Book Review: The Glory Field
Rated by 3 members
What Parents Should Know
A stunning portrait of the progress of black Americans, as
courageous teenagers escape slavery and combat prejudice and,
later, drug addiction. The family's close ties give its members
strength. Each simple but compelling story makes characters
come alive and keeps readers involved. Although the book is
long, it's divided into stories, making it easy to read.
Common Sense Media Review
Five stories are woven together to tell the tale of a strong
family living on the land that their slave ancestors had worked
and came to own. Each story has the power to keep readers
involved. Lizzie's exciting escape from slavery and Elijah's
battle against a storm are full of suspense. Malcolm's trip
from New York to South Carolina with his drug-addicted cousin
begins darkly, then turns humorous in scenes in which Malcolm
tries to harvest the sweet potatoes with his cousin's help.
The book introduces a wide range of characters and attitudes. While many incidents of white prejudice occur, Walter Dean Myers also presents whites who want justice for their black neighbors. The father of a boy rescued by Elijah pays him the reward money, giving extra to placate the sheriff. Tommy's friend is a white boy who endangers himself by standing with his black friends during the civil rights movement--and takes a beating for his actions. Malcom has a band composed of members of several races. Readers discover the fates of later generations of teenage characters as the stories progress. Tommy dies in Vietnam, and Luvenia becomes a wealthy businesswoman. The strong, capable Lewis family endures with Malcolm as its future.
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