Book details
They Called Themselves the K.k.k.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
Description
Boys, let us get up a club.With those words, six restless young men raided the linens at a friend's mansion, pulled pillowcases over their heads, hopped on horses, and cavorted through the streets of Pulaski, Tennessee in 1866. The six friends named their club the Ku Klux Klan, and, all too quickly, their club grew into the self-proclaimed Invisible Empire with secret dens spread across the South.This is the story of how a secret terrorist group took root in America's democracy. Filled with chilling and vivid personal accounts unearthed from oral histories, congressional documents, and diaries, this account from Newbery Honor-winning author Susan Campbell Bartoletti is a book to read and remember. A YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist.
Age
11-12
Text complexity
advanced
Length
176 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: The book provides an in-depth look at the origins and evolution of the Ku Klux Klan, offering readers a detailed historical perspective on one of America's most notorious hate groups.
- Educational Value: Reading this book is essential for understanding the impact of domestic terrorism and racism on American society, making it a valuable resource for students, educators, and anyone interested in social justice and history.
- Award-Winning Journalism: Authored by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, an acclaimed non-fiction writer, the book's meticulous research and engaging narrative earned it critical acclaim, making it a trustworthy source for learning about this dark chapter in American history.
- Contemporary Relevance: With ongoing discussions about race relations, white supremacy, and domestic terrorism in the United States, the book provides historical context that can help readers make sense of current events and the enduring legacy of such extremist groups.