Book details
My Mother the Cheerleader
Description
Share this "harrowing and painfully honest historical novel"* at home or in the classroom. Through this "extraordinary" debut effort from the Sydney Taylor Award winner Robert Sharenow, readers will explore how "ingrained prejudices--whether acted upon or not--help destroy lives and shatter a community."**In 1960 New Orleans, thirteen-year-old Louise is pulled out of class by her mother to protest court-ordered integration of her school. Louise's mother is one of the jeering "Cheerleaders." Each morning the Cheerleaders gather at the school to harass the school's first black student, six-year-old Ruby Bridges, as she enters the building.After a mysterious man from New York named Morgan arrives in town and takes up residence in the family's crumbling boarding house, Louise's acceptance of "the way things are" begins to crumble.Through conversations with Morgan and firsthand observations, Louise begins to wonder about the morality of the Cheerleaders' activities--and everything Louise thinks she knows about her mother, her world, and herself will change.In a starred review, Booklist commented: "Readers will be held fast by the history told from the inside as adult Louise remembers the vicious role of ordinary people."*School Library Journal (starred review); **Chicago Tribune
Age
13-15
Text complexity
proficient
Length
320 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: 'My Mother the Cheerleader' provides readers with a unique perspective on a tumultuous time in American history, specifically the desegregation of schools in the 1960s. It offers a personal and emotional view of the events surrounding the integration of public schools in New Orleans, which can deepen the reader's understanding of the civil rights movement.
- Complex Characters: The book features richly developed characters, particularly the protagonist's mother, who is a reluctant member of the Cheerleaders, a group of women who protest the school integration. The complexity of her character allows readers to explore themes of conformity, racism, and personal growth.
- Moral Challenges: Through the eyes of the young protagonist, the novel examines moral dilemmas and the struggle between right and wrong. Readers are encouraged to consider their own values and the impact of societal pressures on personal beliefs and actions.
- Engaging Narrative: Robert Sharenow's storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, making 'My Mother the Cheerleader' a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction. The narrative is not only educational but also emotionally resonant, ensuring that readers are invested in the story from beginning to end.