The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Here‘s my final wrap-up for February including my #BookSpinBingo. I finished 9 books and 2 more sections as designated on the board. I also got one bingo!

#ReadingStats #MonthlyStats

Daisey #BFC21 Update: I managed to keep up with my daily 10,000 step goal for the month and daily devotional reading. I did not complete 10 books, but I‘m fine with that as I‘m in the middle of some long ones. I plan to continue the same goals for March. @wanderinglynn 3y

wanderinglynn Way to go! 🙌🏻 You‘re making great progress. 3y

47 likes2 comments

Chrissyreadit

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

I joined the mg and ya buddy reads to help me with @LibrarianRyan ‘s challenge too. But these books have been great to read and I‘m so glad to be mixing up my books with all ages. I loved this book- but cried quite a bit. #blackhistorymonth #mgbuddyread this is a great springboard for discussion and history with characters I loved.

megnews

LibrarianRyan I just got my library copy. Now I just have to find time to read it. 3y

TheBookHippie It is so good! I love the choices this year so far ...well every year 💕💕 3y

100 likes3 stack adds2 comments

BarbaraJean

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

This is a sweet MG story set in the South just after WWII. The tone & subject are handled well—not downplaying the reality of prejudice in the Jim Crow South, but also not delving into aspects that could be too heavy/graphic for an MG reader. I enjoyed seeing Gabriel become more aware of prejudice & injustice, as he learns to stand against it in the ways he can. The ending was a little too convenient, but still—a great #MGBuddyRead pick!

megnews

j.rye I love this cover! 3y

46 likes1 comment

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, Johanna414, Bookgoil, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks

mrp27 Great book pick, perfect for Black History month. Thanks for hosting! 3y

Deblovestoread I loved this book. Thanks for hosting! 3y

megnews @mrp27 @Kdgordon88 you‘re welcome! Thanks for reading along. 3y

See All 16 Comments

sblbooks Great book. Thanks for hosting! 3y

megnews @sblbooks thanks for joining in! 3y

megnews For my final thought I will say it‘s confusing to me how people can read something like this & be empathetic but not empathetic to people still living through racism today. My grandpa was a wwii vet & if we were black & he was treated like this I‘d feel differently about America. I believe that‘s justified. I‘m confused when people don‘t understand that people have experienced America differently and therefore it means different things to each. 3y

ravenlee I hadn‘t heard of this book before, so I‘m very glad to have this chance to read and discuss it. 3y

JaclynW I had never heard of this book before you announced it. I was so pleased to have read it. I am passing this one on to my younger daughter to read and I have told several teachers and the librarian at our elementary that it is a must read. Perfect for this month. Thank you!!!! 3y

megnews @JaclynW wow! I‘m glad you liked it so much. I hope your daughter does too. 3y

Lmstraubie Thank @megnews for another great pick. I hadn't heard of this book before and am so glad I had the opportunity to read it (the audio book was well done). I still can't wrap my head around all the Lucas's that still exist today. 3y

Bookgoil I read this late again but I just loved this story and I‘m reading some other books right now like it and it just shows really the deep rooted race issue is in America and how different view points are. I liked the lens this book was taken from. I really enjoyed the audio. (edited) 3y

SaturnDoo Thanks for hosting @megnews although I was behind in reading. I've recently read several MG books dealing with a variety prejudices but probably enjoyed this one more than any other. If you haven't read it already, and really enjoyed this one I would like to recommend

Walking with Miss Millie

megnews @Bookgoil I heard the audio was good. 3y

megnews @SaturnDoo I recently came across that one and put it on my tbr. Glad to hear it‘s good. Maybe I‘ll read it for #MGMarch. 3y

JaclynW @Lmstraubie I'm right there with you about the Lucas's still around today. Very deep rooted issues in our country. 3y

JaclynW @SaturnDoo That book looks good too! 3y

35 likes16 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, Johanna414, Bookgoil, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks

mrp27 I‘ve always loved this kind of analogy and I often use the how many sides of the mountain are there to explain things. I‘d like to hear Abigails point of view. 3y

megnews I think reading the story from Meriweather or Abigail‘s POV would be interesting. 3y

