Lewis Michaux never finished high school, but his life experiences made him profess that African Americans needed to read more books about African American history and written by African American authors. Therefore, in 1939, he created the National Memorial Book Store in Harlem, which only featured book either about or written by African Americans. At first, everyone thought the store would fail, but Lewis' passion for his work drew people in. Eventually, his bookstore became a meeting place for Malcolm X and other influential African American civil rights leaders. When the store was eventually forced to close, it had over 250,000 books. Written in journal form and in the viewpoints of various people from Lewis' life, this fast-paced novel chronicles the life of Lewis Michaux, a champion of African American literacy and culture. Once finished, you too will wish that this amazing store was still the center of Harlem. Highly recommended!
No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller7/12/2018 No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Lewis Michaux never finished high school, but his life experiences made him profess that African Americans needed to read more books about African American history and written by African American authors. Therefore, in 1939, he created the National Memorial Book Store in Harlem, which only featured book either about or written by African Americans. At first, everyone thought the store would fail, but Lewis' passion for his work drew people in. Eventually, his bookstore became a meeting place for Malcolm X and other influential African American civil rights leaders. When the store was eventually forced to close, it had over 250,000 books. Written in journal form and in the viewpoints of various people from Lewis' life, this fast-paced novel chronicles the life of Lewis Michaux, a champion of African American literacy and culture. Once finished, you too will wish that this amazing store was still the center of Harlem. Highly recommended!
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Until They Bring the Streetcars Back by Stanley Gordon West It is 1949, and Cal is in his Senior year of high school in St. Paul. He is an athlete who likes hanging out with his friends pulling pranks and is in love with his best friend's girl. Cal's dad, changed by the War, is a street car driver who never goes to his games and rarely talks to his family. However, he learns that his life is not that bad when Gretch the Wretch, an odd girl at his school, confides in him that she is being physically and sexually abused by her father. She makes Cal promise not to tell anyone because she saw firsthand how the police don't protect victims. Her sister talked to the police, and because she had no evidence, her father went free. His subsequent abuse sent Gretchen's sister into an insane asylum. However, Gretchen doesn't know how much longer she can hang on, so Cal finds himself promising to help her get free. Their friendship and his promise to save her will dramatically transform Cal's life. Although this is a powerful historical fiction novel that will make you feel like you are living in the 1950's, it is so relevant to today's teens. Cal feels like a modern teen as he hangs out with friends and pursues the girl he loves, and it is rare to have a book set in that time period discuss sexual abuse. This is a story any teen would identify with as Cal is a likable narrator that you immediately feel sympathetic for. The cover of this book is awful, but what is inside will make even those most reluctant engaged. This is an undiscovered gem! Highly, highly recommended! |
AuthorMs. Smith has been the librarian at Washington HS in Sioux Falls, SD, since 2005. She enjoys reading, watching K-Dramas, Harry Potter and hanging out with her family. Archives
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