# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home

My Books

Browse ▾

Recommendations

Choice Awards

Genres

Giveaways

New Releases

Lists

Explore

News & Interviews

Art

Biography

Business

Children's

Christian

Classics

Comics

Cookbooks

Ebooks

Fantasy

Fiction

Graphic Novels

Historical Fiction

History

Horror

Memoir

Music

Mystery

Nonfiction

Poetry

Psychology

Romance

Science

Science Fiction

Self Help

Sports

Thriller

Travel

Young Adult

More Genres

Open Preview

See a Problem?

We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Burning by Hilary Beard.

Thanks for telling us about the problem.

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Burning, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about The Burning

Community Reviews

·  244 ratings  ·  70 reviews

Start your review of The Burning: Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921

Apr 13, 2021 Gina Malanga rated it it was amazing

Only in the last few years did I learn of the Tulsa Massacre on Black Wall street but since then I have watched documentaries and read several other books about he topic. I read this book because as a teacher I loved the idea of this book having been adapted for my high school students. However, no amount of adaptation can damper to horrors of this event, 300+ African American men and women killed, miles of black businesses and wealth destroyed and the gigantic coverup by a city, a state and a n Only in the last few years did I learn of the Tulsa Massacre on Black Wall street but since then I have watched documentaries and read several other books about he topic. I read this book because as a teacher I loved the idea of this book having been adapted for my high school students. However, no amount of adaptation can damper to horrors of this event, 300+ African American men and women killed, miles of black businesses and wealth destroyed and the gigantic coverup by a city, a state and a nation. As a reader you want to believe this is all blown out of proportion, it must be exaggerated because the sheer HORROR of this attack is so palpable and because it is hard to believe humans could do something so awful to someone else, but it is true and it did happen. We also want to believe that this horrible human behavior is all in the past but is it, just look at our news channels and we know it isn’t. Stories like this deserve and need to be told, about then men and women who lost everything and those who had the strength and tenacity to rebuild again in the face of such abject hatred. This book will certainly be joining my classroom in the fall. ...more

Read for Black History Month.

Aug 11, 2021 Wil C. Fry rated it really liked it

A powerful and brutal, but necessary, account of the deadly white supremacist terror attack in Tulsa. (I grew up in Oklahoma and Texas in the 1970s and '80s; I never heard about this until well into adulthood.)

A powerful and brutal, but necessary, account of the deadly white supremacist terror attack in Tulsa. (I grew up in Oklahoma and Texas in the 1970s and '80s; I never heard about this until well into adulthood.)
...more

THE BURNING (Young Readers)
Tim Madigan
Quite a chilling read even though it was sanitized for young readers. I can't imagine that I would want to read the adult version of this event, it was all I could do to get through this one. I never fail to be amazed and appalled by the violent nature of people and how they treat others. I certainly wouldn't read this to children under 12, they have the rest of their lives to be disappointed in the human race.

5 stars

Happy REading!
THE BURNING (Young Readers)
Tim Madigan
Quite a chilling read even though it was sanitized for young readers. I can't imagine that I would want to read the adult version of this event, it was all I could do to get through this one. I never fail to be amazed and appalled by the violent nature of people and how they treat others. I certainly wouldn't read this to children under 12, they have the rest of their lives to be disappointed in the human race.

5 stars

Happy REading!
...more

Apr 03, 2021 K rated it really liked it

I have not read the book upon which this edition is based, but Hillary Beard has adapted an accessible historical informational text about Tim Madigan's The Burning; I recommend it for all school libraries. I had not read much about the Tulsa Race Massacre and Black Wall Street until recent years, unfortunately, so I learned a lot more about it by reading this book. It is presented in such a way that younger readers will be engaged in the storytelling while they are learning the tragic and viole I have not read the book upon which this edition is based, but Hillary Beard has adapted an accessible historical informational text about Tim Madigan's The Burning; I recommend it for all school libraries. I had not read much about the Tulsa Race Massacre and Black Wall Street until recent years, unfortunately, so I learned a lot more about it by reading this book. It is presented in such a way that younger readers will be engaged in the storytelling while they are learning the tragic and violent history in great detail. The book is probably better fit for older high school--not because of the topic, but because of the complexity of the event. The book goes back and provides context for the Massacre regarding some of the people and events that led to the creation of Greenwood. It also follows some of the events afterward and more recent times. Because of this, there is a lot of history and people to cover, and that can sometimes get confusing even for someone like myself who had read a book or two about the topic already. I definitely recommend this text. Many thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for the advanced copy. ...more

This is an excellent adaptation of the adult book by the same name. While the subject cannot, and should not, be sanitized for consumption it was written on a level that will help kids understand without overwhelming them. I hope it one day is on the shelves of every school library.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

I never knew about these events until listening to this book. The author is right about the world being ignorant to these kind of situations involving black people and people of color. I am glad that I have read this and know more about the terrible past that America has hidden. Black Lives Matter.