Deblovestoread I would also pick Phoebe‘s POV. Although she doesn‘t have a large roll in the story I am always curious about the wives and mothers. 3y

See All 14 Comments

Butterfinger I think I would choose Patrick. Because of Gabriel's influence, he stopped calling them auntie and uncle. 3y

Daisey In this case, I think I would want to see Abagail‘s perspective to still see it through a kid‘s eyes. 3y

megnews @daisey I was thinking the same because it‘s middle grade. It would have been interesting to read the story through alternating points of view of Gabriel and Abigail. We could have gotten further into Meriweather‘s world. 3y

sblbooks I wish I could hear multiple points of view. 3y

BarbaraJean I love the idea of seeing this through Abigail or Patrick's eyes. It would give the novel a broader perspective to alternate between their POVs and Gabriel's--we'd be able to see not only the experience of a child of color, but also the perspective of a child who grew up in a more prejudiced home and hasn't been taught the values that Gabriel's family had (but whose perspective/actions change over the course of the book). 3y

ravenlee I agree with Patrick. He has more of an awakening than Gabriel, whose parents had tried to give him a more empathic base; but he also has that moment of having a shared fear about the KKK hating Catholics. 3y

JaclynW At first I was going to say Abigail or Meriweather. But I like the idea of alternating chapters between all 3 of the young kids. They each came from such different backgrounds. I would have love to see their individual stories more. @barbarajean 3y

megnews @BarbaraJean @JaclynW I like the idea of the three alternating storylines. I like those type of books a lot. 3y

Lmstraubie I like @JaclynW idea of alternating between the 3 children. 3y

SaturnDoo I kinda would like to see this story told from Mr Haberlin's POV because he owns the only gas station in town to serve POC, he hires Meriwether to work for him and gives him a car, he deals with an employee that's prejudice, he's trying to raise a child properly. It would be interesting to see more of his thoughts, how society treats him and what more he could/would do to stop racism. 3y

megnews @SaturnDoo that POV would be interesting too. 3y

28 likes14 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

This post contains spoilers

show me

What affects does growing up amidst racism have on children of color? What affects does it have on adults?

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, Johanna414, Bookgoil, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks

megnews So much can be said in response to this question. We‘ve already seen how racism causes children to have to grow up sooner to learn how to navigate racism. I think it also causes a hyper vigilance that creates all types of stress related illness, including high blood pressure which is more prevalent in African Americans. 3y

megnews On a personal note, I find the type of examples above to challenge someone to be in someone else‘s shoes one of the best challenges to racism. My grandfather, coincidentally a WWII vet, occasionally said racist things. He once said to me when he was young Black people stepped off the sidewalk when whites walked by, like that was a good thing. I asked how he‘d feel if he, through nothing but birth, was born Black and had to step off the sidewalk ⬇️ 3y

megnews He could not answer me. I saw the wheels turning in his brain. This was somewhat of a turning point for him. 3y

See All 11 Comments

mrp27 I can‘t even begin to understand how it feels and I can only surmise how living like this affects someone. I jut know it really makes me angry that people were/are treated like this. A freakin shame. 3y

Deblovestoread I can‘t even imagine yet I try to and I always think of the mothers. When my kids were out and about on there own I worried about general things...will they remember to look both ways before crossing the street. To be a Black mother who has to teach your child to keep your head down, to appear non confrontational, to make yourself small to avoid notice. We have put them in a position of keeping themselves down in order to stay alive. 3y

Butterfinger I grew up around racism even from my grandfather. I can't understand it. I remember starting kindergarten and my parents telling me not to drink from the water fountains because everyone is allowed to drink from them now. I was 5. I didn't get it, but you know I ignored it. I got thirsty. My best friends all throughout school were black. My father added to their growing up earlier than others. "Why is ... calling you?" Thirty years later, I am still eaten with shame. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger you don‘t have to feel ashamed. It‘s not how you are. 3y

sblbooks I second what @mrp27 said. I don't feel qualified to answer that question. 3y

ravenlee I can only imagine. I remember in The Hate U Give there‘s a really good bit about “the talk,” about how Black families have two: birds and bees, and how to handle confrontation and police/authority interaction. 3y

