The Reckoning

by Wade Hudson

A powerful contemporary novel about an aspiring 12 year-old filmmaker whose world is turned upside down when his grandfather is slain in a senseless and racist act of violence. From the author of the award-winning memoir, Growing Up in the Jim Crow South and co-editor of Recognize! An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life.

Lamar can’t wait to start his filmmaking career like his idol Spike Lee.  And leave behind his small town of Morton, Louisiana. But for now, Lamar has to learn how to be a filmmaker while getting to know his grandfather. 

When Gramps talks about his activism and Black history, Lamar doesn’t think much about it. Times have changed since the old Civil Rights days! Right? He has a white friend named Jeff who wants to be a filmmaker, too, even though Jeff’s parents never let him go to Lamar’s Black neighborhood. But there’s been progress in town. Right?

Then Gramps is killed in a traffic altercation with a white man claiming self-defense. But the Black community knows Gramps is another victim of racial violence. Protesters demand justice. So does Lamar. But he is also determined to keep his grandfather's legacy alive in the only way he knows recording a documentary about the fight against injustice. 

From the critically acclaimed author and the publisher of Just Us Books, Wade Hudson comes a riveting, timely, and deeply moving story about a young Black filmmaker whose eyes are opened to racial injustice and becomes inspired to follow in his grandfather's activist footsteps.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Family, Grief, Contemporary, Death, Audiobook

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Wade Hudson is the author of nearly 30 books for children and Young adults. He and his wife Cheryl are the founders of Just Us Books, Inc., a leading publisher of multicultural books for children.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid read; however, I'm not sure it brought anything new to the table of racial injustice. CW: death of loved one, depictions/descriptions of death, racism, manipulation of murder evidence by police. 3.5 Stars

The Reckoning is the latest release by Wade Hudson. While I've read Hudson before, this one in particular feels like one of his weaker releases. It follows main character Lamar who is aspiring to become a filmmaker like Spike Lee. He spends time around town with his camcorder trying to capture interesting things. It's only when he spends time with his grandfather at a community/county meeting that he begins to realize the history and experiences of Black individual that have come before him. Excited about everything that he learns, Lamar makes the decision to interview his grandfather for a video project for school. Unfortunately, his grandfather is killed by a white man in the community after a verbal disagreement. In hopes of preserving his grandfather's legacy, Lamar decides to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather.

What Worked: I loved that Hudson made the decision to explore the importance of intergenerational relationships especially when it comes to learning history and legacy of community activists. Lamar doesn't really know much about his grandfather, or his social activism and he's shocked to learn how much his grandfather has done for the community. It inspires him to do more for the community. He learns to push back against systemic racism in the same way his grandfather did during the Civil Rights Movement. Hudson also writes Lamar with great emotion and depth and is so needed in middle grade books. With so many conversations happening about racial injustices and the prevention of these conversations happening within the confines of a classroom, it's great to have a book like this available to younger readers.

What Didn't Work: This wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't Hudson's strongest work. I'm not sure that it adds anything new to the conversation about racial injustice which left it feeling rather predictable. As a reader, I wasn't shocked to find that there was a police force cover up, I wasn't surprised by the protesting and demonstrations. It simply left me wanting more. I wanted Hudson to bring something to the table that hasn't already been discussed my so many authors including himself.

Overall, this was an okay read, but if you've read middle grade books about social injustices then this one won't necessarily do anything new for you.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never stop speaking the truth.
🎥
Lamar’s idol is Spike Lee and he wants to be a filmmaker just like him. He’s ready for bigger and better things than Morton, Louisiana has to offer. Lamar likes learning from his Gramps when he talks about his activism during the Civil Rights movement, but when Gramps is killed during a traffic altercation it’s apparent he was a victim of racial violence. Lamar then believes the only way to keep his grandfather’s memory alive is by making a documentary about fighting injustice.
🎥
@wadehudsonjr creates a timely MG novel that is so important for our students to read, not just during Black History Month, but throughout the year. If we want our future to be focused on fighting injustice then we need to have #books like these in our libraries.

CW: death, racism, grief, police brutality, racial slurs

3.25 star
This didn't offer anything new to the conversation about racial injustice, but still important regardless.

[Carli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the advance Kindle copy of this book. It is out 1.2.24! All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Lamar is a budding filmmaker and is just starting to learn about his grandfather’s past when his grandfather is shot and killed by a white man after an altercation. In the aftermath, Lamar’s family fights for justice and Lamar films a tribute to his grandfather. The subject matter is important, but the writing felt a little simplistic. I’m not sure that this one adds anything to my collection that isn’t already better represented, but readers and libraries looking to add lower-middle school titles on racial injustice may be interested. Recommended for grades 5-6.

[Leila Marchbanks · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. As an educator, I am constantly looking for new books for my classroom and to suggest to students on my literature website. I especially love social justice books. This book just wasn't it. The character development was slow, and the inciting event of the grandfather's death wasn't even described in real time. It didn't hold my interest, and I stopped after Chapter 8. Those 8 chapters were agonizing. Not to mention, some of the history mentioned was incorrect. I had hopes for this to be a middle grade version of The Hate You Give, but it fell way short.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great, infuriating time with The Reckoning.

Great because it's obviously well written, and I really appreciated the attention to detail when it came to the trajectory of a protest particularly when it comes to the all too common murder of unarmed Black people. Infuriating for obvious reasons.

