meet a new character. His name is Elbert, he is the best friend of Dit. Elbert was the only friend playing with him in the summer. Elbert is older than Dit, he will one day have a job and not play with Dit anymore. Elbert tells Dit " Cept it means I won't have as much time for fooling around." Elbert will replace his father in the barber shop. Dit feels as if he is losing his only friend.
In this part of the story, Emma and Dit went to the forest together. In the forest they hurt a buzzard with a shotgun. The buzzard fell and screamed.Emma and Dit were very scared of the buzzard. Dit says " So I did what any sensible person would do-rann as fast as I could in the opposite direction. Emma followed him." Dit and Emma thought that they wre followed by the buzzard but it was just a plane.
This story included many themes like Friendship and Family. The Teme of family was included in this story because of the insufisant time between Dit and his father. Dit's father is so occupate that he couldn't spend time with Dit, Dit father usually say"Della, Ollie, Ulman, Elman, Raymond,uh , I mean Dit". The story had also makes feel that there is Freindship in this story. Dit lose his only freind Elbert,and spend more of his talking and playing with Emma. The Freindship between Emma and Dit became stronger.
The 3
In this part of the book, Dits becomes freind with Emma. Dits had to apply all the days hos mom's rule, mostly in the baseball field, "We didn't to like anyone, but we have to be nice with everyone."(Levine37). Dit respected his mom rule in baseball field by chosing her in his team. Emma didn't know how to throw a ball. She asked Dit to make her play better, "Teach how to throw a ball"(Levine 44). This was the beginning of there relationship.
This story included two initial character, one of them is Emma. In this part of the story, Emma blackmells Dit to know how to learn how to throw a ball. "Teach how to throw a ball and I won't tell."(Levine 44), This blackmells shows that Emma really want to play with others. Emma is also a strubber person. She doesn't gives up even if she tries for 6 hours, how to throw stones. Emma is also different from the others, people in Moundville. In her free time she read books, play piano and go to the museum, like Dit said" Emma sure wasn't like no other girl I'd ever met"(Levine 47). Dit realized that Emma wasn't he thought she was.
The other initial initial character, the other is Dit. In this part of the story, Dit train his shoting by throwing rocks between windows. One of his shoot was interempted by Emma."It was exactlythe wrong moment to suprise me: too late to stop my throw, but early enough to distact me. Instead of bouncing harmlessly off the wood, the rock sailed throught the closed window, shattering the glass."(Levine 43). Dit accepted Emma's exchange. He will help her to learn how to throw a ball, to Emma capt his secret. Dit knew what Emma is really like.
This story included many themes like Friendship and Family. The Theme of family was included in this story because Dit respected his mom's rule. Dit's mom rul was applied in the baseball field. Friendship take a big part in this story. Dit spend more of his time with Emma, have fun and enjoy good times with her,Emma said"we had a fun time"... Dit lied"no"(Levine 38). The friendship between Emma and Dit became stronger.
The 4
In this part of the story, Dit and Emma passed less time together because of school. This event means that they will not play each other like in summer because they are going in different schools. “Dit” Emma signed “I am not going to your school” (Levine 69). In Moundville, people are racist; Dit’s friends are making fun of him because of Emma. “Dit’s got a sweetheart, Dit’s got a sweetheart” chanted Buster (Levine 81). The destruction of Dit’s friend makes the friendship of Emma and Dit lower. Dit’s friend forced Dit to insult Emma. The relationship between Dit and Emma is getting complicated because of Segregation of black and white people in Moundville.
Even if Dit and Emma didn’t have enough time to spend each other, Dit visited Emma every day after school. Dit visited Emma needing help from her, and Emma visited Dit for help in baseball. Dit and Emma did an exchange that “Emma will help Dit at school material and Dit helps her to know how to play baseball” (Levine 84). The most of Dit’s free time was spend with Emma. Dit went to everyplace out of home and school with Emma, they did all the adventure in the book together. Even though it’s difficult for Dit and Emma to see each other they remind friends.
Big foot continued to be racist in this part of the story. We find out that Bigfoot killed a man before arriving to Moundville. “He killed a man...” (Levine100). Bigfoot also told Dit to stop being a friend with Emma because she is black. Bigfoot is the one who hate the Walkers the most. Bigfoot didn’t change his mind about Emma.
This part of the story included two essential themes Friendship and Racism. Dit had to confront the racism of the society of Moundville. Moundville is a racist town, the fact that most of the people call her a “negra”, even when they came everyone looked at them strangely because they are black. Despite the racism in the town, Dit steal friend with Emma even all what the other thing of her. This event shows the real friendship between them. Dit learned that skin color doesn’t matter.
