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THE SILENCE OF OUR FRIENDS: THE CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE WAS NEVER BLACK OR WHITE

Silence of our friends
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Long
Author's First Name: 
Mark
Second Author's First Name: 
Jim
Second Author's Last Name: 
Demonakos
Illustrator's First Name: 
Nate
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Powell
Publisher: 
First Second
Publication Date: 
2012
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

This graphic novel takes place in Texas in 1968 at the height of racial tensions during the Civil Rights movement. A white man and a black man decided to trust one another for the cause - a difficult decision for both of them and their families. Fourteen and Up. Joan Kindig

Comments

Notes for March 23 Positive

by ladamson - 03/29/2012 - 10:25am

Notes for March 23

Positive Comments:

  • This book is very real and convincing graphic nonfiction.
  • Emotionally engaging and interesting, the story has intensity, with appropriate wordless sequences. 
  • The alternate viewpoints add to the story.
  • The lack of color in the black and white art surprisingly emphasizes the story.
  • The subtlety of language and storyline adds depth and reality. 
  • Effective scribbles in bubbles offer a “background” noise. 

Observations:

  • The intense language will keep it off middle-school library shelves.

Concerns:

  • The story confuses in several places. 
  • Some text is too small to read in the scribbly speech bubbles, even though part of the story.