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This has got to be the most depressing book I have ever read. I had to slog through an incredible amount of graphic violence and senseless brutality before the main character encountered even a scrap of kindness. The author doesn't candy coat life on a slave ship in the least. She doesn't spare her readers any details of what life was like for the crew or the slaves. I don't know why this book won the Newbery, it isn't even appropriate for children. I could see how maybe a high school history teacher could use this book in the classroom, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone younger than 14.

This book is really hard to rate because on the one hand I'm really frustrated because the book portrays the absolute worst of humanity, without contrasting it with a portrayal of the best of humanity. On the other hand, I do want to give the author credit where credit is due. She does have a good command of the English language. However, this can actually be viewed as detrimental, if it wasn't so well written it wouldn't have such a negative affect on people. I just wish that she had used her talent to write something more up lifting.

I have read a lot of books (children's especially) where racial tention is the main theme and usually I enjoy them. But I have a hard time reading a book that is so completely focused on the negative. I felt the same way about the book Sounder. Can't you let the characters have one happy moment? Please?

If you would like to read a book that portrays racial tension that isn't so sad and depressing I recommend Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry by, Mildred D. Taylor. Ms. Taylor is an absolute genius.