JaclynW This is such a shameful part of our country's past. I know many still have this so imprinted in their minds. It has become normal on so many levels still today - even if we don't have the signs. I hope we can move past this and become a better version of America. Live what we claim to be.
3y

megnews @JaclynW I hope we will too. 3y

8 likes11 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, Johanna414, Bookgoil, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks

megnews As Meriweather mentioned, Abigail had to grow up to adult issues at a much younger age. 3y

mrp27 Agreed. Gabriel had a lot to learn but he was afforded the luxury to ask questions and make his own decisions. Abigail not so much. 3y

Deblovestoread And Gabriel grew up in safety with a respectful family. In the four walls of their homes there were both parents and love but walking out the front door the world was different for each of them. 3y

See All 12 Comments

Butterfinger They were both so gifted in having a strong family. Abigail and Gabriel were encouraged to think and discuss the injustices they witness. 3y

sblbooks I believe this was the first time and Gabriel's life he realized how much prejudice there is in the world. He then had to decide how he was going to treat people. Abigail and Gabriel both had wonderful families, but Abigail had to grow up fast; due to the outside world. 3y

BarbaraJean @sblbooks Agreed, it seemed Gabriel had noticed some of the prejudice around him prior to this summer, but the friendship he develops with Meriweather (and Abigail) made him confront prejudice on a personal level, seeing it happen to people he knew and cared about. I think he grew up in being able to connect the general (“Whites Only“ signs, etc.) with the personal (knowing actual Black people), and in realizing the impact racism had in his town. 3y

ravenlee Everything became concrete to Gabriel that summer, instead of theoretical. He had to put into practice the values his parents had been instilling in him. Of course, they had to put their money where their mouths were, too. 3y

ravenlee Abigail doesn‘t have the luxury of being a child - which is still true, isn‘t it? How many Black parents have to tell their kids they can‘t play with toy guns like the white neighbors? Abigail is kind of bratty toward Gabriel, showing off how much more grown-up she is. 3y

JaclynW @ravenlee @megnews @barbarajean @sblbooks @butterfinger @kdgordon88 @mrp27 I read somewhere recently that children who are black have to “grow up“ years in advance of their white counterparts. For safety reasons mostly. White children get to keep their innocence for much longer. This is really disturbing to me that children have to face harsh realities so early on. What does this do to a child's mind/growth/development?? 3y

Lmstraubie Agreed with @mrp27 and unfortunately it is still the same today. Black children have no choice but to face racism starting at a very young age where white children are "sheltered" from the idea because it's "hard for them to understand." It's more so a luxury that they are given time and space when those experiencing reshape no such luxury. 3y

mrp27 @Lmstraubie Exactly. 3y

SaturnDoo Fortunately Gabriel and Abigail had loving families that were willing to guide and teach them the ways of the world. Although it was much easier for Gabriel, he did continue to question the things that he knew wasn't right but wanted to make right. Building caring relationships with Meriwether and Abigail gave him more fight to try to protect and stand up for them no matter the cost. 3y

25 likes12 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

This post contains spoilers

show me

How did the threat of danger and keeping his service a secret affect Meriweather‘s wife Phoebe? His daughter Abigail?

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, Johanna414, Bookgoil, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks

megnews A spouse‘s instinct is to protect the other spouse. The constant vigilance for his safety must be exhausting. It had to be hard to see white wives able to display pride in their husband‘s service and not to be able to do so. 3y

megnews While her parents were teaching Abigail the “ways of the world” towards Blacks, she was still a child and it had to be difficult to understand the necessity of secrecy and the costs of speaking up. It would be hard for a child to know her parent was under constant threat of danger. 3y

mrp27 Agreed. I wasn‘t born when my Dad when went to war or when he came home but war affects the whole family in a variety of ways. I didn‘t understand anything about him or the war until I was an adult. I can‘t imagine the frustration, fears of the Hunter‘s family experiences or Abigails feelings and experiences as a child. 3y

See All 8 Comments

mrp27 I think Abigail having to deal with this as a child is a perfect example of how black children have to grow up faster. I never even thought about my dads war experience until I was grown. 3y

