Bessie Smith and the Night Riders
Written by: Sue Stauffacher
Illustrated by: John Holyfield
Upper Elementary Grades
This story is told by a young girl living in the south during the 1920's who is excited about the famous blues singer Bessie Smith coming to her town. When Bessie puts on a concert in a big tent with a grand party young Emmarene is listening from the bushes and trying to catch a glimpse of her favorite singer. Emmarane notices a group of Ku Klux Klan members approaching the tent and she bursts inside the tent to warn everyone of the danger. Bessie comes out and scares off the Night Riders using her booming voice and larger then life personality. This story contains an author's note at the end explaining the historical and social truths contained in this work of fiction. Further reading on Bessie Smith is discussed as well.
Jennie's Review
Online Resources:
http://www.suestauffacher.com/pages/books/bessiesmith_lk.html
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