The 5
In this part of the story, Dit learned at school about the Civil War. Mrs. Seay, Dit's teacher, explained the lesson of the Civil War, she also invited Uncle Wiggens to tell about his experience during the civil war. " And when they won the war, the Yankees freed all the negras. Talk about stamping on Southern honor!" Mr. Wiggens said in the course (Levine 125). Dit tells the lesson to Emma, Emma's mom heard it and became real mad. When Dit's said that it was really bad for the south to lose the war, Mrs. Walker said "Dit do do you have any ideas where we'd be if the south hadn't lost the war?" (Levine 126) this quote means that they would have been slaves if the south had won the war. Mrs. Walker was really angry because of Dit's lack of understanding.
In this part of the story, Dit learns to not trust people who are not real friends. Chip and Buster pretend want to show him something. They trick him and lock him in a cell in the old jail, " I stood up and tried the door. It was locked."(Levine 129). They forced him to admit the reality about his friendship with Emma. "Say she's your very best friend and we will let you out." (Levine 130). At the end, after that Dit said what they wanted, they let him out, and he punched Chip. "I understood why Buster was upset-I'd beat him up in front of everyone, but Chip was my friend." (Levine131). Dit is very hurt because of what his best friend did to him.
A few weeks before Christmas, Emma tells Dit that she has a present for him. Emma's present makes Dit very worried, so he wanted to buy a present for her. "If she had a present for me, I'd have to get a present for her. He decides to make her a twine baseball. Emma gives Dit a baseball signed by the best player of baseball. " I turned the ball over. On the other sid, in clear black ink, was a signature. Walter Johnson. I stared "(Levine143). Emma showed it that she is a great friend to him.
In this part of the story, two essential themes are friendship and racism. The fact that Emma stayed with Dit in all the adventures at his side, and it's also what Dit do for Emma. " Okay, Emma is my very best friend." Dit said (Levine 138), " You are my very best friend too." Emma said (Levine 149). For racism, there is also the fact that people in Moundville are less racism, all the Indians in Moundville are not racist anymore, some people are getting less racist. Mrs. Seay supplied Mrs. Walker "I want for Emma to be in my play... I had never worked with a negra before ." (Levine 152- 153). Even if racism is gettig down in Moundville, many the racist wanted for Dit to stop beong friend woth Emma. Big foot didn't stop to warn Dit about Emma. Emma's arrive to the town changes many things.
This story takes place somewhere in the South of the United States. It's in a rural town called Moundville. It's called mound ville because they are Indian mounds. It's a small town where not a lot happens. The story begins in June 1917. There is al lot os racism because the people who live there don't like the new black family that moves to the town. When the new family arrived " It got real quiet for a moment. Everyone stared a Mr. Walker. ". This shows racism in a small town at the beginning of the 20th century.
This story tells us about a period of life of dit. Dit lives in Moundville, he is a racism person. He don't stop insulting the black person "they is niggets,". This talks also about the the Sim and the new black family the Walkers. They have a big problem of comprehension because the black person think that Sim's family insult them.There is a big problem of racism and comprehension between the white and black people.
This story is talking about Dit life and adventure. Before the new family came to Moundville, Dit was very enthousiastique. He was waiting for a white person in his age but he was disapointed it was a black girl person called Emmy and don't like baseball. He had problems in communication with Emmy because they were very different. Dit wanted to impress her by killing a bird but she found it horrible " You kill it". This paragraph shows us that this story is gull difference.
The temes of this story are Racism, Family and also Faith. One of the themes is Racism. The Racism influence this story because the small town is racism and the new family is black. There is also the two themes Family and Faith that take place in the story. The Sim's family had faithing with the black family " do you think I am your slave" Emmy's mom said. This story involve many themes.
The 2
This story included many characters, in every chapter a new character appear. The story have two big character that we see in all the chapters. Dit and Emma are always in the chapters. This story is going on Moundville, South America. Dit said "I live in a little town called Moundville, it's called Moundville because they are Indian Mound." This story never became boring because of the new character in each chapter.
In this part of the story, we meet a new character. His name is Elbert, he is the best friend of Dit. Elbert was the only friend playing with him in the summer. Elbert is older than Dit, he will one day have a job and not play with Dit anymore. Elbert tells Dit " Cept it means I won't have as much time for fooling around." Elbert will replace his father in the barber shop. Dit feels as if he is losing his only friend.
In this part of the story, Emma and Dit went to the forest together. In the forest they hurt a buzzard with a shotgun. The buzzard fell and screamed.Emma and Dit were very scared of the buzzard. Dit says " So I did what any sensible person would do-rann as fast as I could in the opposite direction. Emma followed him." Dit and Emma thought that they wre followed by the buzzard but it was just a plane.
