Author: Rick Bowers
Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books
Release Date: 1/12/2010
Rating:
The Spies of Mississippi is a compelling story of how state spies tried to block voting rights for African Americans during the Civil Rights era. This book sheds new light on one of the most momentous periods in American history.
Author Rick Bowers has combed through primary-source materials and interviewed surviving activists named in once-secret files, as well as the writings and oral histories of Mississippi civil rights leaders. Readers get first-hand accounts of how neighbors spied on neighbors, teachers spied on students, ministers spied on church-goers, and spies even spied on spies.
The Spies of Mississippi will inspire readers with the stories of the brave citizens who overcame the forces of white supremacy to usher in a new era of hope and freedom—an age that has recently culminated in the election of Barack Obama.
The Spies of Mississippi, was a somewhat engrossing book. I found that the author organized the book in such a way that, as each new person or event was introduced and recounted throughout the story, he also made connections to previous people and events mentioned. This allowed the reader to remember facts and understand the occurrences. In certain parts of the book, however, I found myself wondering whether what I was reading pertained to the main topic, which was spying. Later, though, the author would connect the two. This made me curious as to whether it was added as an afterthought or if this was purposely done. I usually tend not to re-read non-fiction books for a variety of reasons. Even if I did, I'm not quite sure if I would re-read this book. On one hand, I found it very entertaining and it was an interesting subject of which I had never heard of before. However, I also found myself occasionally becoming bored with it. I do think that the good in this book cancelled out the bad.
This was a generally delightful and informative read. I would suggest that ages 10 and up take a look through The Spies of Mississippi. I would also like to add that anyone who is older than 10, would very much benefit by reading this as well.
