Seeing Red - Hardcover

Kathryn Erskine is the acclaimed author of many distinguished novels for young readers, including MOCKINGBIRD, winner of the National Book Award; THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF MIKE, an Amazon Best Book and ALA Notable Book; and QUAKING, an ALA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Kathryn lives and writes in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband and two children.

Gr 5-7-In 1972, Red Porter, 12, is dealing with the recent death of his father. His mother wants to move the family from Stony Gap, Virginia, to Ohio-which would mean that Red and his brother, J, would have to leave everyone and everything they know, including friends, the family convenience and car-repair shops, and their home that is full of memories of their father. Red is also dealing with an estrangement from his African American friend, Thomas, who severs ties with him after someone tries to burn a cross on his grandparents' yard. Red tries many ways to stay in Virginia, from vandalism to getting rid of "For Sale" signs to skipping school to work in the shop and store. He's desperate enough to seek help from his neighbor Darrell's gang, but they won't aid him unless he's initiated into the group. They convince him to burn a cross and even try to get him to beat up Thomas, who they tie up and nearly lynch. Erskine tackles many issues in this novel: death and grieving, racism and race relations, women's rights, physical abuse, and religious and educational bias. By learning through his mistakes and the advice and actions of those around him, Red evolves from an angry, grieving boy to a well-adjusted, helpful big brother who can handle a shameful family legacy.-Adrienne L. Strock, Chicago Public Libraryα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.