This story included many themes like Friendship and Family. The Teme of family was included in this story because of the insufisant time between Dit and his father. Dit's father is so occupate that he couldn't spend time with Dit, Dit father usually say"Della, Ollie, Ulman, Elman, Raymond,uh , I mean Dit". The story had also makes feel that there is Freindship in this story. Dit lose his only freind Elbert,and spend more of his talking and playing with Emma. The Freindship between Emma and Dit became stronger.
The 3
In this part of the book, Dits becomes freind with Emma. Dits had to apply all the days hos mom's rule, mostly in the baseball field, "We didn't to like anyone, but we have to be nice with everyone."(Levine37). Dit respected his mom rule in baseball field by chosing her in his team. Emma didn't know how to throw a ball. She asked Dit to make her play better, "Teach how to throw a ball"(Levine 44). This was the beginning of there relationship.
This story included two initial character, one of them is Emma. In this part of the story, Emma blackmells Dit to know how to learn how to throw a ball. "Teach how to throw a ball and I won't tell."(Levine 44), This blackmells shows that Emma really want to play with others. Emma is also a strubber person. She doesn't gives up even if she tries for 6 hours, how to throw stones. Emma is also different from the others, people in Moundville. In her free time she read books, play piano and go to the museum, like Dit said" Emma sure wasn't like no other girl I'd ever met"(Levine 47). Dit realized that Emma wasn't he thought she was.
The other initial initial character, the other is Dit. In this part of the story, Dit train his shoting by throwing rocks between windows. One of his shoot was interempted by Emma."It was exactlythe wrong moment to suprise me: too late to stop my throw, but early enough to distact me. Instead of bouncing harmlessly off the wood, the rock sailed throught the closed window, shattering the glass."(Levine 43). Dit accepted Emma's exchange. He will help her to learn how to throw a ball, to Emma capt his secret. Dit knew what Emma is really like.
This story included many themes like Friendship and Family. The Theme of family was included in this story because Dit respected his mom's rule. Dit's mom rul was applied in the baseball field. Friendship take a big part in this story. Dit spend more of his time with Emma, have fun and enjoy good times with her,Emma said"we had a fun time"... Dit lied"no"(Levine 38). The friendship between Emma and Dit became stronger.
The 4
In this part of the story, Dit and Emma passed less time together because of school. This event means that they will not play each other like in summer because they are going in different schools. “Dit” Emma signed “I am not going to your school” (Levine 69). In Moundville, people are racist; Dit’s friends are making fun of him because of Emma. “Dit’s got a sweetheart, Dit’s got a sweetheart” chanted Buster (Levine 81). The destruction of Dit’s friend makes the friendship of Emma and Dit lower. Dit’s friend forced Dit to insult Emma. The relationship between Dit and Emma is getting complicated because of Segregation of black and white people in Moundville.
Even if Dit and Emma didn’t have enough time to spend each other, Dit visited Emma every day after school. Dit visited Emma needing help from her, and Emma visited Dit for help in baseball. Dit and Emma did an exchange that “Emma will help Dit at school material and Dit helps her to know how to play baseball” (Levine 84). The most of Dit’s free time was spend with Emma. Dit went to everyplace out of home and school with Emma, they did all the adventure in the book together. Even though it’s difficult for Dit and Emma to see each other they remind friends.
Big foot continued to be racist in this part of the story. We find out that Bigfoot killed a man before arriving to Moundville. “He killed a man...” (Levine100). Bigfoot also told Dit to stop being a friend with Emma because she is black. Bigfoot is the one who hate the Walkers the most. Bigfoot didn’t change his mind about Emma.
This part of the story included two essential themes Friendship and Racism. Dit had to confront the racism of the society of Moundville. Moundville is a racist town, the fact that most of the people call her a “negra”, even when they came everyone looked at them strangely because they are black. Despite the racism in the town, Dit steal friend with Emma even all what the other thing of her. This event shows the real friendship between them. Dit learned that skin color doesn’t matter.
The 5
In this part of the story, Dit learned at school about the Civil War. Mrs. Seay, Dit's teacher, explained the lesson of the Civil War, she also invited Uncle Wiggens to tell about his experience during the civil war. " And when they won the war, the Yankees freed all the negras. Talk about stamping on Southern honor!" Mr. Wiggens said in the course (Levine 125). Dit tells the lesson to Emma, Emma's mom heard it and became real mad. When Dit's said that it was really bad for the south to lose the war, Mrs. Walker said "Dit do do you have any ideas where we'd be if the south hadn't lost the war?" (Levine 126) this quote means that they would have been slaves if the south had won the war. Mrs. Walker was really angry because of Dit's lack of understanding.
