Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
An exceptional and award-winning graphic memoir, Tommie Smith’s Victory. Stand! chronicles the inspiring life story and personal sacrifices behind his iconic 1968 Olympic podium protest. Melding Derrick Barnes’s emotionally resonant writing with Dawud Anyabwile’s dynamic illustrations, this quick yet profound history is a powerful, highly accessible tool for school libraries and classrooms looking to explore civil disobedience, sports history, and the fight against racial injustice.
This powerful historical fiction novel alternates between 1965 and 2010 to explore racism, forbidden love, and the lasting impact of the Civil Rights Movement. The reviewer highlights how Diane Chamberlain blends mystery, social justice, and emotional depth as two women uncover long buried truths in a North Carolina town. With strong themes of courage, racial injustice, and community history, this book is well suited for older teens interested in civil rights, generational stories, and historical mysteries.