Claire Hartfield

This is a nonfiction story based on the Chicago Race riot of 1919. The book tells the story of three black teenagers who went swimming in Lake Michigan and ended up accidentally swimming too close to a "white" beach. An enraged white man started throwing rocks at them and ended up striking and killing one of the boys. Racial conflict and violence erupted on the beach and in the city of Chicago. The book is also a study of social and racial matters in the United States and the connection show more between economics and strife. The book has a great layout and is rich in its history. There are many photos, and maps that that can be used as visuals in the classroom. The author is clear about the plight of the immigrants, both Black and European, and the desperation of so many, but she also plainly calls out the greed and cruelty of others.
I felt like I was there with her writing. I could feel how the characters felt, the fear, the anger, tension, the helplessness and hopelessness. The author doesn't just tell the story she tells the story of why. Why the slow progress in our country on racial matters.

The book was an impressive read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think your students will too. show less

I was at a museum at saw an exhibit about the 1919 riot and this book was listed as a resource. the audiobook was brief but clear, informative. It started with the incident at the 29th St beach and then went back a bit to develop the story of the history of Black Chicago, the Great Migration, the meat packing industry and attempts at unionization, World War I, and then circling back to the riot and its aftermath. It struck me as the author concluded the book taking about other periods of show more racial unrest and violence how frequently the same story happens throughout history and the impact of racism, particularly systemic racism has had leading to these events again and again.
I appreciated the straightforward way to learn about the summer of 1919 with this well-researched YA nonfiction work. show less

An fast moving portrait of turn of the century Chicago. It makes a compelling story that I'd never learned the details of.

Account of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. Claire Hartfield does a fantastic job of giving reasons and events that led to the riot. She also discusses in detail the participants in the riot and the effect the riot had on Chicago and America. If you like non-fiction accounts of historical events this is an excellent read. Includes many pictures of the neighborhoods and participants.