In this part of the story, Dit learns to not trust people who are not real friends. Chip and Buster pretend want to show him something. They trick him and lock him in a cell in the old jail, " I stood up and tried the door. It was locked."(Levine 129). They forced him to admit the reality about his friendship with Emma. "Say she's your very best friend and we will let you out." (Levine 130). At the end, after that Dit said what they wanted, they let him out, and he punched Chip. "I understood why Buster was upset-I'd beat him up in front of everyone, but Chip was my friend." (Levine131). Dit is very hurt because of what his best friend did to him.
A few weeks before Christmas, Emma tells Dit that she has a present for him. Emma's present makes Dit very worried, so he wanted to buy a present for her. "If she had a present for me, I'd have to get a present for her. He decides to make her a twine baseball. Emma gives Dit a baseball signed by the best player of baseball. " I turned the ball over. On the other sid, in clear black ink, was a signature. Walter Johnson. I stared "(Levine143). Emma showed it that she is a great friend to him.
In this part of the story, two essential themes are friendship and racism. The fact that Emma stayed with Dit in all the adventures at his side, and it's also what Dit do for Emma. " Okay, Emma is my very best friend." Dit said (Levine 138), " You are my very best friend too." Emma said (Levine 149). For racism, there is also the fact that people in Moundville are less racism, all the Indians in Moundville are not racist anymore, some people are getting less racist. Mrs. Seay supplied Mrs. Walker "I want for Emma to be in my play... I had never worked with a negra before ." (Levine 152- 153). Even if racism is gettig down in Moundville, many the racist wanted for Dit to stop beong friend woth Emma. Big foot didn't stop to warn Dit about Emma. Emma's arrive to the town changes many things.
January 14, 2026
Third book of Kristin Levine’s that I read and I absolutely loved it! She does such a fantastic job of having the reader really get to know the characters and become emotionally connected to them. Loved Emma and Dit! Levine has the reader immersed in the story and does a wonderful job of throwing us into a realistic situation and everyday prejudice that black people had to endure. Loved seeing Dit’s personal growth throughout the book. 5 ⭐️s!
September 25, 2024
This middle grade fiction was set in 1917 in Moundville, Alabama about a 13 year old white boy and his unexpected friendship with a black girl. It has some very sweet and very difficult parts. I listened alone, but could see where it would lead to many discussions if I read with the kids.
December 14, 2015
Another YALSA Amazing Audiobooks pick. Excellent narration by Kirby Heyborne.
I would probably choose to shelve this one in J rather than in YA, because there is really no questionable content, and the narrator is 12. That being said, this was a wonderful book that could be enjoyed by anyone from about fourth grade on up.
Dit Sims meets Emma Walker when she arrives in town as the new postmaster's daughter. Dit has been told that the new postmaster has a twelve-year-old son, so he is disappointed to see that Emma is, in fact, a girl. He's also startled (along with everyone else in town) to see that she and her family are Black. Despite his intial shock and disdain (about her being a girl, not about her color), Dit and Emma form a deep friendship during that first summer. It isn't until school starts again that Dit realizes that being friends with a girl--and a Black girl at that--is going to cause him some problems socially.
Dit is a wonderfully written character. He's kind and sensitive and honestly strives to do the right thing, even when it's not the most appealing option. He is aware of the tensions that exist because of race, but judges people on their character and not on their skin color, as he has many Black people in his community that he has close bonds with. Dit also has a big mouth. A great secret-keeper he is not, although in his defense he is usually spilling the beans in moments of stress when he is trying to solve a problem.
Emma is a less rich character. She's a bit like movie Hermione; she doesn't really have any flaws other than being a little bossy and stuck up. She is incredibly intelligent and Dit loves to hear her tell him all about the many books she reads. Emma also helps him with his homework. While it was interesting to see what an educated, middle-class Black family probably looked like in 1917, I wish we could have delved a little more into her family's world. But, since Dit is telling the story, we only get little glimpses.
The friendship between these two rings very true. It's slow-growing and it takes a while for them to learn to trust each other. They find themselves united in the face of Bigfoot, the racist and villianous town sheriff, who causes some big issues throughout the book. There's tones of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in which another Black man is accused of murder in a case that was clear-cut self-defense...and Dit and Emma have quite the adventure setting things right. The setting and townspeople of Moundville are beautifully developed, and you will feel like you actually know Dit and a few of the supporting characters by the end.
