Historical Fiction Dealing with Racism and Discrimination

Racism is always a tricky subject to talk about. Some people would like to believe that we no longer live in a world where racism exists, but in reality, racism is as present in our modern-day society as it has been throughout the course of history. With that thought in mind, it is important that we continue to study and teach subjects like racism with teens today. The earlier that youth are introduced to the atrocities that racism creates, and shown that they themselves can take a stand against it, that they can make a difference, they better chance we have of someday reaching a world where people are not judged by their race, but by their character. As we have learned in class, it is important that teens read books about teens, about people who are like them. Therefore, this annotated bibliography is based on teens in the genre of Historical Fiction who have withstood oppression and against all odds. It is not often that teensÕ stories are told in history books, but it is important that people realize that teens in history have witnessed all of the same events as their elders, and their stories are just as important as any adultÕs. The books listed in this bibliography are fictional stories, but are based on or during real, historical events that have occurred throughout the world. Hopefully in reading these stories, teens today will feel a connection to teens of the past and find strength within them to stand up for what is right.

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York:

Little, Brown Young Readers, 2007.

In his first book specifically written in the genre of Young Adult Literature, Sherman Alexie tells the story of Arnold Spirit, a.k.a Junior, a Spokane Indian whom has lived on an Indian reservation since his birth. After being recognized for more ÒpotentialÓ however, he is sent to a school off of the reservation and experiences culture shock in a school that is overwhelmingly Caucasian. The white kids do not understand JuniorÕs culture, and he becomes a target of bullying. As if that werenÕt enough, Junior also becomes an outcast in his own society by those who feel he has betrayed his heritage. It is largely a story of cultural hybridity and the challenges that face that. This book is useful in showing the experience of culture shock, and also because it shows the injustice on both sides of the story. It also uses humor and is very well written to keep teens attention. (Information for this book is taken from www.amazon.com)

Greene, Bette. Summer of My German Soldier. New York: Penguin Group: 1973.

Set in rural Arkansas in the early 1940Õs, this novel is the heartbreaking, yet inspiring story of a Patty Bergen, a young Jewish teen, who meets Anton Reiker, a German Nazi Army prisoner-of-war, captured by the U.S in WWII. Surprisingly polite and gentle, Anton and Patty quickly become friendsÉand then fall in love. It is a remarkable, against-all-odds story of overcoming stereotypes, racism, and gives hope of a bridge between two largely separated cultures. This book shows how even people on opposing sides can be connected, and that it is impossible to assume something about anotherÕs culture. (Information for this book is taken from www.webenglishteacher.com)

Hesse, Karen. Witness. New York: Scholastic: 2001.

This book is a very powerful account of a KKK related incident that happens in a small Vermont town in 1924. The story is told from the view points of 11 characters who all witness the same event, and each tell it from their perspectives. The two young girls, Leonora Sutter, and Esther HirschÕs voices are clearly heard, young as they are. Leonora serves as a great example of a strong, grounded child, even in the midst of being persecuted for her race, and witnessing this traumatic event. Leonora manages to keep a cool head and an open heart. She is a wonderful character of standing up for what is right, even if those around you say youÕre wrong. This book is useful in seeing racism from different viewpoints. It also shows some of the justifications that people try to make for racism, and also shows how everyone is affected by racism in some way.

Lee, Harper. To Kill A Mockingbird. New York: HarperCollins Publishers: 1960.

One of the greatest, classic American novels of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in a small town in Alabama during the Depression. The story is told through the eyes of young Scout Finch, who in one summer learns more about life than some people do in their lifetime. ScoutÕs father, Atticus Finch, and his family, are shunned from their racist white community when Atticus agrees to defend a black man named Tom Robinson, who is accused of raping a local white girl. Scout and her brother Jem are subjected to abuse from other children, and Atticus from adults. Through her experiences during this summer, Scout learns about prejudice, hatred, and what it means to stand up for what is right. Because this is such a classic and important novel that is taught nation wide, it is an easy way to show teens that standing up for what is right is not the easiest thing in the world, but even if others stand against you, it is imperative that you stand your ground, and set an example of the truth.

Lester, Julius. Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue. New York: Hyperion Books

For Children: 2005.

