I purchased this book over a year ago while I was taking an online graduate course on multicultural literature. Unfortunately, I never got around to reading it until my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Barnes, sent it to me in the mail for my birthday.Darby's story of growing up in Marlboro, South Carolina during the 1920's was heartfelt and sincere. It took me a while to get into the story, but after a few chapters I was hooked. Jonathon Fuqua's use of colloquialisms and local vernacular made me feel like I was eavesdropping on the character's conversations. I loved the roles of the minor characters like her brother, McCall and her teacher, Miss Burstin. The character that puzzled me the most was her mother. I recognize that her fears of ostracized by the community were a driving force, but I must admit I was disappointed that she blamed her daughter for a societal problem adults had created. Thankfully, Darby’s father was a man of integrity who was willing to take a stand even if it meant putting his family and his career on the line. Most reviewers compared this children's book to Harper Lee's classic, Too Kill a Mockingbird. I certainly see the resemblance, but I think a child being the heroine makes this story even more powerful. I found myself connecting the text to Andrew Clements book, Extra Credit and the Ruby Bridges story, Through My Eyes. Kids need to know that they have the power to change the world. These stories prove that small acts of courage often have a huge impact. I learned years ago that racism is an adult disease that we spread through children. Stories like this one help us recognize that there is a better way!
Teton County Library Call #: YA FUQUANo ratingThis book was described to me as "To Kill a Mockingbird," for younger readers. It does a great job of introducing readers to the injustices of racial prejudice, but ends on a much lighter note than the previously mentioned classic. In addition, the author makes a special note that he has chosen to leave out historical (and now considered perjorative) terms in a conscous effort to deter derogatory language for younger readers. Taking place in South Carolina in the 1920's, the main character, Darby Carmichael, has two best friends: Beth, white, and the daughter of a prestigious lawyer, and Evette, black, and the daughter of share croppers on the Carmichael's property. Through Evette, Darby learns that black people in the north have cars and houses - an idea she has never thought of before, as she has only seen black people who are poor. She begins to realize that life doesn't seem fair for people with darker skin and she sets out to write a column for the local newspaper describing her newly enlightened views. The result is a town split apart by Darby's article-some threatening her family to keep their views to themselves (including the cross burning KKK, others proud of her for speaking her mind. A good read about the power of friendship, race, and self-confidence. A recommended read!
Do You like book Darby (2006)?
What an unexpected book! One of you out there in Good Reads land posted this on your "to-read" list and I added to mine and had the chance to read it this week. It is a beautiful story! I loved it. This is a book that I wish I had when I was teaching US history in 5th grade. It does an eloquent job of describing some of the attitudes and challenges facing many rural communities in the early 1900's as they dealt with issues of race and discrimination. But most of all, it demonstrates the power for good that one person can have...however small a voice we think we have. It was a moving, well-written, powerful story!
—Amy Carr
