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Material Type | Library | Call Number | Item Barcode | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book | Searching... Andover - Memorial Hall Library | TWEEN FICTION WATERS | 31330009412671 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Billerica Public Library | YA/WATERS | 33934004676103 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Burlington Public Library | YA WATERS | 32116004011835 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Chelmsford MacKay Branch | J/FIC/WATERS | 31480011709315 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Chelmsford Public Library | J/FIC/WATERS | 31480011709307 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Dunstable Free Public Library | YA WAT | 32118001119850 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Georgetown Peabody Library | J WATERS | 32120001455532 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Hamilton-Wenham Public Library | Y WAT | 30470002127636 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Haverhill Public Library | J/FIC/WATERS | 31479007657017 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Ipswich Public Library | YA FIC WATERS, CHARLES | 32122003057159 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Lawrence Public Library | J FIC WAT | 31549005058861 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Littleton - Reuben Hoar Library | YA F WATERS | 39965002465200 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Middleton - Flint Public Library | J WATERS | 32126001919450 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Newburyport Public Library | TWEEN WATERS | 32128004217478 | Searching... Unknown |
| New books | Searching... Tewksbury Public Library | TEEN FICTION WATERS | 32132003413906 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... West Newbury - G.A.R. Memorial Library | J WAT | 32135001613559 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Westford - J.V. Fletcher Library | MG F WATERS | 31990005286419 | Searching... Unknown |
| Book | Searching... Wilmington Memorial Library | KIDS FICTION WATERS | 32136003597253 | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
What if a school's mascot is seen as racist, but not by everyone? In this compelling middle-grade novel in verse, two best-selling BIPOC authors tackle this hot-button issue.
In Rye, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, people work hard, kids go to school, and football is big on Friday nights. An eighth-grade English teacher creates an assignment for her class to debate whether Rye's mascot should stay or change. Now six middle schoolers--all with different backgrounds and beliefs--get involved in the contentious issue that already has the suburb turned upside down with everyone choosing sides and arguments getting ugly.
Told from several perspectives, readers see how each student comes to new understandings about identity, tradition, and what it means to stand up for real change.
"Waters and Sorell's plain spoken verse is always sharp and direct." - The New York Times Book Review
"The kids and I are so grateful for this gift you both have given to teachers, kids, and our world." -Ms. Corgill, 5th Grade Teacher, Alabama
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2023 A New York Public Library Best Book of 2023 A National Public Radio "Books We Love" title of 2023
Reviews (3)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Told via seven alternating narratives, this ripped-from-the-headlines collaboration in verse by Waters (African Town) and Cherokee Nation member Sorrel (One Land, Many Nations) follows a fictional town's division over a racist sports mascot. Callie Crossland, who is Cherokee and Black, has just transferred to a middle school in Rye, Va. She immediately expresses disgust at her school's mascot, a "copper-toned, muscled, loincloth-clad, tomahawk-wielding" caricature of an Indigenous person. Callie's English teacher Ms. Williams soon assigns a group writing project regarding the "Pros and Cons of Indigenous Peoples as Mascots," and Callie is annoyed at being paired with Black classmate Franklin, who believes the mascot "brings so much joy." Waters and Sorrel paint a complex portrait of the differing reactions toward the controversy by layering the racially diverse tweens' perspectives and showcasing the effects the event has on their individual relationships and the community beyond their school. The creators eschew judgment to present a well-rounded discussion about classism and racism, as well as effective allyship, with compassion and understanding. A glossary and resources conclude. Ages 10--up. Agents: (for Waters) Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary; (for Sorrel) Emily Mitchell, Wernick & Pratt. (Sept.)
Kirkus Review
Waters and Sorell (Cherokee Nation) join forces to write about the power of being true to oneself. In a middle school in Rye, a fictional town near Washington, D.C., a racist mural and offensive pep rally chants shock new student Callie Crossland, who is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and African American. Callie shares a heartfelt poem with her seventh grade honors English class, reminding everyone that the "stupid tomahawk-chop chant" and the "cheap chicken-feather headdress" are nothing less than symbols of "white supremacy." Afterward, Ms. Williams, her teacher, assigns a persuasive writing and oration project entitled "Pros and Cons of Indigenous Peoples as Mascots." The small, broadly diverse group of students is assigned to work in pairs; Callie is matched with Franklin, who is Black and a proud fan of the Rye Braves football team. Franklin insists, "I wish we could Lysol racism away. / It's a bad odor," but he feels conflicted: "I still don't think our mascot is racist though. It brings so much joy. / …what's the big deal?" This clever novel unfolds in poems told in multiple voices showing the wide range of students', families', and community responses to the controversy; for some, initial feelings of opposition, hesitation, or indifference change and friendships are tested. The compelling, highly relevant subject matter and accessible text invite readers to understand different perspectives and witness individual growth. A brilliant story not to be missed; deeply engaging from the first page. (glossary, additional information and resources) (Verse fiction. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Mrs. Williams tasks her eighth-grade honors English students with a persuasive writing and oral presentation assignment arguing the pros and cons of using Indigenous peoples as mascots. Throughout the course of a school year the story unfolds in a series of poems that detail the perspectives of six students: Callie (Cherokee African American), Franklin (African American), Priya (Indian American), Luis (Salvadoran American), Tessa (white and previously homeschooled), and Sean (white and living in generational poverty). Predictably, Callie, Priya, and Tessa (who sees herself as a committed antiracist) oppose Indigenous mascots, while the boys, who enjoy war paint and tomahawk chops at Rye Braves games, claim the mascot depicts pride in the team and their school. While the discord around the mascot is a long-standing one in the Virginia community, the assignment empowers the students to take the issue to the school board. After further research, one student switches sides, losing a friend in the process. While the plot requires a fair amount of exposition detailing history and arguments on both sides, the characters are well developed and believable, and the story flows smoothly. A valuable classroom pick that demonstrates the importance of debate.