Starred Review The odds are stacked against Ellis Earl Brown. He is a poor Black child growing up in the Mississippi Delta in the 1960s, but he dreams of becoming a teacher or a lawyer like Thurgood Marshall or Marian Wright Edelman. As one of the two children that his family can afford to send to school, Ellis Earl makes certain not to squander his opportunity. His teacher, Mr. Foster, cultivates Ellis Earl's tenacity and talent by giving him books to share with his family. In one of these books, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ellis Earl sees a struggling family live happily ever, which gives him hope for his own family's future. As a special honor, Mr. Foster invites Ellis Earl to be part of a welcoming party for Senator Robert Kennedy, who is embarking on a historic tour of the Mississippi Delta. But Ellis Earl's dreams may have to be put on hold if his mom and older brothers can't find regular work, as the boy would be forced to quit school. Drawing from her own childhood experiences, Jackson (Midnight without a Moon, 2017) creates a compelling story about racism, poverty, and the power of community to help lift people up. This title is an excellent recommendation for any young reader looking for new books about the civil rights era.

An 11-year-old and his family struggle to maintain hope as they cope with poverty in an African American community in the Mississippi Delta during the 1960s.Ellis Earl Brown lives with his family of 11 in Wilsonville, Mississippi. His father died in an accident, and although his mother has difficulty providing enough food, sometimes they make room for others in need. His teacher, Mr. Foster, brings lunch for his students as well as offering rides to and from school. School is the place where Ellis Earl is happy. He finds solace in the new book he borrowed from Mr. Foster. His teacher uses Jet magazine to teach the class important things about the larger world that Black kids need to know. Ellis Earl wants to be just like him someday-or perhaps a lawyer like Thurgood Marshall. The family's fortunes take a turn for the better after Mr. Foster invites Ellis Earl to participate in the Easter program at his church and includes him in a group welcoming Sen. Robert Kennedy to the area. Jackson draws on her personal history to show real people behind Kennedy's historic visit, which bolstered support for essential social programs. She successfully presents individuals who, despite grinding poverty, nurtured hopes and dreams, and she highlights those like Mr. Foster and his church community who shared what they had with those in need.Rich in detail; offers readers immediacy and connection. (author's notes) (Historical fiction. 8-12)