Butterfinger The wife only wanted to protect her family. And Abigail couldn't brag about her father's heroism. 3y

sblbooks I agree with everyone. His wife's concern is to keep everyone safe. Abigail wants the whole world to know that her dad was a hero, but she knows she can't say anything. Extremely frustrating I'm sure. 3y

ravenlee Phoebe has to be the nag, reminding everyone to keep quiet for all their safety, and it must be crushing. Abigail can picture all too well what could happen if the secret came out, and that‘s a terrible burden on a child. It‘s not about parades; it‘s about just being able to say what happened. 3y

JaclynW @megnews I completely agree. So sad to me that they weren't able to proudly celebrate and talk about his service. 3y

7 likes8 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

This post contains spoilers

show me

Did you know about the treatment of African American WWII vets before reading this book?
How did keeping his service a secret impact Meriweather?

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, Johanna414, Bookgoil, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks

megnews I did know about the treatment of African American WWII Vets before reading this. But it has only been in my adult life that I learned this. I think this should be taught in schools. It is part of what explains where we are today. We can‘t understand the present without knowing the past. So much is glossed over. 3y

megnews As far as Meriweather or any vet put in this position, this is a very belittling thing. It denigrates their service. It had to be heartbreaking and frustrating and make them feel that no matter what they did for their country, they would always be treated as second or third class citizens. 3y

mrp27 I didn‘t know per se but my father was a Vietnam vet and when he came home from the war to Northern California it was suggested to him to not appear in public in any part of his service wear, uniform etc. This was more due to the protesting going on in San Francisco and not his ethnicity, we are Hispanic. Some, not all, protesters harassed returning vets so I‘m not surprised to hear this. For the rest of his life he never wore or affiliated ⬇️ 3y

See All 25 Comments

mrp27 himself with anything Vietnam. That pained me because I was proud of his service but that was just one of the ways he dealt with his demons from the war and I supported that. So I understand Meriweather. Sad our American vets have to make these decisions about their service. (edited) 3y

megnews @mrp27 that is so sad. Several years ago I saw a story about some community that had a welcome home party for Vietnam vets because they never got one. I was really moved to tears reading it. It meant so much to them. 3y

Deblovestoread I had a small amount of knowledge from other reading but this brought it closer. It is just another layer of the horrific unjust treatment of our citizens of color. I am curious to know if vets from current wars, Desert Storm, etc., come back to the same mistreatment. 3y

Butterfinger I knew the mistreatment of minorities after they came back from the war. Sammy Davis Jr. wrote about it in his autobiography. I never realized that they were made to feel that they had to hide their uniforms. When I read, it was like CLICK. I should have known. 3y

sblbooks No, I didn't. I think it was very sad 3y

megnews @Butterfinger I forgot about Sammy Davis Jr. I follow several Black history Facebook pages and it‘s amazing the things you don‘t learn in school. I feel like it would change things in our country so much if people were better educated about these things. 3y

megnews @sblbooks it really is. One thing I learned in the last couple years is the French issued memos to their soldiers not to be friendly with Black American soldiers because white soldiers would be offended. A lot of our Black American soldiers decided to stay in Europe or go back after the war because of how they were treated by white soldiers or at home in America. (edited) 3y

BarbaraJean I've only learned about this recently (over the past year or so). Previously, I would have thought that their service would bring greater respect and be a force toward greater equality--reading books like Wilkerson's Caste (and others) educated me that wasn't the case at all. I didn't realize that veterans would have to go to the extent of actually hiding that they served. That broke my heart. I agree--this is something that needs to be taught! 3y

