Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War

In "Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War," bestselling author Tony Horwitz masterfully recounts the audacious and pivotal 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry by abolitionist John Brown and his diverse followers. This meticulously researched narrative not only brings to life the dramatic events that intensified the national rift and nudged the U.S. toward the Civil War but also paints a nuanced portrait of Brown himself. A figure often remembered for his militant opposition to slavery, Brown is depicted here as a complex man driven by deep religious convictions and a fervent belief in racial justice. Set against the backdrop of a nation teetering on the brink of moral and political crisis, this book, acclaimed as a New York Times Notable Book and one of the Boston Globe’s Best Nonfiction Books of 2011, is an essential read for middle school students exploring themes of justice, equity, and the historical struggles for racial equality. Through Horwitz's vivid storytelling, readers will find themselves at the heart of a critical moment in history, encouraged to reflect on the past and its profound implications on contemporary issues of racial justice.