The time period of this book (1917-1918) is very interesting, because it covers years after the end of slavery but before the civil rights movement really got going. You can sense that in this small town there is a general peace when it comes to race, although some residents (like Bigfoot) clearly have harsh biases. I imagine this must have rang true in many places in the South where people were living side by side. One character even makes mention of it, that most people in Alabama truly were good people who would not have treated a Black neighbor harshly because he was Black. Did they have predjudices? Yes, absolutely...but it still would have been considered very rude to make an issue of race where there was no need. You know, those Southerners and their complicated code of manners! :)
Anyway, this was quite a long review for me. I enjoyed listening to this one very much (mostly in 10 minute snippets, since my commute is so short now!). It's a feel-good book and would make a good listen for a family road trip, since kids as young as 10 could relate to Dit and Emma.
I would probably choose to shelve this one in J rather than in YA, because there is really no questionable content, and the narrator is 12. That being said, this was a wonderful book that could be enjoyed by anyone from about fourth grade on up.
Dit Sims meets Emma Walker when she arrives in town as the new postmaster's daughter. Dit has been told that the new postmaster has a twelve-year-old son, so he is disappointed to see that Emma is, in fact, a girl. He's also startled (along with everyone else in town) to see that she and her family are Black. Despite his intial shock and disdain (about her being a girl, not about her color), Dit and Emma form a deep friendship during that first summer. It isn't until school starts again that Dit realizes that being friends with a girl--and a Black girl at that--is going to cause him some problems socially.
Dit is a wonderfully written character. He's kind and sensitive and honestly strives to do the right thing, even when it's not the most appealing option. He is aware of the tensions that exist because of race, but judges people on their character and not on their skin color, as he has many Black people in his community that he has close bonds with. Dit also has a big mouth. A great secret-keeper he is not, although in his defense he is usually spilling the beans in moments of stress when he is trying to solve a problem.
Emma is a less rich character. She's a bit like movie Hermione; she doesn't really have any flaws other than being a little bossy and stuck up. She is incredibly intelligent and Dit loves to hear her tell him all about the many books she reads. Emma also helps him with his homework. While it was interesting to see what an educated, middle-class Black family probably looked like in 1917, I wish we could have delved a little more into her family's world. But, since Dit is telling the story, we only get little glimpses.
The friendship between these two rings very true. It's slow-growing and it takes a while for them to learn to trust each other. They find themselves united in the face of Bigfoot, the racist and villianous town sheriff, who causes some big issues throughout the book. There's tones of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in which another Black man is accused of murder in a case that was clear-cut self-defense...and Dit and Emma have quite the adventure setting things right. The setting and townspeople of Moundville are beautifully developed, and you will feel like you actually know Dit and a few of the supporting characters by the end.
The time period of this book (1917-1918) is very interesting, because it covers years after the end of slavery but before the civil rights movement really got going. You can sense that in this small town there is a general peace when it comes to race, although some residents (like Bigfoot) clearly have harsh biases. I imagine this must have rang true in many places in the South where people were living side by side. One character even makes mention of it, that most people in Alabama truly were good people who would not have treated a Black neighbor harshly because he was Black. Did they have predjudices? Yes, absolutely...but it still would have been considered very rude to make an issue of race where there was no need. You know, those Southerners and their complicated code of manners! :)
Anyway, this was quite a long review for me. I enjoyed listening to this one very much (mostly in 10 minute snippets, since my commute is so short now!). It's a feel-good book and would make a good listen for a family road trip, since kids as young as 10 could relate to Dit and Emma.
March 9, 2015
If you would like to read a book about two people that accidentally become friends then you should read this book. The genre is realistic fiction, this book is good because it was about two friends but nobody in their town approved of their friendship because of the color of their skin.This book takes place in 1917 in the town of Moundville.
Dit didn't like the new postman's daughter, Emma Walker, because she was black, rich and she seemed stuck up. But slowly they became friends and were together all the time. Dit would tell Emma everything he learned at school. Mrs. Seay was Dit's teacher, she told the class that it was a bad day when the South surrendered to the north. Dit told Emma but Mrs. Walker heard and got upset. The more he thought about it the more he realized it was a great day for the north even if he was from the south. So Emma wrote an essay to Mrs, Seay explaining why it was good for the north to win and she convinced her. There was going to be a play and Emma was going to be part of it but Bigfoot, the towns sheriff did not approve of that. So he told Emma to leave, but she didn't so then he carried her and Doc Haley defended her. Weeks later Bigfoot went to Doc's barber shop and that is where Doc had to shoot him because Bigfoot was trying to kill him. Bigfoot died, Doc Haley went to jail and was going to be executed. So Emma and Dit helped him escape. Doc Haley left with his son and Emma had to leave because her dad got transferred to Boston. This book was person vs society because Doc Haley was going to be executed because he killed Bigfoot even though it was just self defense.
