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
Steven Childs (Stick)
Steven Childs (Stick)
Sam’s charismatic older brother admired for his writing and speaking skills, who is deeply committed to the Black Panthers and aims to protect Sam from getting involved too soon.
Roland Childs (Father)
Roland Childs (Father)
A renowned civil rights activist, closely working alongside Dr. King, whose powerful public presence includes a weakening resolve over the course of the story.
Clarence Willis (Bucky)
Clarence Willis (Bucky)
Stick’s friend who works at an auto shop to support his family following the unjust death of his father in prison, and whose arrest becomes a pivotal event in the narrative.
Maxie Brown
Maxie Brown
Sam’s schoolmate and sometimes girlfriend from the projects, admired for her confidence and who prompts Sam to consider social issues linked to racial and economic disparities.
304
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1960s
2009
YA
12-18 years
HL550L
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