A Summer of Kings
Han Nolan

In 1963, fourteen-year-old Esther feels like a talentless dummy in a family of stars. But when African American King-Roy comes from Alabama to stay with her family, Esther feels an adventure coming on. King-Roy has been accused of murdering a man who was responsible for his young sister's death, and comes to New York angry and bitter. King-Roy is mesmerized by Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam, while Ester studies the works of Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Esther finally convinces her family and King-Roy to attend the famous March on Washington, where she finds purpose, even as King-Roy's story has a more tragic ending. Nolan has created fascinating characters and weaved historical events into an intriguing story. Students may be motivated to learn more about the events of the Civil Rights Movement after reading this story. Language and content are definitely suitable for middle school, and even upper elementary. Highly Recommended.