I don't know how Bradley did it, but she managed to take a complex aspect of American history and bring all of its nuances to light while keeping it engaging and accessible for a middle grade crowd. I love the way she switches narrators as the story progresses so that it can be told over a long period while retaining a young person's perspective. Every character in the novel is layered and complex and resists easy categorization. I'd give it to anyone who wants to learn more about American history.
Jefferson’s Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Erica's Picks
5th-8th Grade
Tags: Character Driven, Historical Fiction, Issues Fiction, People of Color