Coming of Age in Mississippi: The Classic Autobiography of Growing Up Poor and Black in the Rural South

In "Coming of Age in Mississippi: The Classic Autobiography of Growing Up Poor and Black in the Rural South," Anne Moody captivates with her poignant narrative of resilience and determination in the face of relentless injustice. Born into poverty as a daughter of tenant farmers in Mississippi, Moody's early life was marked by the harrowing lynching of Emmett Till, a pivotal event that ignited her commitment to the civil rights movement. Through her eyes, readers experience the visceral challenges of the pre-civil rights South—from the terror of racial violence to the courage found in the fight for equality. As Moody progresses from a straight-A student to an active member of the NAACP, and later CORE and SNCC, her journey through demonstrations, sit-ins, and brutal confrontations with institutionalized racism unfolds as a powerful testament to her unyielding spirit. Published on January 4, 1992, this autobiography not only recounts personal history but also frames the larger narrative of America's racial struggles. Ideal for high school readers, this book is an essential exploration of racial justice, encouraging a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on current societal issues.