Butterfinger @megnews being an educator, I know some is taught, but it is not stressed as much as math and science. #TeachEmpathyThroughHistory is my motto. 3y

megnews @BarbaraJean I am planning to read Caste in April with a group here on Litsy. I really want to finish Warmth of Other Suns first. I started it and it‘s amazing but I get intimidated by big books. 3y

sblbooks @megnews your comment reminded me of The Waltons episode when Jody came back from World War II. He talked about how much better he was treated in other parts of the country/ world. 3y

ravenlee I knew the veterans were excluded from much of the celebrations - parades and such, but I didn‘t know they were actively harassed and lynched because of their service. It makes me feel sick. And Meriwether felt like his service, and the lives lost in his company, had to be a dirty little secret and it ate away at his soul. 3y

megnews @sblbooks interesting. I watched the waltons when I was young but don‘t remember that. 3y

megnews @ravenlee Yeah. I think black soldiers came back thinking people would finally accept them because they‘d served their country. But they were sadly quickly sent a message not to get too “uppity” or to be happy staying in “their place.” It is truly awful. 3y

sblbooks @megnews They had several thought-provoking, excellent episodes regarding race relations, Prejudice and so forth. 3y

ravenlee I bet most of the Black veterans knew they still wouldn‘t be “enough,” but what they came home to had to be even worse. They were generally treated poorly by their fellow soldiers (US, I‘ve heard that some of the other forces were much less prejudiced), so I‘m sure they knew that wouldn‘t stop at home. 3y

amber_ldsmom I never knew they were treated this way. I was actually surprised by this. 3y

JaclynW Sadly, I do not know much about black history in relation to wars. Just generally, that they were used and abused. I am trying to correct this. I wish our schools did a better job!! My history education was definitely white-washed and glossed over. That is part of why I liked this book so much is that it educates our younger readers - gets them to be curious and research more. It is so sad to me that they were treated this way. ---> 3y

JaclynW Black people are Americans too (as discussed in the book) and they fought proudly for our country. Why didn't our country treat them with the same level of respect as the white soldiers? This is just awful!! 3y

SaturnDoo Yes, I was aware of the treatment of our of vets of color. Fortunately, we were taught this in middle,junior and high school history classes. My all time favorite history teacher, Mrs Hall, was a POC, and she included all she could, in a year's time, about black history. It was and still is a very sad situation that this was the way were treated. 3y

Lmstraubie I hadn't ever learned about it in school (like so much else). The weird things I had just read about the French being told not to treat our Black soldiers as equals and about the poor gentleman who had his eyes gouged out because of a request to go to the bathroom (I had just read Caste before reading this.) 3y

megnews @Lmstraubie I‘m looking forward to reading Caste. I love Wilkerson‘s writing. 3y

8 likes25 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Join in the discussion when you can.

#MGBuddyRead

Johanna414, Bookgoil, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks

SaturnDoo Oh no...🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I thought discussion was end of the month. I have the book just haven't read it yet. 🤣Obviously I'm not keeping up with all the dates very well. 3y

megnews @SaturnDoo no problem. Join in discussion when you‘re done. I‘ll come back to respond. 3y

SaturnDoo @megnews Thanks!!! I'm going to start it and hopefully finish it today. 🙂 3y

See All 22 Comments

megnews @SaturnDoo yeah it‘s a pretty quick read 3y

mrp27 I look at it and see unity, a we are in this together. Also the obvious, the bike rim and the car that nearly hit him. I forget the lady‘s name. 3y

megnews @mrp27 how interesting! I had not thought of either of these views. I saw it as a lens and pointing back to the several times in the book where it mentioned seeing something through someone else‘s eyes. 3y

Deblovestoread I took it to be a lens as well. Opening Gabriel‘s view of his small town. (edited) 3y

mrp27 @megnews ha! I never saw it as a lens. Love how we see different things. 3y

amber_ldsmom I saw it as the bike rim as well. They are both holding onto it because it was what brought them together. Also, as a lens, it‘s focusing in on people like (I forget her name) Mrs. Babcock (?) who are reckless with people and their lives and feelings and kind of bringing that reality into full view for both of them. 3y

Butterfinger My opinion is much like yours @megnews. Adding different perspectives to make a focused reality. 3y

Daisey I saw it as a bike tire first, but also noticed the two hands and the way it focused your view of the town like a lens. It‘s a cover that has a lot of important aspects as you read the story. 3y