May 18, 2021 Darian rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ~*~ Thanks to NetGally for the ARC ~*~
Editorial:
Do you ever start reading a book and have it be so good that you immediately stop because you know it’s going to hurt to have it end? That was very much this for me. It really only took me a couple of days, but I kept having to take breaks because the information was overwhelming and the story presented physically hurt to consume. The fact that I have lived in this country for almost three decades and had to learn about this event from a television
~*~ Thanks to NetGally for the ARC ~*~
Editorial:
Do you ever start reading a book and have it be so good that you immediately stop because you know it’s going to hurt to have it end? That was very much this for me. It really only took me a couple of days, but I kept having to take breaks because the information was overwhelming and the story presented physically hurt to consume. The fact that I have lived in this country for almost three decades and had to learn about this event from a television show based on a comic book because my “American” history classes did not feel it necessary to share this important event from history with me is infuriating. I appreciated this adaptation of the original text and will probably buy both editions to teach from in the future.

Book:
Madigan and Beard do an excellent job laying out the importance and significance of Greenwood to Black people everywhere. Not just in Tulsa or Oklahoma, but that Greenwood had become the standard through out the US. I appreciated the detail with which the authors described the backgrounds of each of the individuals highlighted. How many of the Black men were war veterans and struggled with that acceptance once they returned back to America. How many of them had seen what was eventually done to their community done on foreign soil by occupying countries. How these men, women, and children did everything right and were still punished because of racism. There is a quote that says something like, “these people were told to pick themselves up by their boot straps and they did and were still punished for it.” That will stick with me for a long time. If I had a critique, I would suggest the end of the adaptation be reworked a little bit. I appreciated it being related to modern times, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the countless killings of people of color throughout the US. However, it doesn’t transitions smoothly like the rest of the book, so a simple rework would solve that. Finally, I appreciate the reporting of what is going on with the Greenwood commission and how lawsuits are being filed even just a few months ago.

I will be working this book into future curricula as I am sure there are still countless individuals who are unaware.
...more

The Burning: Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 (young reader’s edition) by Tim Madigan and adapted by Hilary Beard came out just in time for the 100 year anniversary of this horrific event. By adapting this true story for a younger audience Hilary Beard made both the events the that night and the entire culture of race relations in the early 20th century accessible for teens interested in history.
The audio version of this book lays out the history of lynching, the violent ra
The Burning: Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 (young reader’s edition) by Tim Madigan and adapted by Hilary Beard came out just in time for the 100 year anniversary of this horrific event. By adapting this true story for a younger audience Hilary Beard made both the events the that night and the entire culture of race relations in the early 20th century accessible for teens interested in history.
The audio version of this book lays out the history of lynching, the violent ramifications of false accusations against black Americans and the against all odds success of the Greenwood section of Tulsa. By explaining the entire history of the lynch mob mentality and what African Americans were up against the author showed how deeply catastrophic it would be to destroy an entire neighborhood, murder hundreds and then cover it up with zero restitutions. At the book’s close the authors update the current situation in America with recent police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Although this was a tough subject matter I believe many people (and not just young readers) will find new information and clarity about the entire event. This book is a mixture of both personal accounts of witnesses and historical detail and facts which makes it a little more engaging. I believe it is an important part of our shared history and needs to be told.

Specific notes on the audio version: this version was narrated by Bill Andrew Quinn. Although this narration and voice is appropriate for non-fiction I’m not sure it is engaging enough for a young audience. I personally found it a little flat.
...more

May 09, 2021 Kamrin rated it it was amazing

The Burning (Young Readers Edition) by Tim Madigan is a haunting account of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Madigan does an amazing job of giving the reader a full picture of the societal issues during this time period and before that helps you understand how the massacre came to be. As a lifelong Oklahoman, I found myself learning a lot about our own Oklahoma history, and none of what I learned was pleasant. For example, Senate Bill NUMBER ONE...the first Senate bill ever in the state of Oklahoma was The Burning (Young Readers Edition) by Tim Madigan is a haunting account of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Madigan does an amazing job of giving the reader a full picture of the societal issues during this time period and before that helps you understand how the massacre came to be. As a lifelong Oklahoman, I found myself learning a lot about our own Oklahoma history, and none of what I learned was pleasant. For example, Senate Bill NUMBER ONE...the first Senate bill ever in the state of Oklahoma was a Jim Crow bill. I wish I was surprised, but I'm not. This account was reader friendly and would give any upper middle or high school student a great outlook on the time period and the happenings in Greenwood.
In light of the new legislation passed by the Oklahoma legislatures and signed by the governor, it is sadly books like these that teachers will have a hard time teaching. Even though these books tell the true history of America and our state. However, if teachers, like yours truly, are looking for some "good trouble" this would be an important addition to every Oklahoman classroom.
...more

Warnings: violence, death, racism, massacre
This is a young reader’s version. I would recommend reading it first to see when you think your kids would be old enough to read it, but I think it’s a critical read.

