ALA Booklist (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2006)

The last of the trilogy that includes No More! (2002) and Free at Last! (2004), this stirring picture book draws on first-person accounts from famous leaders of the civil rights movement as well as testimonies of unsung heroes. The brutality is evident horrific memories of segregation and the violence of hate groups. But there are also triumphant stories, some in Rappaport's present-tense narrative, about Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and many more. Martin Luther KingJr.'s leadership role and his famous I have a dream speech are celebrated, but Malcolm X gets little attention. Whereas most histories of this period are illustrated with famous documentary photos, this one features dramatic oil paintings, which show close up the courage of young people confronting hatred at sit-ins, on freedom rides, and behind bars. A detailed chronology, source notes, and a bibliography will connect readers with the many other fine biographies and histories of this period, such as Ellen Levine's Freedom's Children (1992) and Diane McWhorter's A Dream of Freedom (2004).

Horn Book (Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2007)

Completing a trilogy (No More!, Free at Last!), Rappaport recalls pivotal events of the 1950s and 1960s, reprising the injustices that led to massive protests. Dramatic stories, words, and songs are all surveyed in the brief text. Evans's oil paintings make the menace of racial hatred palpable while celebrating the steadfast moral power of courageously peaceful individuals. Reading list, source notes. Bib., ind.

Kirkus Reviews

Following on the heels of No More! (2002) and Free at Last (2004) is the third in this striking trilogy documenting African-American history. Rappaport and Evans follow the pattern already established, presenting a conventional narration interwoven with present-tense accounts of individuals' experiences, songs, and an occasional poem; the whole is stunningly illustrated with Evans's monumental oils, which represent the incidents described in the text with almost iconic fervor. For all its strengths, however, this offering pales in comparison to the first two installments in the trilogy, perhaps because this era has been so relatively well-covered in other works for young people. The technique of "recreating" incidents from first-person accounts in particular has a tendency to fall flat—as these accounts are so readily available and powerful in their own right, one must question why so few activists are allowed to speak with their own voices. Following on the heels of No More! (2002) and Free at Last (2004) is the third in this striking trilogy documenting African-American history. Rappaport and Evans follow the pattern already established, presenting a conventional narration interwoven with present-tense accounts of individuals' experiences, songs, and an occasional poem; the whole is stunningly illustrated with Evans's monumental oils, which represent the incidents described in the text with almost iconic fervor. For all its strengths, however, this offering pales in comparison to the first two installments in the trilogy, perhaps because this era has been so relatively well-covered in other works for young people. The technique of "recreating" incidents from first-person accounts in particular has a tendency to fall flat—as these accounts are so readily available and powerful in their own right, one must question why so few activists are allowed to speak with their own voices. Rather than increasing the immediacy of the experience, as it did in the earlier volumes, it serves to distance the reader from people and events, which is a pity considering its beauty. (timeline, source notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-This is the concluding book in a trilogy that chronicles the black experience in America. Rappaport draws on songs, poems, memories, letters, court testimony, and first-person accounts to provide a moving portrayal of the experiences of African Americans from the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Voting Rights Act in July 1965. The book introduces little-known as well as famous figures and incidents in a way that is fresh and informative. One example is the story of Mose Wright, who testified in the Emmett Till murder case-a black man who had never spoken up against a white man, but is determined to tell the truth today. Evans's earth-toned oil paintings enhance the stories with images that are by turns poignant, sad, hurtful, resigned, determined, hopeful, and triumphant. In a concluding artist's note, Evans eloquently states: "...as you read the words and gaze at the images in this `ourstory,' put yourselves in the shoes of these people who fought and loved so hard, for they are all of us." A wonderful resource to enhance curriculum units on African-American history.-Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Voice of Youth Advocates

Rappaport and Evans conclude their powerful trilogy chronicling the African American experience through stories, songs, and paintings with this compelling volume that covers the years between the Brown vs. Board of Education decision in 1954 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The author uses a multidisciplinary approach to document the movementÆs victories, horrors, and hope. This book is ideal for classroom and library settings, with just enough information and firsthand stories to intrigue readers and urge them to search for more. Rapparort includes the more well-known figures in the movement, such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as many whom Rappaport rightly calls ônot-yet-celebrated heroes.ö EvansÆs bold paintings, music and lyrics for many important protest songs and spirituals, short present-tense stories from the point of view of people involved in the movement, poems, and speeches work together to make the history come alive. Updates on some of the people mentioned in the book, a time line, two bibliographies, and a detailed index will certainly make it a popular choice for projects or as an introduction to the topic. Earlier titles were Free At Last: Songs and Stories of Emancipation (Candlewick, 2006) and No More! Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance (2005).ùVikki Terrile.