A major event that changed the character was when Emma came to his town because she made him see things differently. In The book it says "Boy, no one wants to know what a little colored child saw" "Why" I asked loudly. "Her eyes work just as well as mine." I thought this quote was interesting because Dit never defended Emma because he was to scared and when he said that the newspaperman actually got embarrassed.
I had predicted that Emma was not going to have to move to Boston since Dit was her best friend and if she left Dit would be lonely but it turned out that she did leave. I wish that Emma's dad didn't get transferred because Dit was really happy he finally had an actual true friend.
I gave this book 5 stars because there was never a part where the book got boring. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic fiction with a little bit of history in it. Dit was really upset that Emma had to leave but he realized that it would have been worse if he hadn't met her at all.
Dit didn't like the new postman's daughter, Emma Walker, because she was black, rich and she seemed stuck up. But slowly they became friends and were together all the time. Dit would tell Emma everything he learned at school. Mrs. Seay was Dit's teacher, she told the class that it was a bad day when the South surrendered to the north. Dit told Emma but Mrs. Walker heard and got upset. The more he thought about it the more he realized it was a great day for the north even if he was from the south. So Emma wrote an essay to Mrs, Seay explaining why it was good for the north to win and she convinced her. There was going to be a play and Emma was going to be part of it but Bigfoot, the towns sheriff did not approve of that. So he told Emma to leave, but she didn't so then he carried her and Doc Haley defended her. Weeks later Bigfoot went to Doc's barber shop and that is where Doc had to shoot him because Bigfoot was trying to kill him. Bigfoot died, Doc Haley went to jail and was going to be executed. So Emma and Dit helped him escape. Doc Haley left with his son and Emma had to leave because her dad got transferred to Boston. This book was person vs society because Doc Haley was going to be executed because he killed Bigfoot even though it was just self defense.
A major event that changed the character was when Emma came to his town because she made him see things differently. In The book it says "Boy, no one wants to know what a little colored child saw" "Why" I asked loudly. "Her eyes work just as well as mine." I thought this quote was interesting because Dit never defended Emma because he was to scared and when he said that the newspaperman actually got embarrassed.
I had predicted that Emma was not going to have to move to Boston since Dit was her best friend and if she left Dit would be lonely but it turned out that she did leave. I wish that Emma's dad didn't get transferred because Dit was really happy he finally had an actual true friend.
I gave this book 5 stars because there was never a part where the book got boring. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic fiction with a little bit of history in it. Dit was really upset that Emma had to leave but he realized that it would have been worse if he hadn't met her at all.
October 8, 2017
I have always liked morality tales and fables. By manipulating reality, ultimate truths are revealed. The key aspect of reading such works of fiction, however, is that I suspend any expectation that they should be real, much as I would wish that they were real. Carpets really don't fly, foxes don't speak wisdom in a human voice and villains don't always get destroyed by the forces of good.
It is in this spirit that I review this book. Not marketed as a fairytale or fable, but in the spirit of a kind of To Kill a Mockingbird for today's teens, it is alas still a fable. How I wish it were a true story. That a 13 year old white boy in 1918 Alabama could have a friendship with a 13 year old black girl that was only mildly controversial--limited only to a few characters in the book--would have been wonderful. That their ethics could have influenced adults to help them perform an amazingly brave and unlikely act would give incredible hope for similar miracles in our still cruelly bigoted world.
Partway through the book a white teacher says to her black neighbor "Not all of the people of Alabama are cruel." The neighbor replies "Tell that to the Negro that was lynched last week in Montgomery." The teacher replied "I said not all." Not an excuse but something to remind ourselves when we place, and wear labels of political persuasion and religious belief.
I would recommend this book to tweens and teens and their parents as a "family book club" selection. There are many elements in the story and characterizations that could stimulate good discussion.
It is in this spirit that I review this book. Not marketed as a fairytale or fable, but in the spirit of a kind of To Kill a Mockingbird for today's teens, it is alas still a fable. How I wish it were a true story. That a 13 year old white boy in 1918 Alabama could have a friendship with a 13 year old black girl that was only mildly controversial--limited only to a few characters in the book--would have been wonderful. That their ethics could have influenced adults to help them perform an amazingly brave and unlikely act would give incredible hope for similar miracles in our still cruelly bigoted world.
