Morrison, Toni - author. (2004). Remember: The Journey to
School Integration. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN: 978-0618397402
Annotation
Photographs taken during the period after segregated schools were
declared unconstitutional that captures this important and difficult time of
integration in American history.
My thoughts
These powerful photographs became Toni Morrison’s inspiration for the
fictional narrative. These two elements, narrative and photographs, can
actually be discussed as separate but equal in importance in the production of
this book.
These archival photographs go a step beyond journalizing because they are
so close to the subjects. These are not merely newspaper photos documenting the difficulties. They show the good and bad, and the façade of good. Photos
of newly integrated students sitting together during a quaint circle time
lesson are followed by photos of Caucasian teenagers protesting integration. A
young boy wears a klan hood and smiles for the camera while watching a Ku Klux
Klan cross burn. There are some disturbing truthful photographs that can be
invaluable in a history/social studies class.
In addition, Toni Morrison provides the facts. Brown v. Board of Education
is an important part of history, but the dry legal case name often causes
history classes to simplify the lesson. The narrative and book will flesh it
out. Morrison also includes a New York Times front-page announcement of the
court decision and a key event timeline for civil rights and school integration
history. Photo notes provide additional interesting facts. These are incredible,
compelling, and unforgettable photographs and a very important time that
shouldn’t be forgotten.
Curricular
connections
Social Studies and Middle School History/civil rights.
Reading level/ Interest Age
Grade 4-12
Reviews and Awards
Coretta Scott
King Award
Bccb Blue
Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards)
Author
website: www.tonimorrisonsociety.org/
Media: Photography
Genre: nonfiction, history
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