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Children's Corretta Scott King Winner: Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford



 Whimsy & Wisdom: Review of Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Book Title: Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford Genre/Category: Children's Nonfiction Target Age Group: 8-12 years

Plot Summary:
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford is a powerful picture book that tells the story of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, a tragic event in American history that resulted in the destruction of the prosperous Black community in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through evocative prose and vivid illustrations, the book provides an age-appropriate yet unflinching account of the events leading up to, during, and after the massacre, highlighting the resilience and strength of the Black community.

Justification for Title Selection:
I chose Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre because it is a crucial book that addresses a significant and often overlooked part of American history. The book's ability to present such a sensitive and painful topic in a way that is accessible and educational for young readers is commendable. This title is essential for fostering awareness and understanding of historical injustices, making it an invaluable addition to Whimsy and Wisdom. Additionally, as a Corretta Scott King Award winner, it represents excellence in African American literature for children.

Format Note:
I read Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre as a hardcover purchased from Amazon.com. The physical format allowed me to fully appreciate the book's design, including the impactful illustrations that play a crucial role in conveying the story's emotional depth.

Critical Evaluation:

  1. Tone: The tone of Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre is respectful, somber, and reflective. Carole Boston Weatherford handles the subject matter with sensitivity and care, ensuring that young readers understand the gravity of the events without being overwhelmed. The narrative is straightforward yet poignant, encouraging readers to reflect on the injustice and resilience depicted. Weatherford's tone helps create an atmosphere of empathy and understanding, making the historical event more relatable and impactful for children.

  2. Setting: The setting of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is vividly brought to life through both the text and illustrations. Weatherford describes the thriving Black community, often referred to as "Black Wall Street," with rich detail, highlighting its cultural and economic vibrancy before the massacre. This depiction provides a stark contrast to the devastation that follows, emphasizing the loss and the resilience of the survivors. The setting serves as a critical backdrop that enhances the reader's understanding of the community's significance and the magnitude of the tragedy.

  3. Illustrations: Floyd Cooper's illustrations in Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre are both beautiful and haunting. His artwork captures the spirit and vitality of the Greenwood District before the massacre, as well as the sorrow and devastation that followed. Cooper's use of muted colors and detailed expressions adds emotional depth to the narrative, helping young readers connect with the story on a visceral level. The illustrations not only complement Weatherford's prose but also stand alone as a powerful visual representation of the events and their impact.

APA Citation:

Weatherford, C. B. (2021). Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre (F. Cooper, Illus.). Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books.

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