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Reviews
Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Survival Story by Nikki Shannon Smith
larosareads's review
4.0
Creating a fictional account of the Tulsa Race Massacre that is developmentally appropriate for children is no easy feat, yet Smith does it so eloquently! The captivating illustrations bring each moment to life, making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and Greenwood. Deeply moving and tangible, this middle grade novel is a necessary read for young learners!
corriespondent's review
5.0
Given the recent denial of reparations for Tulsa Race Massacre survivors (don’t let me get started on a rant right now), we need more books like Lena and the Burning of Greenwood out there to educate people about the Tulsa Massacre. (If the book doesn’t get banned, I guess
roseaboveitreads's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
amarieads's review
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
gonegrlsos's review
5.0
This story is about Black peoples RESILIENCE when we are surrounded by anti-black racism we choose to love ourselves and each other. Love is the greatest activism anyone can practice. And we have pride in our bonds.
I just finished a different book that was written about this time. Murder on the Orient Express. When America was mentioned, many talked abt how "progressive" it was. The next morning I had co-workers saying the same thing about the novel. And I thought, it's almost as if white ppl choose to live on an entirely different planet.
But, I got Greenwood. Like the author said, that ability to focus on US and LOVE each other is all I need and it has nothing to do with buildings or geography. Still, Tulsa govt needs to GIVE BACK THE RESOURCES THEY STOLE.
I just finished a different book that was written about this time. Murder on the Orient Express. When America was mentioned, many talked abt how "progressive" it was. The next morning I had co-workers saying the same thing about the novel. And I thought, it's almost as if white ppl choose to live on an entirely different planet.
But, I got Greenwood. Like the author said, that ability to focus on US and LOVE each other is all I need and it has nothing to do with buildings or geography. Still, Tulsa govt needs to GIVE BACK THE RESOURCES THEY STOLE.
smallgourd's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
ashleygiammona's review
5.0
I am embarrassed and ashamed to admit that before this book I knew *nothing* of the Tulsa Massacres. This book was a great way to educate and tell a story about a part of history that America really needs to start sharing with it’s youth (so they don’t end up like me, nearly 30, a “history lover” and literally unaware).
However, I think this is a fairly intense book for a middle grade reader and personally would recommend an adult read it first, or at least be open to discussion or lead with a discussion about the situation. We live in a time where hate crime is, sadly, increasing. This book deals with some seriously scary situations that, like also racially motivated crimes, don’t have a simple cause or way to prevent it (like telling kids “look both ways” to not get hit by cars) that we can share with kids.
The above being said, please don’t shy away from this fantastic book with your child or students. The audio book is about two hours which I feel like makes it accessible to all readers! I’m happy to see more books like this hitting shelves.
However, I think this is a fairly intense book for a middle grade reader and personally would recommend an adult read it first, or at least be open to discussion or lead with a discussion about the situation. We live in a time where hate crime is, sadly, increasing. This book deals with some seriously scary situations that, like also racially motivated crimes, don’t have a simple cause or way to prevent it (like telling kids “look both ways” to not get hit by cars) that we can share with kids.
The above being said, please don’t shy away from this fantastic book with your child or students. The audio book is about two hours which I feel like makes it accessible to all readers! I’m happy to see more books like this hitting shelves.
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