Day of Tears: a novel in dialogue by Julius Lester

Day of Tears: a novel in dialogue by Julius Lester

Summary:

This historical fiction book presents the Weeping Time, an account of the largest slave auction in American history. The story is told through the voices of a cast of characters, but focuses on the life of Emma. The short sections include simple dialogue, memories, and thoughts involving different characters. Emma is a slave owned by Pierce Butler, a master who has amassed a large debt. To pay off this debt, he auctions hundreds of his slaves including one he said he wouldn’t, Emma. Without any notice, Emma is sold to an owner in another state, never to see her parents again.

Review:

This well-written book is a quick read but may stop readers dead in their tracks! Short sections written from the perspective of various characters foster an inviting read. The need to know what happens to certain characters will keep the pages turning! However, the horror and reality of the situation is devastating, and may be difficult for some readers to stomach.

Awards:

2006 Coretta Scott King Award Winner
2006 Capitol Choice Noteworthy Book for Children
VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle Grade Readers
2006 Cooperative Children's Book Center Best-of-the-Best List
Boston Authors Club Finalist for Young Readers
Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth
Booklist Editor's Choice 2005
Booklist Top Ten Black History
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2005
New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing 2005

Links:

To learn more about Julius Lester, visit his site: http://juliuslester.net/

Read Nancy Keane’s book talks about Day of Tears: http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/lester_day.htm