Mighty Inside

by Sundee T. Frazier

Melvin Robinson wants a strong, smooth, He-Man voice that lets him say what he wants, when he wants—especially to his crush Millie Takazawa, and Gary Ratliff, who constantly puts him down. But the thought of starting high school is only making his stutter worse.

And Melvin's growing awareness that racism is everywhere—not just in the South where a boy his age has been brutally killed by two white men, but also in his own hometown of Spokane—is making him realize that he can't mutely stand by.

His new friend Lenny, a fast-talking, sax-playing Jewish boy, who lives above the town's infamous (and segregated) Harlem Club, encourages Melvin to take some risks—to invite Millie to Homecoming and even audition for a local TV variety show. When they play music together, Melvin almost feels like he's talking, no words required. But there are times when one needs to speak up.

When his moment comes, can Melvin be as mighty on the outside as he actually is on the inside?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Friendship, Historical, Fiction, Music, Audiobook

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really enjoyed this! Wonderful historical fiction set in 1955 Washington State, right at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. Spokane has always been home to Melvin, and in spite of living in a mostly white neighborhood, he has really not experienced much prejudice. That is, until he enters high school, and begins to notice that he’s being treated differently by some kids he’s always known. And it is not because of his stuttering problem that has plagued him since first grade, either…
it’s a much more serious reason.
I think any fan of the original “Wonder Years” and the recent re-make would really enjoy this novel of a 14-year-old boy narrating his coming-of-age experiences during the 1950’s. The author’s notes at the end about her own family were also very interesting. The intended audience was middle-graders, but I think older students would also like it. Would be a great addition to any history teacher’s classroom!

[Samm grubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

reading a whole 200 pg book outloud is actually my personal hell.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid piece of historical fiction with plenty of details drawn from the author's family history.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s clear this book was a true labor of love for this author and so much of what she wrote was inspired by true events. I can’t imagine what it must be like to come of age and slowly come to realize people hate you because of your race, which is why I’m appreciative of the author sharing so much of her family’s story. The main character’s prominent stutter also played a pivotal role in the story, and further helped illustrate not just the power of your voice, but that mightiness is just as much inside.

[Rebecca Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle school appropriate. I learned a lot about the history of segregation from reading this book because I ended up fact checking a lot of it. It seemed unbelievable to me that the Robinson family was at an integrated school in 1955 and that the one sister could be on the homecoming court. We hear about desegregation in the south in the 1960’s, so this being set in 1955 surprised me but I learned that schools were never segregated in Spokane. There is a great article in The Spokesman Newspaper that gives a more complete picture, backing up the book (https://www.spokesman.com/stories/199...). It was super interesting to learn how things were in other parts of the country than the South, since that is usually all we hear about when learning about segregation and the civil rights movement. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, as the story felt plot driven rather than character driven and much of the plot felt like tell, don’t show. I wish more attention had been given to the speech lessons, as that was glossed over and would have, I think, easily added to the theme.

[Katherine Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye-opening account of racism in the Pacific Northwest in the 1950s, this novel is about much more than its context. I loved Melvin, and how he found his voice. I loved his friendships and family. I am using this book as I teach, for its deft dialog and pacing.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written for youth but since I live in Spokane and it is fiction about a young man heading off to high school. as one of the few blacks in the 50's in Spokane, especially in this Garland neighborhood. In these times many neighborhoods had clauses preventing black families from moving it. The author now lives in Seattle but this is based on a true story of her grandfather. I enjoyed see my own town in the story, and feel she did quite a nice job of presenting the tale to young people who don't hear these stories in textbooks. Cold war, Japanese internment camps, bomb shelters were all addressed in this fine coming of age novel.
Melvin is joined by Lenny, a fast talking Jewish sax player who lives above the infamous Harlem club and segregated. Melvin stutters and plays the accordian. A fine coming of age novel, young people can enjoy of a different time in Spokane and any town of northwest.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS]

