   | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 12/01/2016 Gr 9 Up—An edifying and timely exposition of James Meredith and the March Against Fear and their impact on U.S. history, past and present. Bausum's clear language and smart use of archival photos and pull quotes document how Meredith's single-man walk transformed into a larger endeavor to register and unify black voters and to alleviate the fear felt by African Americans living in a racist society (a notion that would later translate to the concept of Black Power). Readers become a part of the march as Bausum begins each chapter with the date, the distance traveled by the marchers, and their next destination. Evocative quotes from those supporting the march and those in opposition provide additional context on the sentiment felt by each side. The inclusion of racial epithets, curses, and horrific abuse emphasizes the reality of the time (an author's note explains the decision not to alter the language of quotations). Bausum expertly encapsulates the overall theme of the march during a specific episode at the Philadelphia, MS, courthouse: "Dignity over anarchy. Justice over injustice. Love in answer to hate." In the back matter, Bausum discusses her research, which included interviewing Meredith, and how civil rights remain a pertinent issue. VERDICT A must-have volume on James Meredith, the March Against Fear, and the evolution of Black Power for high school students.—Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 12/01/2016 Ask typical high-school students about the American civil rights movement, and many will mention Martin Luther King Jr. and his “I Have a Dream” speech. What they may not be so familiar with are the other influential individuals and momentous events that shaped the cause. This account of 1966’s 200-mile freedom march from Memphis to Jackson, Mississippi, written in accessible language and peppered with quotes and period photos that bring the action alive, tells how this momentous effort, initiated by James Meredith, united the five factions of the civil rights movement: the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; the Congress of Racial Equality; the National Urban League; the NAACP; and Stokely Carmichael of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Chronological coverage conveys the fear and danger participants faced and documents Carmichael’s first use of the term black power. The brief chapters build on one another, creating a complete picture for readers with limited background knowledge. This compelling account will be equally engaging for classroom resource material or individual research. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
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