Based on actual historical figures Pierce Butler, and his ex-wife Fanny Kemble, during The Weeping Time, where more than 400 slaves were sold in Savannah, Georgia. Families are torn apart, but spirits are not broken. The story is told using the multiple voices of both the enslaved blacks and their owners. One young girl, Emma, is chosen to be the caretaker of ButlerÕs two young girls. Emma takes this opportunity to teach the girls about the horrors of slavery, and encourages them to have Òkind hearts.Ó This story is a new, powerful story of a little-known event and its epic proportions. Students should find EmmaÕs courage in spite of the consequences inspiring and brave. It is a newer book, with an interesting format, that should give the teen a more ÒpersonalÓ feeling of what slavery was like in those times, and how even in the midst of institutionalized oppression, spirit and resilience cannot be broken. (Information for this book is from www.barnesandnoble.com)

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing

Group: 1989.

A Newberry Award-winning book, Number the Stars is the story of Annemarie and her Jewish best friend, Ellen, living in Nazi-invaded Denmark. When the EllenÕs family is threatened by the Nazis and must be hidden in order to avoid being Òrelocated,Ó Annemarie learns what courage in the face of fear really is. Although she is young, Annemarie is the perfect example of selflessness and courage. She learns at a tender age what a cruel and unjust thing racism is. This book is an extremely easy read for a teen, but more importantly, it reiterates the idea that standing up for what is right takes courage. The story leaves a lasting impression long after the last page.

Naidoo, Beverly. Chain of Fire. New York: Penguin Group: 2004.

This novel is the gripping story of a black townÕs resistance to the white South AfricanÕs governmentÕs plan to forcibly remove them to their ÒhomelandÓ hundreds of kilometers away. The story focuses on Naledi, a teenage girl, and her growing awareness of the depth of the hatred that has created the apartheid system. Naledi, along with some of her close friends form a peaceful resistance. But when things turn violent, Naledi and the others must stand and unify together, or else fall. This book is not any kind of sugarcoated, good-guys-always-win type of book. Instead, it is real and harsh, and vividly portrays the atrocities of ethnic wars. It is not light reading, for it is not light subject matter, but Naledi is a standout character as a beacon of liberty and courage. (Information for this book was found on www.amazon.com)

Nolan, Han. If I Should Die Before I Wake. New York: Harcourt, Inc: 1994.

Hilary, a teen with a troubled past, feels like an outsider. But Hilary finds a new sense of belonging when she meets Brad, the leader of a group of teenage Neo-Nazis, and quickly adopts their views. However, HilaryÕs life takes an unexpected twist when she is critically injured in a motorcycle accident and is placed in a Jewish hospital. Unable to move or speak, in a coma near death, Hilary is thrown into a world where she is Chana, a Jewish teen trying to survive in Nazi Poland. Being taken from her home and forced to live in Lodz, the Jewish ghetto, and then being ÒrelocatedÓ to Auschwitz, the slaughterhouse of the Nazis, Hilary is forced to live this nightmare firsthand. It is only after her near-death experience and being able to live in ChanaÕs life that Hilary sees the truth: That racism is not a game, or a group. It is death. The book is amazingly fast-paced and suspenseful, and it will grab and hang onto its readerÕs interest. It is also important for readers to see both the perspectives of Hilary (i.e, Why would someone be enticed to join racist groups such as the Neo-Nazis?), and also to see not only the horrible atrocities committed against the Jews during the Holocaust, but to also see the amazing strength of Chana, even in the face.

Taylor, Mildred D. Let the Circle Be Unbroken. New York: Scholastic: 1981.

As part of the Logan Family series, Let the Circle Be Unbroken is the sequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. During times of Jim Crow laws, the Logans have remained a strongly united family, facing all obstacles that come their way. In this book, TJ, StaceyÕs best friend, is accused of the murder of a white man. Though he is innocent, he is tried by an all-white jury and is convicted because of their racism. Stacey does everything in his power to help his friend, boldly standing out in the midst of racist south. This book is just one in a series of heartbreaking, and at the same time, inspiring in their spirit stories. It is important for teens to see StaceyÕs bravery in lifting the weight of racism.

Taylor, Mildred. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. New York: Penguin Group: 2004.

Another work of classical American literature, this book focuses on the Logan family, who work hard to try and maintain the land they own in the deep, racist South. The Logan children are picked on for their color, and Mama and Papa are treated with harsh discrimination by the townspeople. But in spite of everything, the Logan family stays tightly knit, and even when tragedy hits. Because this is another book that is so widely taught, it is important that teens see the implications of racism, in that they do not just affect a single person, but an entire community. There is a reason that this book continues to remain in classrooms across the country.