Partway through the book a white teacher says to her black neighbor "Not all of the people of Alabama are cruel." The neighbor replies "Tell that to the Negro that was lynched last week in Montgomery." The teacher replied "I said not all." Not an excuse but something to remind ourselves when we place, and wear labels of political persuasion and religious belief.
I would recommend this book to tweens and teens and their parents as a "family book club" selection. There are many elements in the story and characterizations that could stimulate good discussion.
October 14, 2010
This book could use a makeover. Both the title and the cover (paperback edition) led me to believe that I was about to read a humorous, light-hearted middle grade adventure. It was a nice surprise that this turned out to be such a complex story- I just don't think the packaging is doing it a justice. This is a coming-of-age story about a young white boy, Dit, in rural Alabama who is disappointed when Emma, a black girl from Boston, moves in next door (apparently she is the 'bad luck' referenced in the title?) Despite their differences, they become extremely close and come to learn from each others differences. Emma helps Dit with academics; Dit helps to teach Emma how to play baseball and go fishing. The story is framed in episodes- Dit is faced with an obstacle in each chapter which is resolved in a few pages, but builds towards larger conflict at the end of the book making it hard to put down. I like the way the book is structured, but sometimes the chapters ends are a little too tidy and Dit seems wise beyond his years. Overall the changes and growth that Dit experiences over the course of this book are satisfying and believable. I'm looking forward to suggesting this to students who like character-centered books.
July 5, 2009
In Moundville, AL in 1917, Harry Otis (Dit) Sims is one of 10 children in his family. He's frustrated that he can't seem to get his parents' attention, and he especially wants his father's approval. Dit is good at baseball and hunting with the "flip it" slingshot he made to shoot rocks. His best friend, Chip, is the mayor's son. When the town gets a new postmaster, Dit has high hopes that he'll have a son, but instead when the Walkers arrive by train from Boston, their only child is a girl about Dit's age - Emma. Emma is clean and proper and smart; sheloves to read, and although she's not too good at the things Dit likes, she becomes a good friend. Many in the town, including Dit's friend Chip, aren't too happy about the friendship between the White boy and the Black girl, especially the sheriff, Big Foot (Mrs. Pooley's son). When Emma is selected to participate in the circus play that the White school is putting on, things get heated and Doc Hadley (the local barber, who is also African American) ends up in big trouble. This is a great multiculltural, coming of age, historical fiction story for middle school students.
January 8, 2011
This quick read (maybe 3-4 hours?) was great. I kind of wanted to give it 5 stars, but the "It was amazing" part scared me. I decided maybe I was thinking 5 stars simply because I've read some crappy books lately. : ) Either way, I very much enjoyed it.
Apparently, I really like stories of race interactions as I've read a lot dealing with black vs. white. Add the South to it and place it before segregation ended and I really, really am interested to see what happens. The theory of it all is fascinating to me. Would I be as "kindness to all humans" as I am now or would I too, be part of the white superiority and segregation ideals? It's always amazing to me the depth of some's cruelty and the no limits of other's goodness.
The story is written for adolescents and came out in 2009, I think. The author got the story idea after reading her grandfather's memoirs of his expeiences growing up during this time period. Set during WWI in small town, Alabama, it is a great read.
Apparently, I really like stories of race interactions as I've read a lot dealing with black vs. white. Add the South to it and place it before segregation ended and I really, really am interested to see what happens. The theory of it all is fascinating to me. Would I be as "kindness to all humans" as I am now or would I too, be part of the white superiority and segregation ideals? It's always amazing to me the depth of some's cruelty and the no limits of other's goodness.
The story is written for adolescents and came out in 2009, I think. The author got the story idea after reading her grandfather's memoirs of his expeiences growing up during this time period. Set during WWI in small town, Alabama, it is a great read.
October 17, 2009
What a lovely, lovely piece of historical fiction.
Now, I don't mean lovely in that everything that happens is puppies and rainbows. It takes place in the deep South. There is violence and racism and ugliness.
But there is friendship, too. And bravery. And the writing is very well done.
Case in point. Opening lines ...
I've been wrong before. Oh, heck, if I'm being real honest, I've been wrong a lot. But I ain't never been so wrong as I was about Emma Walker. When she first came to town, I thought she was the worst piece of bad luck I'd had since falling in the outhouse on my birthday.
Now, I don't mean lovely in that everything that happens is puppies and rainbows. It takes place in the deep South. There is violence and racism and ugliness.
But there is friendship, too. And bravery. And the writing is very well done.
Case in point. Opening lines ...
I've been wrong before. Oh, heck, if I'm being real honest, I've been wrong a lot. But I ain't never been so wrong as I was about Emma Walker. When she first came to town, I thought she was the worst piece of bad luck I'd had since falling in the outhouse on my birthday.
