57 pages • 1 hour read
Sugar
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Louisiana • 1870s
2013
Middle grade
8-12 years
430L
Super Short Summary
In Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes, 10-year-old Sugar befriends both the plantation owner's son and new Chinese workers on a Louisiana plantation in 1871, bridging cultural gaps and bringing hope to her community. The book explores themes of cultural empathy, resilience, and the challenges of post-Emancipation life in the South. The novel addresses racism and the legacy of slavery.
Heartwarming
Emotional
Hopeful
Inspirational
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
3,149 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes is praised for its vivid storytelling and rich historical context, bringing to life the challenges and resilience of its young protagonist. Readers appreciate its engaging prose and educational value. However, some critique the pacing as slow and feel the character development could be deeper. Overall, it’s seen as a valuable read for young audiences.
Who Should Read Sugar?
Readers who would enjoy Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes are young, history-loving enthusiasts who gravitate towards tales of resilience and friendship set in Reconstruction-era America. Comparable to those who appreciate Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor, this book appeals to middle-grade readers interested in African American heritage and historical fiction.
3,149 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Novel • Fiction
Louisiana • 1870s
2013
Middle grade
8-12 years
430L
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