Loving vs. Virginia - by Patricia Hruby Powell (Hardcover)

About the Book

Written in blank verse, this is the story of Mildred Loving, an African American girl, and Richard Loving, a Caucasian boy, who challenge the Viriginia law forbidding interracial marriages in the 1950s.

Book Synopsis

From acclaimed author Patricia Hruby Powell comes the story of a landmark civil rights case, told in spare and gorgeous verse. In 1955, in Caroline County, Virginia, amidst segregation and prejudice, injustice and cruelty, two teenagers fell in love. Their life together broke the law, but their determination would change it. Richard and Mildred Loving were at the heart of a Supreme Court case that legalized marriage between races, and a story of the devoted couple who faced discrimination, fought it, and won.

Review Quotes

"A challenging, poignant read about an important civil rights case."-ForeWord Reviews

"A compelling, heartbreaking but ultimately triumphant tale."-The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"A story that is personal, not just political." -The San Francisco Chronicle

"An impressive level of detail, and vivid depiction of the social environment."-The Horn Book Magazine

"Captures the subtlety of a historic moment through the eyes of characters whom teens can relate to."-The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Compelling and heartrending, this true story personalizes the civil rights movement."-Common Sense Media

"Convincing portraits of Mildred and Richard Loving's courtship, marriage, troubles, trials and triumph."-The Charlotte Observer

"Excellent starter book for those interested in learning the basics of the civil rights movement."-Publishers Weekly

"Fine, dramatic storytelling in a memorable verse format."-Booklist, starred review

"Immediately relevant today. a rich opportunity for students and adults to discuss urgent and perennial questions."-School Library Journal

"Offers insights into the couple who never imagined they would make civil-rights history."-Austin American Statesman

"Powerful and riveting."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Presented through the alternating voices of Mildred and Richard Loving, the reader enters the lives of two people in a tight-knit community who fall in love and are forced to leave the world they have known. We grow up with them and understand their quiet strength. Patricia Hruby Powell sets the Loving's story within the historical context of the Civil Rights Movement thereby allowing readers to gain a greater understanding of the fight for equal rights, at both the personal and societal level." -Jennifer Kelley Reed, Teacher Librarian and blogger at Reederama

"Readers who enjoy history, art, love stories, and the fight for equal rights will enjoy this biographical fiction. The timing of the book is perfect."-VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates

"Skillful storytelling mixed with the occasional illustration and documents transports readers into Mildred and Richard Love's lives in this must-read, exceptional book based on their true story."-Imagination Soup

"Spellbinding free verse, illustrations, photos and more, it's a must for teens and adults alike."--Britt + Co.

"Tells a quiet yet powerful story."-The Chicago Tribune

"This handsome oversized volume... tells a quiet yet powerful story."-Baltimore Sun

"This stunning book is a must-purchase for the simple pleasure of its poetry, its genuine and moving story, and its respectful consideration of this monumental case on its 50th anniversary."--School Library Connection

http: //www.childrensliteratureassembly.org/notables.html

https: //www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/reading-lists/young-adults-choices/young-adults-choices-reading-list-2018.pdf

Best Teen Books of the Year - Kings County Public Library

Read On Wisconsin! State Reading List 2018-2019

About the Author

Patricia Hruby Powell's previous book, Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker, won a Sibert Honor for Nonfiction, a Coretta Scott King Honor, and five starred reviews. She lives in Illinois.

Shadra Strickland is an illustrator whose work has won an Ezra Jack Keats Award, a Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent, and an NAACP Image Award. She lives in Maryland.