Eric Stone
The early 2000s saw a shift toward history as an engaging narrative rather than a dense textbook, and this was one of the first books I read that truly mastered that vein. It is a wonderful story of resilience, following what is widely considered the most complete African American family history known to exist in the United States.
What struck me most was the nuanced look at community life in the North. It doesn't shy away from the long history of prejudice in northern states, but it also highlights the instances where the legal system actually worked - where the courts were allowed to do their jobs without bowing to that prejudice.
It’s a vital piece of the American story that feels both deeply personal and historically significant. In my humble opinion, this should be high school required reading right along with To Kill a Mockingbird.
The early 2000s saw a shift toward history as an engaging narrative rather than a dense textbook, and this was one of the first books I read that truly mastered that vein. It is a wonderful story of resilience, following what is widely considered the most complete African American family history known to exist in the United States.
What struck me most was the nuanced look at community life in the North. It doesn't shy away from the long history of prejudice in northern states, but it also highlights the instances where the legal system actually worked - where the courts were allowed to do their jobs without bowing to that prejudice.
It’s a vital piece of the American story that feels both deeply personal and historically significant. In my humble opinion, this should be high school required reading right along with To Kill a Mockingbird.