November 29, 2011
This book was so fun. I loved the characters. It takes place in the south...Alabama shortly after emancipation proclamation was declared, but prejudice was still high in the south. It was fun to imagine what it was like for kids back then in that part of America. I loved the messages in it. This book is written from the viewpoint of a 13 year old boy so it is an entertaining and quick read. I love books that remind us about what life was like before technology took over..it's refreshing that way. I gave it four stars cause i thought the author gave a little to much away at the beginning and took a little of the mystery out of it but I still "really liked it" and highly recommend it:).
June 20, 2012
Loved this book. It seems that with out intending to I keep picking up books that are set in the civil right era. And I am learning that I really love books in that genre. Just like my love for books set during WWII, I think I love reading books where the oppressed people overcome and people learn love and tolerance.
I especially love reading civil rights books from a child's perspective because children are so pure and non judgmental.
This book was very good. I am not sure if I like it or Lions of Little Rock better. They are both amazing books. Kristin Levine is a very good author. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
I especially love reading civil rights books from a child's perspective because children are so pure and non judgmental.
This book was very good. I am not sure if I like it or Lions of Little Rock better. They are both amazing books. Kristin Levine is a very good author. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
December 19, 2013
This book kept me entertained throughout most of the story. There were a couple parts that seemed to just drag me along. I really thought this was a good book, but not 5 star worthy. The way it was written did make me amazed because I had to imagine all the research that Kristen Levine did to make this possible. I loved the book, it kept me entertained, and I would definitely recommend it to a friend. Now, I was not into Historical-Fiction books at all when I first started reading it. But now that I read it, I totally would want to read another book just like it! So I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to read a GOOD Historical-Fiction book.
November 17, 2018
Dit is a twelve year old awaiting the arrival of the new postmaster and his family at the train station of Moundville, Alabama in June of 1917. The whole town has gathered because the postmaster is a pretty important person in that town. Not only does he sort and deliver the mail, he also sends and receives telegrams for the citizens of their small town. Dit is also looking forward to meeting the postmaster's twelve year old son. Well, the son turns out to be a girl named Emma and the the whole family turns out to be Black. No one had told them that the new postmaster and his family were colored!
More later.11/16/2018
More later.11/16/2018
January 15, 2010
Emma Walker moves to Moundville, Alabama, in 1917, and Harry "Dit" Sims' life is changed forever as he begins to see the world in more than black and white.
4 1/2 stars. I liked Levine's The Lions of Little Rock , which is set in the early days of the civil rights movement, more - but this one is fabulous too. Dit's voice is wonderful - read by Kirby Heybourne in the audio version - and I adored Emma.
4 1/2 stars. I liked Levine's The Lions of Little Rock , which is set in the early days of the civil rights movement, more - but this one is fabulous too. Dit's voice is wonderful - read by Kirby Heybourne in the audio version - and I adored Emma.
February 5, 2015
This is some really good YA fiction - great dialogue with precocious, engaging characters - but with some heavy themes of race and violence (so best for 7th grade and up).
Some of the scenes felt a bit forced (and Dit and Emma's ages and genders made some of the scenes feel further out of time and place), but I did enjoy how much Dit grew as a result of his friendship with Emma. I really enjoyed how Levine dealt with the racism issues.
Recommended.
Some of the scenes felt a bit forced (and Dit and Emma's ages and genders made some of the scenes feel further out of time and place), but I did enjoy how much Dit grew as a result of his friendship with Emma. I really enjoyed how Levine dealt with the racism issues.
Recommended.
November 19, 2012
Things seem to go wrong for Dit too often during 1917. And, what's worse, he's doing things to get himself in trouble. His growing friendship with the new kid in town takes him on many adventures and helps him realize the value in honesty and true justice during a time of harsh racism and inequality.
March 7, 2015
I read this out loud to my younger boys. The friendship between Dit and Emma was sweet and I loved Dit for standing up for her. There are difficult situations which were handled well. The chapters were short so we could read even when we only had a few minutes. I read it with a southern drawl. :) It just seemed like the voice it was written in. I think we're all glad we read it!
June 29, 2016
This was a great book. It is a great example of a story of a book that says that 'Friendship can come in all different colors. Dit did not listen to anyone who said that he should not be friends with Emma because of the color of her skin. I would read it again.
March 14, 2009
Slow to start but the characters were so endearing it became a page turner.
February 13, 2016
This book was so good! It was about two kids with different races becoming friends. It reminds me a lot of Lions of Little Rock.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews