92 pages • 3 hours read
The Rock and The River
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1960s
2009
YA
12-18 years
HL550L
Super Short Summary
Set in 1960s Chicago during the Civil Rights era, The Rock and the River follows Samuel Childs, son of a prominent activist aligned with Dr. King, and brother to Stick, who is involved with the Black Panther Party. Sam navigates the ideological conflict between passive resistance and armed self-defense while grappling with personal dilemmas and coming-of-age challenges. The narrative includes instances of racial violence and police brutality.
Inspirational
Emotional
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
3,829 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Rock and The River by Kekla Magoon has received favorable reviews for its engaging portrayal of the civil rights movement through a young protagonist's perspective. Critics praise its historical accuracy and emotional depth, although some note occasional predictability in the plot. Overall, it is regarded as a powerful and educational read about a pivotal era.
Who Should Read The Rock and The River?
A reader who would enjoy The Rock and The River by Kekla Magoon is likely interested in historical fiction, civil rights movements, and coming-of-age stories. Comparable to readers of Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and Christopher Paul Curtis's The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963, they appreciate narratives rich in historical context and social justice.
3,829 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1960s
2009
YA
12-18 years
HL550L
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