BarbaraJean I love the cover. It brings together so many little details from the story: the bike wheel, the yellow car, the friendship between Meriweather and Gabriel with their two hands on the wheel. I saw the wheel/hands as showing both friendship and partnership: Meriweather repaired the bike, and his & Gabriel's friendship is a small beginning in repairing relationships between black and white folks in the town (at least in a few very small ways!) 3y

sblbooks The bike versus car accident is what brings Gabriel and Meriweather together. 3y

megnews @amber_ldsmom I love your interpretation about the driver. I can‘t remember her name either. 3y

megnews @BarbaraJean I love the cover too. That‘s what first drew me to the book. (edited) 3y

ravenlee I agree with all of this! It‘s the bike wheel, which instigates everything, which brings into focus all the actions and interactions; and then Meriwether‘s ability to fix the bike and the repercussions of that act affect Gabriel‘s perspective from that point. 3y

JaclynW I love the cover!! I don't think I can add much to what everyone else has already said. It is a good compilation of some of the main concepts in the book. I love the togetherness/working alongside each other aspect of the photo. I love the idea of it being a lens and looking through to others' perspectives.
3y

SaturnDoo "But when I look at it through four eyes --my two plus your two-- I can be both content and happy. That's why four eyes are usually better than two. And the more eyes you look through the better you see things--understand now?" The cover tells the story of Gabe and Meriwether. I think the color yellow is significant in that it means happiness, optimism, positivity and enlightenment. 3y

Lmstraubie I love everyone's interpretations. The first thing that caught my attention was their hands together driving the way forward.i know it's not a steering wheel, but that's what it made me think of. @JaclynW @SaturnDoo @megnews @ravenlee @sblbooks @BarbaraJean @Daisey @Butterfinger @mrp27 3y

mrp27 @Lmstraubie I like your thinking! 3y

megnews @Lmstraubie that‘s a unique thought. I like it! 3y

JaclynW @Lmstraubie Driving forward! Love it! 3y

28 likes1 stack add22 comments

Butterfinger

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

My next read aloud for my fifth graders. Thanks to #MGBuddyRead @megnews @sblbooks The lesson of looking at things through others' eyes to make a whole picture was a powerful lesson.

38 likes2 stack adds

Butterfinger

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

His eyes lost their light. "Abigail's a southern colored girl. . . Some things havta be known by colored children for their safety. Mosta our young ones lose their innocence long before mosta y'all do."

? #MGBuddyRead @megnews @sblbooks

34 likes

Daisey

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

This was a great #MiddleGrade historical fiction set shortly after the end of WWII in South Carolina. All ends well in this story, but it also makes clear the discrimination and danger faced by African American veterans returning home from war.

I only learned about the Green Book in the last few years (in another MG book) so I appreciated seeing it described here as well.

Looking forward to the #MGBuddyRead discussion tomorrow!

megnews

Daisey I had actually forgotten it was already the weekend for this discussion, so thanks to @BarbaraJean for the reminder and a long cold weekend for time to read. 3y

BarbaraJean I'm glad my lateness in reading helped someone else out! 😃 3y

59 likes2 comments

BarbaraJean

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Saturday goals: finish Thunderhead for IRL book group, start and finish Birdsong for #MGBuddyRead, and possibly finish Caste for BLM book group. I‘ve kind of overcommitted myself this month, between book club reads and buddy reads and all the rest. But they‘re all good books and I‘m planning to read all the things!!

megnews

39 likes1 stack add

Butterfinger

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Silently, I wondered if she'd been thirsty and tempted, and if the feeling the sign gave her had a stink to it or if maybe she was used to the bad smell by now.

I like seeing this boy's process of thinking through the injustice he observes. My Nanny would say you can never get used to injustice.

#MGBuddyRead @sblbooks @megnews

26 likes

Lmstraubie

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

There is so much I never learned about the real history of this country. Although this book is fiction it is still another insight into what our country's history is really all about. Handled in a way upper elementary kids can understand this title is a good addition to intermediate and middle school libraries. #mgbuddyread @megnews

33 likes2 stack adds

amber_ldsmom

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

4/5 🌟
Heartwarming ❤️
#mgbuddyread

megnews

43 likes

mrp27

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

#mgbuddyread

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really enjoyed this one. I liked the writing style and the story of a unique friendship between a black man and a white child in the Jim Crow south. Lots of social justice issues to unpack and I thought they were handled well.

megnews

TheBookHippie Just finished I really enjoyed it! 3y

mrp27 @TheBookHippie I'm looking forward to discussing it and reading more by her. 3y

32 likes2 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Discussion Sunday! Don‘t forget to post your blurbs, quotes, and review for a chance to win next month‘s #mgbuddyread and its sequel.

