logo

59 pages 1 hour read

Brandy Colbert

Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Black Birds in the Sky by Brandy Colbert recounts the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, detailing the devastating attack on Greenwood, a prosperous Black community known as Black Wall Street. The book explores the historical context of racial inequality, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the systemic efforts to repress the history of the massacre, emphasizing the enduring impact on Black Americans. The book discusses racism, violence, and mentions sexual assault.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Black Birds in the Sky by Brandy Colbert has been praised for its compelling and insightful portrayal of the Tulsa Race Massacre, blending historical analysis with personal narrative to educate and engage readers. Some critics feel the pacing can lag at times, but overall, it is lauded as an essential, thought-provoking read that brings lesser-known history to light.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Black Birds in the Sky?

Readers who enjoy immersive, historical examinations of racial injustice would find Black Birds in the Sky compelling. Comparable to fans of The 1619 Project and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, it appeals to those seeking to understand the Tulsa Race Massacre's context and legacy through a narrative lens.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Tulsa, Oklahoma • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.