The more you know the more awful you learn that this event actually was.

What a sad and needless tragedy that should never have happened.

Too few know about this event. And many more should. And should know about it in depth.

Very well researched.

When parents asked me to put together a nonfiction roundtable for middle schoolers, this book was on the top of my TBR pile. Serendipity.
We'll be reading this in the Fall for sure and I think that young readers who may never have heard about the Tulsa Race Massacre will get drawn in by the narrative tone of the text. When parents asked me to put together a nonfiction roundtable for middle schoolers, this book was on the top of my TBR pile. Serendipity.
We'll be reading this in the Fall for sure and I think that young readers who may never have heard about the Tulsa Race Massacre will get drawn in by the narrative tone of the text. ...more

It wasn’t the most captivating writing (definitely not boring) but the story is so important. Everyone should read this.

An eye opening book that provides us with the history we missed in our education about the Tulsa Massacre.
Definitely a book for more mature readers though as it is violent.

Must read.

This book needs to be required reading for high school students. I knew about the Tulsa Massacre after reading a few fiction books about it, but I didn’t get the full history. The Burning gives me the full history.
One correction for page 252: The white police officer who murdered George Floyd is Derek Chauvin, not Darren Chapin as stated in the book.

Nov 23, 2021 Amanda Rounds rated it it was amazing

I read the YA version of this book, and I feel it needs to be added to the History curriculum for more perspectives and more facts (instead of the hiding away of difficult truths).

Feb 22, 2022 Emmy rated it it was amazing

A tragic and important event in history that sadly most people know little to nothing about. I was angry and sad reading this and knowing how there are still people trying to block this and similar events from being talked about.

**Brief side note** This is a Young Readers edition - so I feel like a lot was censored. I understand why this was done, but I also was not a huge fan of it. That's just a personal preference as I don't feel like censoring language or violence in historical contexts (or any contexts) needs to happen regardless of age.
This novel contained so much history; it was dense and a lot to take in. I had to pause and reflect several times while reading it. I found myself needing to connect dots and resea
**Brief side note** This is a Young Readers edition - so I feel like a lot was censored. I understand why this was done, but I also was not a huge fan of it. That's just a personal preference as I don't feel like censoring language or violence in historical contexts (or any contexts) needs to happen regardless of age.
This novel contained so much history; it was dense and a lot to take in. I had to pause and reflect several times while reading it. I found myself needing to connect dots and research some of the glossed over aspects of the novel. In all honesty, I had only learned about the Tulsa Massacre a few years ago and it seems like even people who lived in Greenwood didn't know what really happened for a long time. It wasn't largely talked about or discussed even by residents. It horrifies me how this part of history has just been left out - it's just not there. And it makes me wonder what other truths and history is missing.

This novel has made me realize that I know next to nothing about history and that I probably should add some more nonfiction and historical novels to my life.

Recommended for: anyone who wants a brief glimpse into the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, a brief look into black wall street and a superficial historical timeline of events that occurred in Greenwood in 1921. I use brief for this as I feel like to really get into the history, events and people properly, this novel would be thousands of pages and hours of audiobook.

The author's note at the end puts this history in context of modern day events and its relevance and importance.
...more

3.5 stars
I don't know if it was the narrator's reading to blame or the adaptation to a juvenile reading level but a lot of it came off as meandering, unfocused, and dry. I also wish the author had included his background with the topic in the beginning as opposed to at the end. Regardless of any critiques of the writing and presentation I find the event to be horrifying and worth continuing to read any and all things about it.
3.5 stars
I don't know if it was the narrator's reading to blame or the adaptation to a juvenile reading level but a lot of it came off as meandering, unfocused, and dry. I also wish the author had included his background with the topic in the beginning as opposed to at the end. Regardless of any critiques of the writing and presentation I find the event to be horrifying and worth continuing to read any and all things about it.
...more

