Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
11yo Ellis Earl Brown wants to be a lawyer or a teacher when he grows up. Then he'll be able to take care of his mama, and there will be enough food for everyone. Ellis Earl is black and poor, and in 1967 Mississippi, his chances of changing that are slim. He loves his teacher, Mr. Foster, who makes sure his students know current events. So, when Mr. Foster invites Ellis Earl and some other students to welcome Senator Robert Kennedy at the airport in Jackson, Ellis hopes to be able to go - but, like his favorite book character Charlie Bucket, Ellis Earl might have to hang his hopes on a golden ticket, as his mother is worried about letting him go that far from home.
An eye opening account of the extreme poverty experienced by children at this time. Linda Williams Jackson based parts on her own experiences. I loved the connection with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and that Ellis Earl was surprised to find someone poorer than he. Just enough context (because of Mr. Foster's current events) to help the reader understand the time period. Ellis Earl and his family are Black.
Lisa Librarian
No comments:
Post a Comment