Birmingham, 1963

"Birmingham, 1963" is a stirring poetic homage to a pivotal moment in the fight for racial justice. Set against the backdrop of one of America's most segregated cities, this book, published on September 1, 2007, encapsulates the tragic day when the struggle for civil rights was seared into the national consciousness. Through the eyes of a fictional observer, readers witness the heart-wrenching bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church by the Ku Klux Klan, an act that claimed the lives of four innocent girls and galvanized the civil rights movement, drawing significant involvement from leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. The narrative, enriched with archival photographs and poignant free verse, captures the profound impact of the events, making it an essential read for middle school students exploring themes of injustice and resilience. Awarded a Jane Addams Children's Honor, this book not only educates but also encourages young readers to reflect on the importance of equality and the ongoing fight against racial discrimination.