Book cover of Finding Langston

Book description

A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

When eleven-year-old Langston's father moves them from their home in Alabama to Chicago's Bronzeville district, it feels like he's giving up everything he loves.

It's 1946. Langston's mother has just died, and now they're…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Finding Langston as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a warm hug book. The kind that sneaks up on you when you’re reading words. Langston is a lovable main character. His story is rich with family, tradition, loss, and poetry. He is eleven when his mother dies, and his dad decides they must leave Alabama. So many changes for this boy as he is bullied and deals with segregation in 1940s Chicago. But he discovers the library that welcomes all. Such a sweet story and perfect for younger middle grade readers.

When I first moved to Chicago from the suburbs a few years ago, I felt the same way the boy, Langston, in the story felt—scared, bombarded with noise, and missing the open spaces and country roads. My home is close to where his apartment was, and even though he lived in 1946, we each found respite in the Chicago Public Library. We both love poetry—especially the poetry of Langston Hughes. The best news about this book is that if you love it, and you will, there are two more in the trilogy. Lisa Cline-Ransome is a prolific author with other…

From Bibi's list on walk a mile in my shoes books.

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Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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