Pamela M. Tuck

In my opinion this is a very well written book with a clear and strong message. I found the plot of the story to be the most important. The book takes place during the Civil Rights movement and the end of segregation in the school system. The main character Mason Steele is given a typewriter as a gift and uses that gift to send a very powerful message to the community. After teaching himself how to type, he is entered into a typing contest that includes other high schools in the county. show more Mason is immediately singled out for being black and not only does he win the contest, he breaks all of the records. Mason is able to do this with a manual typewriter while all of the other contestants used electric typewriters. At the end of the story Mason's principal asked him why he used the manual, and Mason replies, "Because it reminds me where I come from sir." This small line is the most powerful in the story because it shows the obstacles that Mason had to go through to get to this point. While it is a short book, I think it pushes the reader to think about the many issues surrounding segregation and the Civil Rights movement and is able to convey the hardships and prejudice that many had the live through in a meaningful way that is tailored to a younger audience. I love this book because it reminds myself that actions can speak louder than words and using the gifts we are given to perform those actions can make all of the difference. show less

Mason was always helping his father write letters for his civil right groups and one day, the civil rights group thanked Mason by gifting him a typewriter. That summer, Mason and his brothers picked Tabacco during the day and Mason practiced typing at night. After summer ended and Mason started his third week of high school, Mason's dad gave him and his brothers some big news, they will be attending a new school, a predominately white school. When Mason and his brothers finally arrived at show more the school, they weren't very welcomed. Despite the odds, Mason did well in school and he loved typing class, but the teacher, Ms. Roberts did not like Mason. Eventually, Mason needed money for typing paper and supplies so Mason got a position in the school library. Ms. Turner, the librarian gave him a job to type onto index cards and was rather impressed with Mason's typing skills. Out of nowhere, Mason was fired from the library and Pa opened up an investigation the next day with other civil rights workers where they discovered that Mason was fired because Ms. Turner's husband didn't want her staying late with a "Negro boy," so Mason was then rehired. One day, Ms. Roberts held a typing competition in her class to decide who will represent the school in their annual typing tournament. When Mason was announced the winner, the students were not happy that a black boy was representing their school. In the tournament, the typists were to choose between an electric typewriter and a manual typewriter. Electric typewriters were a lot faster, but still, Mason chose the manual typewriter. After the tournament, Mason was announced the winner and not a single person in the audience applauded even though Mason broke all previous typing records as well. Mr. Bullock, the principal, accepted the plaque and Mason received nothing. When Mr. Bullock asked Mason why he chose the manual typewriter instead of the electric, Mason replied, "It reminds me of where I come from."

I really enjoyed this story. This story has so much meaning behind it, which is something I always look for in a book. This would be a great book to help students learn a little bit more about civil rights and segregation as well as teaching students about bravery, persistence, and determination. I loved that Mason chose the manual typewriter at the end rather than the electric typewriter. I think reminded Mason of where he came from, not only because he owned one and that how he began typing, but also because it goes beyond just that. The manual typewriter served as a symbol; it was never favored by anyone, just like Mason. show less

This book is a historical fiction picture book based on a true story, set during the Civil Rights Movement. It tells the inspiring story of Mason Steele, a young African American boy in 1960s North Carolina, who uses his typing skills and determination to help break racial barriers in his community.
The book conveys powerful themes of courage, perseverance, and the impact of fighting for social justice. It shows how small actions, like Mason's typing, can contribute to larger movements for show more change and equality. I believe it's an inspiring reminder of the importance of using one's talents to make a difference. show less

I love this book for so many reasons. It not only makes the civil rights movement real and approachable for students, it also shows students how to take action and use there abilities to help change peoples minds and the world around them. Mason uses his typing skills to show everyone that he belongs. While we don't get to see a grand turn around of peoples believes in this story we do get to see slow progress in a real and tangible way for students.