This book is a deep dive into the Tulsa Race Massacre that occurred on June 1, 1921. Tim starts the book by introducing us to the history leading up to the massacre, including the back history on several of the residents of the thriving and very successful community of Greenwood, Oklahoma. Tim weaves the history of the residents together with the events that started in an elevator on May 30 between Dick Rowland and Sarah Page, through the uprising and resulting massacre and destruction of Greenw This book is a deep dive into the Tulsa Race Massacre that occurred on June 1, 1921. Tim starts the book by introducing us to the history leading up to the massacre, including the back history on several of the residents of the thriving and very successful community of Greenwood, Oklahoma. Tim weaves the history of the residents together with the events that started in an elevator on May 30 between Dick Rowland and Sarah Page, through the uprising and resulting massacre and destruction of Greenwood, bringing this story to life in horrifying detail as we learn the fate of the residents that we have come to know. While the Tulsa Race Massacre is an event I only just learned of in the last year, I knew to expect the stories of lynching and killing of Black people, but the horror does not end there. White people cheered on the killings, and they looted the houses and businesses of Black residents. After the massacre, the community and our country managed to keep it quiet! This story needs to be told and this is an excellent book for telling it.
The young readers edition of the book has been adapted by Hilary Beard and she did a fantastic job relaying the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre while including conversations that bring the residents to life before our eyes, yet keeping all of the details and violence so the story is not watered down in any way. You should feel very uncomfortable reading this book very a good reason. I hope young readers everywhere will get to read this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the advanced ready copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review. I loved the book, however the narrator did not work for me. I felt like he was only reading the book. With a little animation added to his voice the book could have been brought to life, which I think would be necessary for young readers to keep their attention for the full 8 hours of the book. Also, he did not pause long enough between sections of the book which sometimes made it hard for me to realize we were onto something new.
...more

May 29, 2021 Susan rated it really liked it

Audiobook provided by NetGalley and Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
With the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre coming up in a few days, this was a timely read. What happened to Black Wall Street was an atrocious event in history that more people should know about, it should be taught widely in schools. This history should be known, it needs to be known.

Hilary Beard's adaptation of Tim Madigan's novel THE BURNING, has made the text accessible to a younger audience along w
Audiobook provided by NetGalley and Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
With the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre coming up in a few days, this was a timely read. What happened to Black Wall Street was an atrocious event in history that more people should know about, it should be taught widely in schools. This history should be known, it needs to be known.

Hilary Beard's adaptation of Tim Madigan's novel THE BURNING, has made the text accessible to a younger audience along with bringing current events into the discussion of racial inequalities in this country.

This is a nonfiction book.... and it reads like one. Which isn't a bad thing, but I can see how this could feel like reading a textbook, and that might deter some kids from giving it a chance. And while Bill Andrew Quinn does a really good job with the audiobook, I felt like some of the formatting in the beginning when everyone was being introduced got a bit confusing, I don't think that would happen when reading the physical text.
...more

I read Dreamland Burning years ago and was immediately interested in learning more about the Tulsa fire of 1921. Of course, like so much other history taught in schools, this event was never mentioned. It makes me mad and angry that the powers that be get to pick and choose the lessons and events children are taught - and that someone, somewhere is fine with leaving these gaping holes in that education. How are we supposed to learn from the past if we're not presented with a factual past? At thi I read Dreamland Burning years ago and was immediately interested in learning more about the Tulsa fire of 1921. Of course, like so much other history taught in schools, this event was never mentioned. It makes me mad and angry that the powers that be get to pick and choose the lessons and events children are taught - and that someone, somewhere is fine with leaving these gaping holes in that education. How are we supposed to learn from the past if we're not presented with a factual past? At this point, that is a rhetorical question, but one that begs an answer.
I love that this book is geared towards young adults and can only hope teachers will pick it up as a supplement to their school's curriculum. If not, I hope parents stumble upon it and get it to share with their children. After all, it is through our children that we even have hope of a better , more humane, world moving forward.
...more

May 16, 2021 Katie rated it it was amazing

Growing up in Arkansas, I did not know about the Tulsa Race Massacre until 2020, when I read Tim Madigan’s The Burning. I was appreciative of Madigan’s account of a horrific, long-buried event in American history. Hilary Beard’s adaption of The Burning for young readers adds additional context that further makes this an important must-read for young adults and adults alike.
What I especially appreciated about this edition of The Burning was that events of the 1920s are explicitly linked to today
Growing up in Arkansas, I did not know about the Tulsa Race Massacre until 2020, when I read Tim Madigan’s The Burning. I was appreciative of Madigan’s account of a horrific, long-buried event in American history. Hilary Beard’s adaption of The Burning for young readers adds additional context that further makes this an important must-read for young adults and adults alike.
What I especially appreciated about this edition of The Burning was that events of the 1920s are explicitly linked to today — there is extensive discussion of how slavery and reconstruction led to the events in Greenwood and continuing white supremacy and racism in the United States has led to the murder of Emmitt Till, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many others.