Melvin is starting HS and is terrified that his Stutter will destroy any chance of success. He is also one of very few black students. His big brother gives him a list of dos and don'ts which derails on the first day when a nerdy Jewish kid immediately bonds with Melvin. (One of the rules is don't befriend a "square.") This is one of those books that, until you read it, you might think there's no way an author can pull off all of its contents and messages -- set in 1955 Spokane WA, Melvin and his sister see the gruesome photos of Emmett Till in Jet magazine PLUS he has a crush on a Japanese American girl who spent her early childhood in an internment camp (Melvin knew NOTHING of this - not taught in school) PLUS his Jewish friend lives above a jazz club which has segregated performances but the musicians and staff, except for Italian Jewish mother, are all Black PLUS there's an age-appropriate introduction to the concept of redlining. There's a lot going on, but it works. Some readers might balk at an MG book including the N-word, but the author uses it creatively and for its appalling impact.

pg94 (Melvin wants to talk about Emmett Till in class, but teacher will not allow it)
"...I have a prepared lesson. I must insist that you drop this subject. It's not appropriate for school, and anyway, that happened in the South, where they have those kinds of problems. Besides, it sounded like the boy had less than impeccable manners. A reminder for you all."
(and then she went on to talk about the Cold War)

pg98-99 (teacher's lesson continues and Lenny brings up Paul Robeson's stance about Russia v US)
" '... Mr. Robeson is multi-talented. A credit to his race. However, any hope of continuing his career ended when he set himself against the United States by saying no Negro would fight in a war against Russia.' Melvin didn't blame Mr. Robeson. As Grandma Robinson was fond of saying, 'No one wins a war.' ...'We don't really have a choice... We must fight back or Communism will spread and dominate our world.' It was hard not to imagine their teacher standing in a TV studio kitchen, except instead of advertising refrigerators, she was promoting democracy."
(and then they go on to watch a video of the atomic bomb being tested on dummies in Survival Town)

pgpg196 (the segregated jazz club)
Man: We don't want them dancing on the same floor!
Huh, Melvin thought. A moment before they'd been throwing money at two Negro kids doing that very thing.

pg239 (author notes)
... a stutter is not something to fix, but offers an opportunity to experience a different kind of relationship to time. Those who stutter challenge the Western fixation on efficiency, productivity, and fluid specch, and can release us from our need for predictability and control.
...

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sundee T. Frazier’s MIGHTY INSIDE is a beautifully written tale of triumph. Melvin Robinson’s about to enter Cleveland High School, and no matter how hard he’s worked this summer to overcome his stutter, it’s still with him. Every day will be a challenge, from trying to say the teacher’s names to having to answer “Present” during attendance. (Present starts with one of the many sticky letters like—B, C, L, M, N, and S—Melvin has to avoid if he doesn’t want to stutter in front of the whole class.) The stutter makes it hard to fit in in Cleveland High, where he’s one of the only black students. Harder still is his own growing awareness that racism is alive and well in 1955, not only in the south where white men brutally murder a young boy named Emmett Till, but also in Spokane, Washington, where Melvin’s family received threats after moving into an all-white neighborhood. Melvin is determined to speak up about Emmett Till’s murder, not to stand back, silent. How can he overcome his stutter and speak the truth?
Sundee T. Frazier’s sure voice and strong scenes brought me right into the middle of Melvin’s world. Walking beside Melvin, I discovered a part of local Washington State history I’d never known. I learned some new and deep lessons about the loving strength of friends and family, met one of the bravest boys I’ve ever met, and watched with gratitude and awe as Melvin steps out. And speaks.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me a little while to get into because I couldn't stop comparing it to The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 (one of my favorites). There are so many similarities: a narrator with a disability that causes him trouble at school (here it's a stutter instead of a lazy eye), an older brother who thinks he's all that, an energetic younger sister, a historical racially-charged event that changes the narrator (here it's Emmett Till instead of the church bombing), etc.

Once the story builds a bit, though, I was able to enjoy it without constantly thinking of Watsons. I love the friendship that builds between Melvin and Lenny and the fact that the author dives into antisemitism during this era, as well.

Great for fans of Civil Rights era fiction.

[Marz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Reminded me of childhood favorites like The Watsons Go to Birmingham and Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself.

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time he opened his mouth, his words backed away like a kid afraid to jump off the high dive--running to the end and then stopping, over and over--until he could feel the pulsing of an artery in his forehead. His tongue felt as heavy and solid as a brick. (p. 17)
That's how Melvin Robinson describes his "traitor mouth" that trips over "sticky" letters like "T" "P" or "B." It's the Stutter that has been with him ever since he was a little kid; the mouth that prevents him from speaking his mind; the tongue that will embarrass him as he enters high school.

