The Conspiracy of the Secret Nine (Mysteries in Time)

Bland, Celia

ISBN 10: 188188967X ISBN 13: 9781881889670

Publisher: Silver Moon Pr, 1995

Synopsis

In 1898 in Wilmington, N.C., on the verge of elections that will determine the course of local segregation and the fate of black residents, Troy and Randy encounter a mystery that could tear the city apart.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-7-Bland has attempted to present the Riot of 1898 in Wilmington, North Carolina, through a story about a friendship between Troy, a black boy whose father owns a successful barber shop, and Randy, a white boy whose father is unemployed, drinks too much, and is a member of a white supremacist group. The book is riddled with problems. As this incident in the state's history is not well known, the author clumsily inserts great blocks of background material into the story, which results in the action coming to a standstill while the political and economic situation is explained. The characters are completely stereotyped-all African Americans, carpetbaggers, and other Northerners are good, while all white Southerners are bad. The last two chapters, which describe the black residents' flight from the city, are well written. Unfortunately, it's a case of too little too late. Librarians searching for good historical fiction should look further.
Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Silver Moon Pr
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 188188967X
• ISBN 13: 9781881889670
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 90
• Illustrator: Williams Donald L. Jr.