Teachers should be adding this to their classroom reading lists immediately, it is brimming with discussion potential. In addition, there is an long list of resources for further antiracist reading and research at the end that should not be overlooked.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the advance digital copy of this book.
...more

Pull yourself up by boot straps, work hard - that’s all it takes to be successful. - this is what the American Dream is. Yet, when Black Tulsans did just that from the early
1900s to 1921- racist white Americans couldn’t stand to see their success and burned it all down - killing nearly 300 people in the process. A massacre that started, as so many acts of racially motivated terrorist attacks did at that time, because a white woman falsely accused a Black man of attacking her. When I think about Pull yourself up by boot straps, work hard - that’s all it takes to be successful. - this is what the American Dream is. Yet, when Black Tulsans did just that from the early
1900s to 1921- racist white Americans couldn’t stand to see their success and burned it all down - killing nearly 300 people in the process. A massacre that started, as so many acts of racially motivated terrorist attacks did at that time, because a white woman falsely accused a Black man of attacking her. When I think about how I had never even HEARD of the Tulsa Massacre until I saw it on HBO’s The Watchman (and had to Google if it had in fact actually happened), I am both unsurprised and horrified at the lengths that white Tulsans must have gone to in order to cover up their act of terrorism. The most vicious and violent attacks on America, we’ve always been taught were perpetrated by outsiders - others - but in reality - THIS attack, by white Americans, is more brutal and more depraved than the acts of violence and destruction seen in times of war. As we approach the 100 year anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre in June 1, it is still an area of history that goes untaught, and we continue to see Black lives murdered at the hands of racist white Americans. Every American history class needs to teach about this moment in history, students need to understand that white supremacy isn’t something that can be ignored any longer. ...more

Awesome book! It leads me to really think that they act like they really like black people. But they really don’t. They didn’t want us to be successful. They hated our drive and motivation. And you still see a lot of those coverups. They still killing us and they scare to face the truth. I promise you’ll never see a book like this in a school. It’s just sad though. God will never forget about us. God will never forget them. That race that has caused my sisters and brothers so much pain. I have n Awesome book! It leads me to really think that they act like they really like black people. But they really don’t. They didn’t want us to be successful. They hated our drive and motivation. And you still see a lot of those coverups. They still killing us and they scare to face the truth. I promise you’ll never see a book like this in a school. It’s just sad though. God will never forget about us. God will never forget them. That race that has caused my sisters and brothers so much pain. I have no room for hatred but these type of crimes I loathe ‘em so much it just becomes a habit for me to speak with my heart. Despicable, unspeakable, too horrific to put it into words. God will take care of THEM. That race that has done so much damage. God bless us. God reform and rebuild and bless America ✊🏿 ...more

I received this audiobook as an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Tantor Audio.
This book tells the history of the massacre that took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 1, 1921. It is brutal and horrific history of one of the most violent assaults in America. While knowledge of this event is growing, it still remains unknown to most Americans.

The original version of the book was published in 2001. It has been adapted by Hilary Beard into a young readers edition. The writing is powerful and
I received this audiobook as an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Tantor Audio.
This book tells the history of the massacre that took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 1, 1921. It is brutal and horrific history of one of the most violent assaults in America. While knowledge of this event is growing, it still remains unknown to most Americans.

The original version of the book was published in 2001. It has been adapted by Hilary Beard into a young readers edition. The writing is powerful and does not hold back in retelling of the details of that brutal day. It gives the reader larger context of the massacre through explaining white supremacy and structural racism; and connects the 1921 race riots to some of the tragic events in present day America such as the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, impacts of COVID-19, and the Emmet Till Antilynching Act.

It is an eye-opening read for teenage and adult readers alike.
...more

WOW this book. i am consistently impressed with the depth and quality of some young readers adaptations of heavy, essential history, and this is one that was done thoughtfully and meaningfully. it was adapted by hilary beard, who did an incredible job, and also added more content and context about black women than the original contained. i cannot imagine that i will stop thinking about this book ever--it was deeply emotionally resonant, so informative, and offered so much material that white sup WOW this book. i am consistently impressed with the depth and quality of some young readers adaptations of heavy, essential history, and this is one that was done thoughtfully and meaningfully. it was adapted by hilary beard, who did an incredible job, and also added more content and context about black women than the original contained. i cannot imagine that i will stop thinking about this book ever--it was deeply emotionally resonant, so informative, and offered so much material that white supremacy has buried for a really long time. it was a journalistic history, focusing a lot on people but without ignoring the bigger picture. i cannot recommend it highly enough. ...more

