Day of Tears

Day of Tears
By Julius Lester
Hyperion Books for Children, 2005. 177 pgs. Young Adult

Pierce Butler is holding the biggest slave auction in history in order to pay off his gambling debts. His oldest daughter, Sarah, takes after her mother (who has divorced Pierce) and opposes slavery. His younger daughter, Frances, is in favor of it. Mattie and Will, two of Pierce's slaves, have known Pierce since he was a child, and their daughter Emma now cares for his daughters. So, none of them expect him to auction Emma off, and yet, desperate for money, he does just that.

Told from multiple perspectives, both in flashbacks looking at the actual auction and surrounding events, and as flash-forwards reflecting on the events, this book is a great look at slavery and how it impacted people. Based on an actual event and people, this book is incredibly touching. This Coretta Scott King Award winner should be read by everyone.

AE