There was a nice balance of specific issues plaguing the Black community and the broader societal implications. There is a real problem of Black people ignoring or forgetting our history. And like the saying goes, those who don't learn their history, etc. More than that there is a distinct lack of awareness of the established processes that inform many of our current day forms of rebellion. It does us all a great disservice when Black youth are left so ignorant to the contributions of the past that they lose sight of the bigger picture. We all need to do our part to combat white supremacy. Knowledge is one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal; it's up to all of us to pass it on.

Spike Lee being Lamar's favorite filmmaker was a nice touch. One, it's a little off the beaten path so Lamar feels a little more authentic a character for not choosing a more mainstream option. Two, outside the narrative I liked that Spike Lee got some props. He can be hit or miss, but his impact is undeniable.

There was moments when I definitely could feel the author trying to teach me about a topic which makes since seeing as this book is for children who are going to be encountering some of these themes for the first time. Even so I do think it could have been better integrated into the story in a subtler way given that it seems to be aimed at the higher end of middle grade. The way certain themes were explicitly spelled out was reminiscent of what I'd expect from a book for 3rd to 5th grade where exposition dumps are basically the standard.

A book I can and will recommend with my full chest. There are a lot of books with this concept, but I feel like the angle this book comes at it from is unique and thoughtful.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black 12-year-old Lamar is an aspiring filmmaker living in Morton, Louisiana -- a town that is mostly still segregated, even in 2024. Lamar's grandfather was an activist during the Civil Rights Movement and a community organizer now who inspires Lamar to fight for what he believes is right. Lamar is excited to film a documentary about the life of his grandfather, but then, suddenly, Gramps is shot and killed. The shooter, a white man, local businessman, and former head of the KKK claims self-defense and without any witnesses, the sheriff is inclined to let him go without charge. Before long, a series of protests and counter-protests fill the small town, shining light on the injustice -- and Lamar is at the center of the action with his camera.
This is an unflinching depiction of contemporary segregation and racism in America. Though the narrative never shies away from honesty, it is also told in a way that is accessible for middle grade readers. Pair with Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes for a frank look at racism and racially motivated violence.

[Jamie Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lamar Phillips, a budding filmmaker, feels like nothing ever exciting happens in his small town of Morton, Louisiana. At least until he and his friend, TC, go to the wrong side of town while filming, get attacked by a thug, and saved by Gramps, Lamar's grandfather. Gramps takes them under his wing, teaching them about black history, taking them to a local city council meeting where they learn about the segregation, prejudice undercurrents in town, and how the white neighborhoods get better care than the black. Lamar found something exciting when he learns that Gramps was a civil rights activist and wants to make a documentary about him. However, Gramps gets shot because of a minor traffic accident, and things in town heat up. Protests to get justice, seeing the true heart of the white neighbors - some allies, some enemies, and the way social justice can and can't work. Lamar learns about black history in a way that will help other middle grade readers learn about their history.

[Jennifer M Outlaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this one because I loved the idea of a young person with a camera documenting his experiences. I thought it was going to be an intense, emotional journey for me. There were a few moments throughout the book that made my eyes sweat a bit but for the most part the writing was a bit young for me which is ok because the book was not written for me it was written for younger people. I think my sons (lower middle grade) and the intended demographic will enjoy reading this. There is an important message in this book and it excites me knowing that so many young people will be able to read it.

[Jennifer M Outlaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this one because I loved the idea of a young person with a camera documenting his experiences. I thought it was going to be an intense, emotional journey for me. There were a few moments throughout the book that made my eyes sweat a bit but for the most part the writing was a bit young for me which is ok because the book was not written for me it was written for younger people. I think my sons and the intended demographic will enjoy reading this. There is an important message in this book and it excites me knowing that so many young people will be able to read it.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanting to make a difference, Lamar's video camera often does the work for him. Along with his white friend, Jeff, they work together to get better at their craft and they attend a town meeting, invited by Lamar's grandfather where Lamar learns about his grandfather's legacy in the Jim Crow South. Then a scary incident happens and Lamar's grandfather is killed. Justice will not be served as a white man claims self defense in the killing until someone comes forward with video from the incident that will share the true story.

This is a social justice story through and through. It works well to demonstrate the importance of telling the truth and living your truth.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson wraps lessons in American history, the civil rights movement, civic involvement, and social justice action in a sometimes awkwardly worded MG novel. I listened to the audiobook, and found the most engaging scenes to be those that took place at social justice demonstrations. An important book for the middle grade audience, but some may be put off by the voice of the the young protagonist speaking, at times, like a grandfather. Could (and should) be integrated into history/ELA curriculum to broaden discussion on the centuries-long fight for Black civil rights. gr. 4+

[Deena Lipomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lamar is practicing video recording to be a film maker like Spike Lee, but after his Civil Rights activist grandfather agrees to be in Lamar's documentary, he is killed by a white man in a traffic altercation. While Lamar grapples with his grief, he also wants to fight for justice, and his older sister provides a great character for that. The book didn't go the way I thought it would, but it does involve a violent act caught on video and how that influences the outcome of the case. It's a serviceable novel on the subject of historic and present racism.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some important messages in here, but I struggled with the writing style. It felt a little like it was trying a bit too hard to be a middle grade version of The Hate U Give, so it lost its way a little sometimes. The dialogue felt really stilted and I had a hard time believing any of the kids as actual kids. It's set in modern day, but there were times the slang felt pulled from other decades. Overall, it just didn't quite work for me, but the storyline was interesting, so it gets a 3 stars.

[Lizanne Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent middle grade audiobook with an important racial justice message. Thanks @librofm!

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for young people that softly speaks on race in America and generational processing.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guy Lockhart reads the audio book! This story is hard and also important to read about

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

Currently reading. Review to come.