May 19, 2021 Katie Graham rated it it was amazing

This was an excellent adaptation for young adult readers! I learned so much from the book and appreciate both the insight of the past and it’s connection to the present and the Black Lives Matter movement. The book depicts horrific acts perpetrated by white supremacy but ends with a reserved hope. There is still much work to be done. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Copy of the audiobook. The narrator was decent, though at times felt clinical and disconnected from the text. This was an excellent adaptation for young adult readers! I learned so much from the book and appreciate both the insight of the past and it’s connection to the present and the Black Lives Matter movement. The book depicts horrific acts perpetrated by white supremacy but ends with a reserved hope. There is still much work to be done. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Copy of the audiobook. The narrator was decent, though at times felt clinical and disconnected from the text. Highly recommend! ...more

Aug 07, 2021 Shannon rated it it was amazing

Every American should read this book. I went to college in Tulsa and NEVER learned about this genocide. Based off of lies and a twisted spin at a white run newspaper…wow. Just wow. Not only did the KKK and whites in general destroy buildings and businesses, but they then looted and robbed families, preventing them from the generational wealth that they had worked for. And then after Black Tulsans rebuilt Greenwood, white people had the audacity to go back to the shops and stores and act like not Every American should read this book. I went to college in Tulsa and NEVER learned about this genocide. Based off of lies and a twisted spin at a white run newspaper…wow. Just wow. Not only did the KKK and whites in general destroy buildings and businesses, but they then looted and robbed families, preventing them from the generational wealth that they had worked for. And then after Black Tulsans rebuilt Greenwood, white people had the audacity to go back to the shops and stores and act like nothing happened. ...more

Nov 19, 2021 Ms. Mester rated it really liked it

4.5 I haven't read the adult version but Beard's intro was personal to her adaptation and I thought made the telling stronger. A little dense at times but well rendered. Definitely a more in-depth account of what happened, so you'd likely want kids to read this after an introduction paired from something like Unspeakable or Across the Tracks: Remembering the Tulsa Race Massacre and Black Wall Street. Would be a good place for adults to start if you don't yet know the details of this horrific inc 4.5 I haven't read the adult version but Beard's intro was personal to her adaptation and I thought made the telling stronger. A little dense at times but well rendered. Definitely a more in-depth account of what happened, so you'd likely want kids to read this after an introduction paired from something like Unspeakable or Across the Tracks: Remembering the Tulsa Race Massacre and Black Wall Street. Would be a good place for adults to start if you don't yet know the details of this horrific incident in history. ...more

News & Interviews

Need another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? We've got you covered with the buzziest new releases of the day. To create our...

Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of the worst acts of racial violence in American history took place in 1921, when a White mob numbering in the thousands decimated th...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
in Tulsa, Oklahoma, The United States

Floyd Cooper was an American children's book illustrator and author who focused on Black history. He received a Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations in Joyce Carol Thomas'
The Blacker the Berry. He also received several Coretta Scott King Honors for his illustrations....more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
in Tulsa, Oklahoma, The United States Floyd Cooper was an American children's book illustrator and author who focused on Black history. He received a Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations in Joyce Carol Thomas' The Blacker the Berry. He also received several Coretta Scott King Honors for his illustrations....more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
,

Home

My Books

Browse ▾

Recommendations

Choice Awards

Genres

Giveaways

New Releases

Lists

Explore

News & Interviews

Art

Biography

Business

Children's

Christian

Classics

Comics

Cookbooks

Ebooks

Fantasy

Fiction

Graphic Novels

Historical Fiction

History

Horror

Memoir

Music

Mystery

Nonfiction

Poetry

Psychology

Romance

Science

Science Fiction

Self Help

Sports

Thriller

Travel

Young Adult

More Genres

Discover new books on Goodreads

See if your friends have read any of Carole Boston Weatherford's books

Carole Boston Weatherford’s Followers (280)

Carole Boston Weatherford

Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's book author and poet who "mines the past for family stories, fading traditions, and forgotten struggles." A number of Weatherford's books tell the stories of African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the Greensboro Sit-ins and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. Weatherford's books have received a wide variety of awards, including a Caldecott Honor for Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's book author and poet who "mines the past for family stories, fading traditions, and forgotten struggles." A number of Weatherford's books tell the stories of African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the Greensboro Sit-ins and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. Weatherford's books have received a wide variety of awards, including a Caldecott Honor for Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. ...more

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

4.36 avg rating — 5,801 ratings — published 2006 — 7 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

4.42 avg rating — 2,776 ratings — published 2021 — 6 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Freedom in Congo Square
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

