As strong, appealing characters deal with unjust situations, their feelings are relatable (sometimes tragically, sometimes hilariously) and their experiences leave the reader with lots to think about.
And, like her other books, it does so with a light touch, thanks to seeing the world through the eyes of a carefree 12-year-old white boy who learns to see through other people's eyes after a life-changing experience and a friendship with the African American war veteran who rescues him. Parents need to know that The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA, is, like author Brenda Woods' previous books, unafraid to deal with troublesome issues - in this case, racial injustice in the Jim Crow South, 1946. Also mentioned: the The Negro Motorist Green Book, which kept dark-skinned travelers in racist country advised of safe lodging, gas stations, etc. The South being the way it is, there's no guarantee that the police will help-and Gabriel doesn't know what will happen if Meriwether feels forced to take the law into his own hands.Mentions of Schwinn bikes, several car brands (Buick, Chevrolet) for scene setting.
Sadly, danger finds Meriwether, anyway, when his family receives a frightening threat. Meriwether is proud of his service, but has to keep it a secret because talking about it could be dangerous. Gabriel and Meriwether become friends, and Gabriel learns that Meriwether drove a tank in the Army's all-Black 761st Tank Battalion in WWII. Gabriel's dad hires him with some hesitation, however, anticipating trouble with the other mechanic, who makes no secret of his racist opinions. As a thank you, Gabriel gets him a job at his dad's auto shop. Fortunately, a Black man named Meriwether pushes him out of the way just in time, and fixes his damaged bike. On Gabriel's twelfth birthday, he gets a new bike-and is so excited that he accidentally rides it right into the path of a car. The Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author tells the moving story of the friendship between a young white boy and a Black WWII veteran who has recently returned to the unwelcoming Jim Crow South.
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