He makes it through his first day of school with one big accomplishment: he meets Lenny--a talkative, Jewish, white sax player who sticks to Melvin like a burr. But, as Melvin finds out, Lenny ends up being the best friend a kid could have.

As the book progresses, Sundee skillfully weaves in backstory. Melvin overhears an argument between Melvin's father and his Uncle T.:

"Why you think that boy got that stutter? 'Cause he's surrounded by all these white folks, that's why. You shouldn't be here. You should be on the east side. Or do you think you're too good for that?"

....

Pops had crossed a line. Was Melvin suffering because of it?" (p. 52)

School is a mixture of pain with some spots of pleasure. Despite faithfully doing his tongue exercises, Melvin messes up frequently--and is teased by several bullies. But, his day is brightened by brief glimpses and interactions with his crush, Millie, a Japanese American. Science (taught by a veteran who lost a hand in WWII) and choir are highlights. When he sings the Stutter never appears.

But where Melvin really begins to shine, is playing accordion alongside of Lenny. The two become so good that Lenny convinces Melvin that they should try out for a television show featuring local kid performers. Although Melvin is scared, he realizes that his accordion speaks better than he does.

I don't want to include any spoilers, so I'll just say:

I really appreciated how Sundee threads Melvin's Christianity--as well as his questions into the novel. During a stressful time, Melvin recites portions of Psalm 23. Although he wonders why God gave him a "broken tongue," his faith helps him conquer his fears.
Other plot points about Emmett Till, Lenny's father, and Millie's experience in Japanese internment camps enrich the book.
I liked the metaphor of the "walls" of prejudice that Melvin keeps running into.
And finally, just like Jackie in Joyce Hostetter's latest novel, Equal, Melvin also discovers:
He knew he would get stuck on some of his words, and it was all right. He had decided the best way to deal with an enemy, if he could, was to make that enemy his friend. The Sutter was a part of what made him him and he was okay. Just the way he was. (p.229)

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a tapestry, or a song -- so many themes that move through it and create a beautiful and terrible portrait of Spokane in the 1950s. Terrible, in the many forms of racism that Melvin is in the process of waking up and recognizing. Beautiful in the bonds of family and friendships and moments of empowering self-acceptance. It's a true and thoughtful and authentic coming of age that is extremely well written for the middle grade audience who are experiencing the same awakening.

Things I loved:
Racism is a terrible thing, but our country is steeped in it, and this book does a tremendous job of turning over different stories that reflect that -- from redlining neighborhoods, to segregation in a nightclub, to the various micro and macro aggressions of being a Black child in a predominantly White school, White neighborhood, White town and the horror of Emmett Till's brutal death and display. But also, conversations about Japanese internment and what it was like to be a family starting over after release. And also anti-Semitism's pervasive and ugly face. All of that, balanced against allies who stand up for each other. Girls who refuse to let their Black friend ride the service elevator alone, boys who refuse to let a bully knock their friend down, teachers who refuse to look the other way. For all the flood of racism, there are these moments of resistance that make the book an ultimately hopeful read.

I also loved that this is a book about a person with a stutter, but his triumph in the end is more about accepting the strengths that come from that condition than from eradicating it. The profound message of self acceptance that is modeled by a teacher with a missing hand, and Melvin's own journey are both powerful statements. Add to that, it's just a really great read. Great characters, great story, great setting.

Advanced reader's copy provided by Edelweiss.

[Yapha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spokane, Washington is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about racism in the 1950s, however racism was a part of every day life just without official laws. Melvin and his family live in a mostly white neighborhood and he is one of only two Black students in his grade. As he begins 9th grade he faces a variety of challenges in addition to the color of his skin, the biggest one being his stuttering. Melvin struggles to express himself, both with his words and his actions. Thanks to good friends in Lenny (who is Jewish) and Millie (who is of Japanese descent), he faces his fears and stands up for what he believes in. This book deals with a variety of topics relevant in the mid-1950s -- the Cold War, redlining, segregation, the Japanese internment camps, antisemitism, and more -- yet it doesn't feel overwhelmed with issues. I was very glad to see instances of Jews & Blacks helping each other and working together. While Melvin is in 9th grade in the book, he feels a couple years younger. Also, I think his younger sister Maisy deserves her own book! Highly recommended for grades 5 & up. (Note: there is a very disturbing use of the N word.)