R. Gregory Christie (Illustrator),

Freddi Williams Evans (Foreword)

4.26 avg rating — 2,641 ratings — published 2016 — 8 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)

4.31 avg rating — 2,516 ratings — published 2015 — 4 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

3.82 avg rating — 1,360 ratings — published 2020 — 4 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Eric Velásquez (Illustrator)

4.11 avg rating — 1,176 ratings — published 2017

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Jerome Lagarrigue (Illustrator)

4.35 avg rating — 965 ratings — published 2004 — 6 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Jamey Christoph (Illustrator)

4.15 avg rating — 860 ratings — published 2015 — 5 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

4.25 avg rating — 676 ratings — 2 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom
by
Carole Boston Weatherford,

Michele Wood (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator)

4.09 avg rating — 651 ratings — published 2020 — 4 editions

Error rating book. Refresh and try again.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

More books by Carole Boston Weatherford…

“I was so hungry to learn. My mother drilled this into me. When you read,she said, you know--and you can help yourself and others.”
― Carole Boston Weatherford

“I was so hungry to learn. My mother drilled this into me. When you read, she said, you know--and you can help yourself and others.”
― Carole Boston Weatherford, Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer

Polls

What book should we read in March?
You may write in titles, provided the book is a 2017 Newbery contender and already published.

Pax by Pennypacker (write-in)

Freedom in Congo Square (write-in)

freedom in congo square (write-in)

More...

Topics Mentioning This Author

Is this you? Let us know. If not, help out and invite Carole to Goodreads.

Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Author of Moses, Unspeakable, and Freedom in Congo Square

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I didn't think this would be a very significant read just judging by the cover even though it's definitely pretty. I honestly thought this was going to be a romance involving time travel of some sort making it historical fiction. In truth, there's barely any romance. Definitely my bad.

The writing is amazing, a blend of classic and contemporary with heart and humor despite the heavy themes of the story. Mystery (mainly triggered by the skeleton found at Rowan Chase's property) is also a huge elem...more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I didn't think this would be a very significant read just judging by the cover even though it's definitely pretty. I honestly thought this was going to be a romance involving time travel of some sort making it historical fiction. In truth, there's barely any romance. Definitely my bad.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The debate between which Negro leader, Booker T. Washington or W.E.B. Du Bois, staunch ideas could produce Black freedom to alleviate the pains of slavery was a major part of this novel. This historical fiction is about Isaiah Wilson and Angel Hill who are teenager's, set in May 1921, in the Greenwood section of Tulsa, OK referred to as the "Negro Wall Street of America" twelve days prior to the race riot that destroyed their home, businesses, and interrupted their life's. The race riot is a tru ...more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Kristi Housman Confessions of a YA Reader

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The debate between which Negro leader, Booker T. Washington or W.E.B. Du Bois, staunch ideas could produce Black freedom to alleviate the pains of slavery was a major part of this novel.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It is the year 1921 and, at the corner of Greenwood and Archer, lies Black Wall Street . Over 300 businesses can be found here, and they are all supported heavily by the residents of this thriving community.

It is a time of racial segregation in America and one significant encounter causes a spark to become a flame. Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community uncovers the beauty of the Black-owned businesses and residential hub located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This book tells how a community rebounded from a tragic event, and restored the legacy of entrepreneurship, success and the importance of community. These events went on to affect the whole country, and impacted the growth of many other communities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community [Barnes, LaQuitta] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Black Wall Street: The Spirit of Community

# data[].attributes.headline
A Kids Book About the Tulsa Race Massacre

# data[].attributes.subject
A Kids Book About the Tulsa Race Massacre

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"What can we learn from the people of Greenwood? Pieces of this story still exist today: in cities across the country, in small towns, and maybe even in your neighborhood."

The Tulsa Race Massacre happened between May 31 and June 1, 1921, when a white mob attacked the predominantly Black Greenwood neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To this day, this is one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history-and one of the most forgotten. This book will help kids understand what happened on that day in 1921 and encourage them to learn from our past and keep history from repeating itself.

Carlos Moreno (he/him) grew up in Silicon Valley, California. When he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a young website developer, Greenwood welcomed him with open arms. He lives in Tulsa to this day, now with his wife and daughter, working as a graphic designer, writer, and community advocate.

