About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking difficult questions about systemic unfairness, or when they need to understand the quiet power of personal agency in the face of oppression. It is a deeply moving dual perspective story that moves beyond the historical facts of the Civil War to explore the emotional landscape of two siblings, Summer and Rosco, as they navigate the dangers of seeking literacy and freedom on a Virginia plantation. Through their eyes, your child will encounter the 'silent thunder' of internal resilience and the risky, radical act of learning to read. While it addresses the harsh realities of slavery, the focus remains on the bond between siblings and the intellectual fire that cannot be extinguished. It is an ideal choice for middle grade readers ready for a nuanced, character driven exploration of Black history and the enduring human spirit.
