The March Against Fear - by Ann Bausum (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Mississippi. 1966. On a hot June afternoon an African-American man named James Meredith set out to walk through his home state, intending to fight racism and fear with his feet. A seemingly simple plan, but one teeming with risk. Just one day later Meredith was shot and wounded in a roadside ambush. Within twenty-four hours, Martin Luther King, Jr., Stokely Carmichael, and other civil rights leaders had taken up Meredith's cause, determined to overcome this violent act and complete Meredith's walk ... Bausum [examines] this crucial turning point of civil rights history, ... escorting you along the dusty Mississippi roads where heroic marchers endured violence, rage, and fear as they walked more than 200 miles"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

James Meredith's 1966 march in Mississippi began as one man's peaceful protest for voter registration and became one of the South's most important demonstrations of the civil rights movement. It brought together leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Stokely Carmichael, who formed an unlikely alliance that resulted in the Black Power movement, which ushered in a new era in the fight for equality.

The retelling of Meredith's story opens on the day of his assassination attempt and goes back in time to recount the moments leading up to that event and its aftermath. Readers learn about the powerful figures and emerging leaders who joined the over 200-mile walk that became known as the "March Against Fear."

Thoughtfully presented by award-winning author Ann Bausum, this book helps readers understand the complex issues of fear, injustice, and the challenges of change. It is a history lesson that's as important and relevant today as it was 50 years ago.

Review Quotes

"Bausum convincingly shows that the March Against Fear "stands as one of the greatest protests of the civil rights era" and deftly explains the many complex reasons why it was relegated to a footnote rather than a highlight in history. An exceptionally well-written and -researched chronicle of a crucial civil rights turning point." -- Kirkus Starred Review

"In a powerful and timely book, Bausum (Stonewall) focuses her attention on the last great march of the civil rights era... Bausum dissects internal divisions with great sensitivity, lauding Martin Luther King Jr.'s peacemaking powers while illuminating the conditions that provoked others to more confrontational protest...This exemplary look into civil rights history concludes with perspective and encouragement regarding ongoing struggles for social change." -- Publisher's Weekly Starred Review

"An edifying and timely exposition of James Meredith and the March Against Fear and their impact on U.S. history, past and present. Bausum's clear language and smart use of archival photos and pull quotes document how Meredith's single-man walk transformed into a larger endeavor to register and unify black voters and to alleviate the fear felt by African Americans living in a racist society...VERDICT A must-have volume on James Meredith, the March Against Fear, and the evolution of Black Power for high school students." -- School Library Journal Starred Review

"Chronological coverage conveys the fear and danger participants faced and documents Carmichael's first use of the term black power. The brief chapters build on one another, creating a complete picture for readers with limited background knowledge. This compelling account will be equally engaging for classroom resource material or individual research." -- Booklist

"Ann Bausum created a dramatic account of the march against fear. Her story is very relevant to today's times, particularly the Black Lives Matter movement... Overall, the book would appeal to anyone who is looking for a nonfiction dramatic account of the turbulent times of the civil rights movement. Although the book is primarily written for grades 7-12, it would appeal to adults too." -- VOYA Magazine
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About the Author

ANN BAUSUM writes about U.S. history for young people, and she has published eight titles with National Geographic Children's Books including, most recently, Marching to the Mountaintop (2012) and Unraveling Freedom (2010). Ann's books consistently earn prominent national recognition. Denied, Detained, Deported(2009) was named the 2010 Carter G. Woodson Book Award winner at the secondary school level from the National Council for the Social Studies. Muckrakers(2007) earned the Golden Kite Award as best nonfiction book of the year from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Freedom Riders (2006) gained Sibert Honor designation from the American Library Association and With Courage and Cloth (2004) received the Jane Addams Children's Book Award as the year's best book on social justice issues for older readers. In addition, Ann has written about the nation's chief executives and their spouses -- Our Country's Presidents(2013, 4th edition) and Our Country's First Ladies (2007) -- as well as the intrepid explorer Roy Chapman Andrews (Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs, 2000).