It is hard to believe today is the last day of February. Today end this year's black history month. Have you ever wondered why black history month is important? It is important for people to know their own history and relate to the people they are learning about. It is also important for us to study history so we learn from the mistakes and don't repeat them. Unfortunately, I think our society is struggling with this. As I read The Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long and Jim Demonakos and illustrated by Nate Powell, I thought about how our society seems to be repeating itself with the current news and this semi-autobiographical story from the 1967.
In this graphic novel we learn how a white news reporter becomes friends with a black activist. They even go so far as to introduce their families to one another. They both live in very different neighborhoods and their respective neighbors are not happy about having people of the different race visiting. It is a time of anger, demonstrations, violence and hatred. How can opposites be friends and how will friends act when the going gets tough?
Now I don't usually like graphic novels. This one however drew me in. At times I had a bit of trouble following it because it jumps around with the different characters. However as I got more into the book I understood it better. The drawings are black and white. The history in the book, the culture and such is interesting to read. This book takes place in Texas in 1967.
I love how this book share two families crossing the race line and becoming friends. I love that it two opposites working together to make the world better and trying to do what is right. There is violence and bad language in it, so I would say it is for older kids. However I can see kids learning from this book and enjoying it. I hope you will check it out!
