Book details
A Wreath for Emmett Till: A Printz Award Winner
Description
2006 Coretta Scott King Honor Book In 1955, people all over the United States knew that Emmett Louis Till was a fourteen-year-old African American boy lynched for supposedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi. The brutality of his murder, the open-casket funeral, and the acquittal of the men tried for the crime drew wide media attention. Award-winning poet Marilyn Nelson reminds us of the boy whose fate helped spark the civil rights movement. This martyr's wreath, woven from a little-known but sophisticated form of poetry, challenges us to speak out against modern-day injustices, to "speak what we see.".
Age
11-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
48 pages
Why to read
- Educational Value: The book provides a poignant exploration of the tragic story of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally murdered in 1955. Reading it can deepen your understanding of racial injustice and the history of civil rights in the United States.
- Literary Excellence: 'A Wreath for Emmett Till' is a recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, which signifies its high literary quality. The author, Marilyn Nelson, uses a heroic crown of sonnets to convey the story, showcasing her exceptional poetic craft.
- Emotional Impact: The narrative is powerful and evocative, capable of eliciting strong emotional responses from readers. It encourages empathy and reflection on the impact of hate crimes and the importance of remembering those who suffered from racial violence.
- Cultural Significance: The book serves as a memorial for Emmett Till and stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle against racism and discrimination. It is an important work that contributes to the conversation about race in America and helps to ensure that Emmett Till's story is not forgotten.