Bookgoil, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks

TheBookHippie Reading this today between Zoom meetings on early literacy 😊 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie 👍🏻 3y

Bookgoil I‘ll be starting tomorrow hopefully! ❤️ 3y

33 likes3 comments

Butterfinger

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

To me, right then, the Hunters stopped feeling like new clothes and instead they felt like clothes I'd had awhile - comfortable, like I'd known them a spell. ❤️❤️❤️

#MGBuddyRead @sblbooks @megnews

28 likes

ravenlee

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

This was a very good book that was hard to read. I didn‘t know about the horrible treatment of Black veterans, though of course it‘s all part and parcel with the times. It‘s interesting to see the variety of attitudes within the Birdsong community. Looking forward to the #MGBuddyRead discussion.

megnews

26 likes

ravenlee

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

But I say this: treat all folks, regardless of color, with courtesy and respect. And be as good a person as you can be. Simple as that.

#MGBuddyRead @megnews @sblbooks

37 likes

ravenlee

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Night Hawk had a bunch of mentions of Oberlin, too. I tend to forget what a history OC has because I went to school nearby and it was just that other college across town. When I thought about it at all was usually trying to get a cab back to campus from the airport - the cabbies all wanted the OC students instead of the BW students because their fare was higher.
#MGBuddyRead

31 likes

ravenlee

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Diving into this one while the kiddo and the hubby watch some Pink Panther. It provides an interesting soundtrack

40 likes

Deblovestoread

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Loved this coming of age middle grade story of 12 year old Gabriel who becomes friends with a black WWII veteran and begins to understand the discrimination that abounds in the Jim Crow south. The quote is the last line in the author‘s acknowledgment.

Deblovestoread @megnews. #MGbuddyread (edited) 3y

37 likes1 stack add1 comment

sblbooks

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set in the Jim Crow South, post WWII
When Meriwether, a black veteran saves the life of 12 year old Gabriel, The two become fast friends. When Gabriel helps Meriwether get a job at his father's shop; not everyone is happy about it... lots to talk about in this book. #MgbuddyRead

30 likes1 stack add

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

pick

Loved the MC and everything else about this one. Looking forward to #MGBuddyRead discussion in a couple of weeks.

52 likes

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

#MGBuddyRead

36 likes

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

❤️I love coming across Oberlin in a book. 😃
And yes, Oberlin would have that affect on you or rather, only certain people would come to Oberlin to begin with. 😃
I didn‘t realize this author was from Ohio til I checked after reading this. Yay!
#MGBuddyRead

Bookwormjillk I went to Hiram so I understand 😁 3y

BookNAround @megnews @Bookwormjillk I went to Wooster so I get it too. 😁 3y

sblbooks I just finished listening. An excellent book for discussion. 3y

42 likes3 comments

Deblovestoread

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

January has been a so-so fitness wise. I have mostly stuck to intermittent fasting, haven‘t moved much at all and some days I was good about sugar and others not so much. Thanks go to @julesG for sharing how she tracks. I think having a tracking system will really help me. I did meet my book goal for January. Here‘s to a more productive February. Thanks, Lynn, for the encouragement and support.

wanderinglynn

julesG Fingers crossed! I think a colourful chart helps a lot. 3y

wanderinglynn Great job! 🙌🏻 You made good progress. Sometimes it‘s good to start small and build up. 3y

39 likes2 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

❤️💛
Decided to get started on #MGBuddyRead
#FirstLineFridays

Peddler410, Daisey, Johanna414, Bookgoil, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks, ShyBookOwl

ravenlee I requested mine through the library yesterday! 3y

Bookgoil I‘m excited it‘s on Scribd on audio I‘ll be starting it in February 3y

51 likes2 comments

mrp27

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

#MGBuddyRead

Started this one today and I‘m already smitten, this one is right up my alley.

