Mississippi Morning
Sale price
$950
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2004

Mississippi Morning

Written by Ruth Vander Zee · Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

A boy's world shatters as he uncovers a hate crime in Depression-era Mississippi.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 87 ratings
32 pages
$10.00Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In Depression-era Mississippi, young James William's carefree life is shattered when he learns a local fire was a hate crime. As his friend LeRoy reveals the dark truth about the Klan, James William faces a harsh reality. An unexpected encounter forces him to confront the racial tensions tearing his community apart. Will he find the courage to challenge his assumptions and make difficult choices? This gripping tale of innocence lost invites readers to explore the complexities of prejudice and personal growth.

From the publisher

A powerful story about racial tensions It’s the middle of the Great Depression, but James William still enjoys his life in rural Mississippi. But his happiness starts to unravel when he discovers the fire that burned down the local preacher’s house wasn’t an accident, but a hate crime. When his friend LeRoy tells him about the Klan and their hanging tree, James William has a hard time grasping this harsh reality, until an unexpected encounter brings the issue close to home. A thought-provoking story of one boy’s loss of naiveté, Mississippi Morning will challenge young readers to question their own assumptions and confront personal decisions.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
32
Reading age
7–12
Audience
Picture
Lexile
640L
Themes & topics
Books about historyBooks about father-son relationshipsBooks about 20th centuryBooks about prejudice and racismBooks about race relations
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The illustrator

More from Floyd Cooper

Explore Floyd's bookshelf
A Ride to Remember
Sale price
$1999

A Ride to Remember

Ages 6–9 · 2020

Juneteenth for Mazie

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A Day for Rememberin'

Ages 6–9 · 2020

Unspeakable

Ages 8–12 · 2021
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Papa's Mark

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend

Ages 5–8 · 2011

A Dance Like Starlight

Ages 4–8 · 2014

The Day Madear Voted

Ages 3–7 · 2024

A Girl Named Dan

Ages 6–9 · 2008

Unstoppable John: How John Lewis Got His Library Card--And Helped Change History

Ages 4–8

Opal's Greenwood Oasis

Ages 4–10 · 2021

The Cart That Carried Martin

Ages 6–9 · 2013
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.7
F&P level
~P
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
108480
Publication
Published
October 2, 2017
First published
July 30, 2004
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780802854971

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo