William Miller (2) (1959–)

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the way the author made the characters Tia and Miss Hartwell learn to care for one another. Simple acts such as rubbing each other’s tired hands with warm salt water made them friends. “’A friend of mine taught me this trick,’ Miss Hartwell said, gently rubbing Tia’s hands with the warm cloth.” I also like how the author used the character Johnny as an antagonist who showed the opposition against friendships between the wealthy white folk and show more the poor African Americans of the time. “All white people’s money is the same. I don’t care which ones I get it from.” This story teaches us that the love of music can bring even the youngest and oldest generations together. show less

I loved this spin on Rosa Park's story of standing her ground on a segregated bus in the 1960s. William Miller truly transforms this historic event through the eyes of a child. It was so powerful to see a child as the main character, a child making a stand, a child being fearless, and a child becoming a hero. Rosa Parks made such a statement and inspired so many, and "The Bus Ride" lets children of all ages understand that they too can stand up for what they believe in despite what is widely show more accepted. Social justice is no longer an issue for solely for the grownups. show less

This is a beautiful, poignant children's picture book of the true story of Richard Wright, author of Black Boy and Native Son. It tells of Wright's desire to read books as a young boy, how he was able to get hold of library books with the aid of a white work colleague, and how he was finally able to read the books that he wanted. As this book's author William Miller said about books when he ended this story, "Every page was a ticket to freedom, to the place where he would always be free."

When Sonny's mom gets laid off from her job, the two are afraid they won't be able to pay rent. Sonny goes to look for a second job in the French Quarter when he runs into jazz musician Smilin Jack. Smilin Jack suggests they throw a rent party, a way to have fun and also raise enough money to pay the rent. He said they did this all the time in Mississippi. The party was a success, and got Sonny wanting to play jazz music too.
I loved this book. New Orleans as the setting was perfect, the show more dialogue between all the characters felt natural, and the art was beautiful. It didn't shy away from acknowledging racist housing polices, and showed the strength of a community who was tired of discrimination. show less