megnews

MuddyPuddle Cool cover. 3y

mrp27 @MuddyPuddle It is, nice and bright! 3y

megnews I‘m looking forward to getting started too. Probably this weekend. 3y

29 likes3 comments

BarbaraJean

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Look what arrived today! I‘m excited to dig into these for the next two months of #MGBuddyRead. Thank you so much for doing this drawing, @megnews — I‘m looking forward to these, and to the discussions!

megnews My pleasure! 3y

46 likes1 comment

TheBookHippie

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

#mgbuddyread I am all set! Just picked up my library book 💛🌟📒

megnews

52 likes1 stack add

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

@BarbaraJean you‘re the winner of the #MGBuddyRead giveaway! Please email me your address and I‘ll send you the books for the next two months‘ readalongs. (Megnewson@gmail.com)

Daisey, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, Butterfinger, sblbooks

Butterfinger Congratulations @BarbaraJean 🎉 3y

IndoorDame Congratulations! @BarbaraJean 🎉 🥳 3y

Tattooedteacher Yay @BarbaraJean congratulations! 🍾🎉 3y

See All 10 Comments

TheBookHippie Wohoo! Congratulations ! 3y

Lmstraubie @BarbaraJean Congratulations! 👏🎉👏🎉👏🎉 3y

Chrissyreadit Congratulations @BarbaraJean 🎉🧡🎉🧡 3y

Deblovestoread Congrats @BarbaraJean 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 (edited) 3y

sblbooks Congratulations🎊 @BarbaraJean 3y

mrp27 🎉🎉🎉🎉 3y

BarbaraJean Oh, wow—how fun!! Thank you so much—I‘ll send you my info! (edited) 3y

60 likes10 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

We had fun reading together this month. Winner of the contest will be announced tomorrow. Don‘t forget to grab your book for next month‘s #MGBuddyRead. Join in for a chance to win. All welcome. If you aren‘t tagged, let me know if you want to be.

Daisey, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, Butterfinger, sblbooks

Lmstraubie @megnews This is another one I am unfamiliar with. Thank you for bringing these new titles to my attention. 😊 3y

JaclynW I already got my book from the library! Yay! 3y

mrp27 Have a copy on hold through Libby, hoping it comes in soon. 3y

See All 11 Comments

Lmstraubie @megnews Thank you for hosting a great discussion! 3y

megnews @Lmstraubie you‘re welcome! As the original #mgbuddyread host, I hope I did you proud. Everyone was great! 3y

Lmstraubie @megnews 👏👏👏👏👏🎉🎊🥳 3y

Chrissyreadit @megnews your discussion questions were excellent- I loved reading everyone‘s responses and reflecting on life as a reader as part of the process 🧡 3y

megnews @Chrissyreadit I loved the participation! 3y

Bookgoil I was a bit late this month so I‘ll be trying for this one! ❤️ 3y

megnews @Bookgoil glad to have you join us! 3y

shellleigh33 Got my book ready 3y

32 likes11 comments

megnews

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA | Brenda Woods

Don‘t forget to grab your books for February‘s #MGBuddyRead and #YABuddyRead.

rubyslippersreads, Daisey, Johanna414, erzascarletbookgasm, catebutler, LibrarianRyan, thegirlwiththelibrarybag, TheBookHippie, Readingismyescape, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Nute, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, Chelsibno, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks, Roary47, Tracyantoon

megnews

This Is My America

Tracyantoon I‘m definitely doing This is My America. Not sure if I will get to the other one or not. I think I will aim for either the YA or the MG each month to make it easier on my ridiculous number of book clubs! 3y

megnews @Tracyantoon no problem! Glad to have you whenever you can join. 3y

See All 8 Comments

Johanna414 I'll have to double check tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure I have This is My America at work! 3y

ravenlee My library has both available! As long as I remember to request them and then, you know, READ them, I‘m in. 3y

TheBookHippie I‘ll request them ! 3y

Deblovestoread I will have them soon. 3y

Peddler410 Oh boy! I didn‘t realize I‘d been away from Litsy so long! SIX MONTHS 🤦🏻‍♀️ — I have some reading to do 3y

39 likes8 comments

Welcome to Litsy!

Trending Hashtags

Trending Books