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. Melvin has been dreading the start of high school. his worry isn't that he's new or a minority - his family has lived in Spokane for generations and he and his siblings are more than used to being one of a handful of Black kids in school. It's that he has a crippling stutter and his older brother - a charismatic football star and his older sister, so popular she is junior class president, have raised expectations sky high for the youngest Robinson. Melvin has been studying his older brother's "do and do NOT do' list for high school acceptance so he knows on day one to avoid the overly friendly advances of a kid that looks like he'd be pictured next to the definition of 'square' in the 1955 slang dictionary. But Lester is hard to ignore and before he knows it Melvin is drawn into the other boys enthusiasm for music and his edgily-glamorous life living above a notorious nightclub and jazz bar. There is drama here; overt acts of racism, natural disaster, a first crush and the eternal struggle of growing into who you want to be - but the real meat of the story is in the complete and warm world of the Robinson family and their courage in living life on their terms.

[Sandra Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle school main character is just going into HS
Melvin is dreading HS. Bedsides the normal jitters about the unknown, Melvin stutters and is black in an almost exclusively white school. This is the early 1960s, a whole 100 years from the abolition of slavery, but yet Melvin and his family are made to feel the sting of separateness in a multitude of ways. He has a loving family and a black community of support. But he is feeling and starting to understanding how racism binds his family.
Melvin's feles his main problem is his stutter. It envelopes him. On the first day of school, Lenny pushes into Melvin's life. They have a lot in common: strong family ties, love of music, and racism. Lenny is Jewish.
There are a whole lot of themes in the book. Family, HS, racism, friendship, music, crushes, current events for that time, and more. The book slowly introduces the reader to racism, in all is insidious forms.
Incredible book for introducing how racism is an ingrained part of our society, as some of the events still happen to blacks, to this day. It also address some of the events that happen to students going into a new school. Just a good read.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me awhile to get into this book, but I am very glad I stuck with it. For the first 60 pages, I found the book quite slow moving without a whole lot going on. But, as soon as Melvin opens Jet magazine and sees the mutilated face of Emmett Till, the book picks up pace and I couldn't put it down. I have not read about places outside of the south during the beginning of the civil rights movement. It was eye opening to read how Melvin and his family were treated in Spokane, Washington, a western state where there wasn't segregation (or at least that's what they thought). But the reality was quite different with "white's only" nights at a dance club owned by a black man, houses only sold to white people in certain areas, and prejudice from even "friendly" community members saying things like "you're not those kind of negroes" when referring to an act of violence. This is an important look at a time in history filled with racism which unfortunately is too often true in our current time too.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Melvin's perspective of being a member of one of the few Negro families in a middle-class neighborhood in Spokane, Washington during the 1950s. After WWII, many Americans worked to advance their stations in life and participated in the culture of the day like homecoming, social clubs, and backyard parties. Yet the Negro community tended to socialize mostly with their own ethnic and racial groups, just like they continue to do. I could identify with Melvin who had his first date as a freshman with a senior Negro girl, arranged by their parents, because my cousins and/or other Hispanics in our community were our dates to school events too.

While Melvin had a stutter, I never felt sorry for him, but instead, rooted for him because he had a positive and even jovial attitude about his situation.

An added bonus is that the story is based on the author's Spokane family. This helped the story come full circle with Melvin's Jewish friend, Lenny, and the connection their families had.

[Wina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction for ages 8-12, this is a very good story about a 9th grade black boy in the 1950s, Spokane, Washington. The reader, Kevin R. Free, is excellent. Accents include black people, Jewish, andb Italian accents, all ages, and two genders. My only wish is that he sang the lyrics rather than speaking. WHY DO THEY DO THAT? Melvin struggles with a pretty severe stutter, an his self esteem suffers because of it. He makes a really fun friend who is Jewish. The book deals with racism, antisemitism, and the difficulties of having a stutter. There is a lot of history dealt with here, including WWII, the great depression, Japanese internment camps, the bomb, Emmett Till, and more. Deftly woven into the story, the characters are extremely likeable with well-drawn family life. It's a feel-good story, with the bad stuff mixed in. Helping others is an important theme. The author's note is also really good, and lets the reader know how much of the book was base on her own life/her father's life. Warning: the book contains a couple uses of slurs.

