Richard Wright and the Library Card

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."

This was a great biographical account of Richad Wright, the author, during his time working for a optical company and his endeavor to gain access to the public library, off limits to him because of his skin color. It is an inspiring story, despite the general attitude of the white people that Richard encounters. Jim Falk is the white co-worker that allows him to access the library through a little trickery, claiming that Richard is checking out books for him because he's too busy to do it himself. I really liked this story and I hope that others feel the same way about the story because it really deserves the acclaim.

This is a story of a young black man with a desire to further his knowledge of reading. It is set in the early 20th century when African Americans had very little freedoms and face complete segregation. Richard, the young man, as a young child discovers a passion for reading, and when he learns to read, he is desperate to read anything he can get his hands on. However, his family cannot afford to buy him any books and laws prevent him from barrowing them. As Richard grows older and pursues a better life, he finds work with a white man who helps him to check out books from the library. The books Richard discovers change his life and his perspective of others.

This is a moving book a how passion and perseverance pays off. It makes me think show more twice of how I take reading for granted. I really like that the story provided another perspective of how segregation and racial injustice affected people in the past. I also thought the illustrations made the story come to life. They provide a widow in the surrounding of that time period.

I would definitely use this book the course of Black History month to demonstrate the extent of segregation. Child now can check out books as please, and think this book would help them identify more with the past. I would also use this book to help inspire children to read. If they knew how difficult it was for someone like Richard to even get a book to read, they might feel lead to do more reading themselves. show less

Richard Wright was a young black man with the desire to read. The problem? Due to the times, he was not permitted to use the local library...until one day a man with an open mind lent him a helping hand. A great story that shows the power of reading not only over the imagination and throughout history, but also as a means of having the ability and confidence to reach for your dreams. Recommended for new readers of all ages as well as those that simply enjoy reveling in the wonder and joy that is reading....

“Richard Wright and the Library Card” is a great story about Richard, who had a passion for reading, thanks to his mom reading him the newspaper everyday as a child. Richard felt that it was more out there for him to explore and read, especially at the library. But growing up at a time where Jim Crow laws were around and racism was everywhere, going to the library was impossible. Through much adversity, Richard Wright was able to receive a library card and was the first black man to receive a library card. His passion for reading and writing led him to fulfilling his dream of becoming a writer. This African American biography shows that with passion and dedication, anything is possible. The strong message of following your dreams show more made this also a great children’s book. show less

Richard Wright and the Library Card
Bryan O'Keeffe

This book was absolutely phenomenal. I really enjoyed reading this book. I had never previously heard of this book but I now love it. I had no idea that this was based on a true story. After finding out this was based on a real person I had no problem believing that Richard was real. I think it also helped by having the book in a realistic setting in 1920s America. That really helped putting the setting in a time that Blacks were still struggling. I think that helped with the plot and having Richard not able to check out books first. But I was really glad that he was able to read books at the end. The illustrations were really good and went well with the book. I could not tell what they show more were made with or not but I really enjoyed them. They were not sloppy at all and enhanced the story. I really enjoyed the message the author provided; never give up no matter what. show less

I thought this book did a great job of showing what a person can do if they really put their mind to it and the kindness that we can all show each other. I also thought that is was cool that they listed off the names of the authors that Richard was reading--I think even mentioning them is beneficial to readers of this book who my want to go on and read at a higher level one day.