Core themes in this book:

Racism, History, Resilience, Hope

Meet A Kids Company About , a new kind of media company with a collection of beautifully designed books that kickstart challenging, empowering, and important conversations for kids and their grownups. Learn more about us at akidsco.com .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Kids Book About The Tulsa Race Massacre

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Kids Book About The Tulsa Race Massacre [Carlos Moreno] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A Kids Book About The Tulsa Race Massacre

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A searing new work of nonfiction from award-winning author Brandy Colbert about the history and legacy of one of the most deadly and destructive acts of racial violence in American history: the Tulsa Race Massacre.
In the early morning of June 1, 1921, a white mob marched across the train tracks in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and into its predominantly Black Greenwood District—a thriving, affluent neighborhood known as America's Black Wall Street. They brought with them firearms, gasoline, and explosives.

In a few short hours, they'd razed thirty-five square blocks to the ground, leaving hundreds dead. The Tulsa Race Massacre is one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in US history. But how did it come to pass? What exactly happened? And why are the events unknown to so many of us today?

These are the questions that award-winning author Brandy Colbert seeks to answer in this unflinching nonfiction account of the Tulsa Race Massacre. In examining the tension that was brought to a boil by many factors—white resentment of Black economic and political advancement, the resurgence of white supremacist groups, the tone and perspective of the media, and more—a portrait is drawn of an event singular in its devastation, but not in its kind. It is part of a legacy of white violence that can be traced from our country's earliest days through Reconstruction, the Civil Rights movement in the mid–twentieth century, and the fight for justice and accountability Black Americans still face today.

The Tulsa Race Massacre has long failed to fit into the story Americans like to tell themselves about the history of their country. This book, ambitious and intimate in turn, explores the ways in which the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre is the story of America—and by showing us who we are, points to a way forward.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Black Birds in the Sky book. Read 312 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. A searing new work of nonfiction from award-winning author ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I've been seeing quiet a few of these Girls Survive books around the library so I decided to pick this one up. From my understanding, each of these books takes a historical event and tells it from the perspective of a young girl. They are written in a way that is both educational and accessible for a younger audience. This was no different. It covers what life was like for Black residents of Greenwood before the Massacre and what eventually led to the tragic events. I appreciated the fact that S...more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I've been seeing quiet a few of these Girls Survive books around the library so I decided to pick this one up. From my understanding, each of these books takes a historical event and tells it from the perspective of a young girl.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's storytime at Grandme's house, and Keith has never heard the story of Black Wall Street.He's never heard of the vibrant Black business district that once existed in Tulsa, Oklahoma.He's never heard that it sustained over 600 businesses, a church, schools, libraries, theaters, clothing stores, restaurants, and a hospital! It had ice cream and candy stores too.He's also never heard that the first bombs that ever fell on American soil were on Black Wall Street. And he's never heard of the terrible events of May 1920 that razed it all to the ground.Have you?Sit down and listen to Grandme's story to find out what happened and be proud of the way the Black Wall Street people worked together and supported one another.Maybe you will be inspired to become an entrepreneur just like them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Promised Deferred: The Massacre of Black Wall Street

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's storytime at Grandme's house, and Keith has never heard the story of Black Wall Street.He's never heard of the vibrant Black business district that once existed in Tulsa, Oklahoma.He's never heard that it sustained over 600 businesses, a church, schools, libraries, theaters, clothing stores,...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
*Thank you to the publisher for providing this copy for ALAN conference participants.

ACROSS THE TRACKS is a graphic presentation of the history of Greenwood, OK, Black Wall Street, and the Tulsa Race Massacre. In 1906 O. W. Gurley founded the Greenwood community. After its formation, countless black professionals, business owners, and others created a community opposite the railroad tracks from Tulsa, OK.

From 1906 until 1921, Greenwood grew. Starting with a grocery store, Greenwood welcomed Afr...more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thank you to the publisher for providing this copy for ALAN conference participants. ACROSS THE TRACKS is a graphic presentation of the history of Greenwood, OK, Black Wall Street, and the Tulsa Race Massacre. In 1906 O. W. Gurley founded the Greenwood community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
0:00 / 0:57•Watch full video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unspeakable The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre Book Trailer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
0:00 / 4:20•Watch full video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Floyd Cooper Reads from Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre and Shares His Family Connection

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
0:00 / 3:07•Watch full video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
UNSPEAKABLE: The Tulsa Race Massacre: Author backstory.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
0:00 / 7:57•Watch full video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre | Kids Read Aloud Book | Black History Month Read Aloud |

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre (Literally Cultured Read Aloud)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
0:00 / 8:33•Watch full video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Burning of Black Wall Street - Tulsa, OK - Extra History

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Black Wall Street for Kids - Tulsa Race Massacre | History for Kids | Seed of Melanin Kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Massacre | Kids Books Read Aloud | Seed of Melanin Kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Animation Series: UNSPEAKABLE; The Tulsa Race Massacre (#AtlantisBuild)