[Skylan DeAngelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melvin Robinson was a young boy living in Spokane, Washington in 1955. He is going into high school which he is very nervous about. Melvin has a hard time speaking which at times holds him back. He has a older brother and sister as well as a younger sister. This book takes place at the beginning of the civil rights movement meaning most of his classmates are white. There are a group of black people in the community that they like to hang out with.

This story shows many different lessons like facing hardships, racial discrimination, your fears, and overcoming disabilities. It also shows that even though things might not go to plan it doesn't mean it still can't pan out. Marvin tried to get rid of his stutter before high school started which he failed to do, but that doesn't mean it was a failure. Marvin came to accept it and live with his stutter. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a read showing triumph.

[Avery Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mighty Inside is a quiet, beautiful book about Melvin, a freshman entering high school as one of only a few Black students in 1950s Spokane. On his very first day, he meets Lenny, a Jewish boy who plays the saxophone and dreams of being a professional musician. Once Lenny discovers that Melvin plays the accordian, Melvin doesn't have a choice but to become Lenny's best friend.

As the story unfolds, Melvin must navigate the everyday cruelties of high school with the added stress of having a significant stutter and the relentless terror and injustice of racism.

Based on the author's family experiences in Spokane, this book is heartfelt, true, and special.

[Andy Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frazier's story is as delightful as it is impactful, depicting a young man growing up in Spokane, Washington in the mid 1950s. Melvin is believably presented as a high school Freshman with struggles both relatable to a broader audience as well as unique to him. It made Melvin stand out as a protagonist. Frazier's historical fiction borrowed inspiration from her upbringing, even incorporating actual events into the narrative. Learning of the racial tensions in the pacific northwest, I can't say I'm surprised, but I'm still taken aback to learn of the injustices in this corner of the country.

Kudos to Kevin R. Free, whose narration is always excellent.

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher, Levine Querido, for the ARC of this powerful middle-grade book and for promoting and publishing stories from underrepresented communities! Very timely, well-written, and very relatable to a wide audience, this story struck particularly close to home for me (Judaism, stuttering). I cannot wait to share this book with my upper elementary students as soon as it is published!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is yet another example about small windows of history being written about from previously unheard points of view. This is about 1950s Spokane, Washington and the segregation and racism that Black and Jewish and Japanese people lived with. It’s about a freshman in high school, Melvin, who has a stutter. It’s about Melvin finding out that he’s mighty on the inside and that he can be on the outside too.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

A historical fiction tale set against a turbulent time-Emmitt Till, the fallout of WWII and growing up during segregation put Melvin, a young black musician with a lisp, in a hard place to grow up. As his world widens, Frazier does an excellent job of showing the unfair ways in which so many people are marginalized and also showing how friendship and kindness can get us through. A good choice for the socially conscious middle-grade reader.

[. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5, Excellent historical fiction. Disability representation (protagonist has a sometimes debilitating stutter), allusions to Black history heroes, instances of systemic racism and religious discrimination (a main character is Jewish) woven throughout in striking, yet age-appropriate fashion. Loving family, supportive friends and teachers, but never saccharine. Sometimes feels like it’s taking on too many topics at once, but highly recommended.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact it felt like there was a checklist of people and historical events (Jewish friend, Japanese friend who had been in an internment camp, Emmitt Till, Rosa Parks, segregation, Cold War, etc.) I still enjoyed the book. Could be a core lit book for 8th grade, even though Melvin seemed much younger than a freshman.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book for middle grade/ high schoolers. Set in 1950's Spokane, main character Melvin learns to have the courage to speak up in the face of racism and to take on scary challenges (like auditioning for a local tv show) while dealing with a stutter. This is a beautiful story of friendship and coming of age. It's also inspired by the author's own family story.

[Katharine Grubb · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to see what author Sundee Frazier did with 1950’s Spokane from the perspective of an adolescent black boy. I appreciated the historic pieces that would have really happened. This is a wonderful story, and I found myself engaged and tearing up at times. Recommend the audiobook narrated by Kevin R. Free.

[Ginger Poulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I liked that it included multiple types of racism in a way that was honest, but not so harsh as to traumatize a young reader. It gives brief information on Emmett Till and Japanese relocation camps that will hopefully encourage kids to seek out more information if they have the ability to handle it.