Dark Sky Rising

Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow

By: Henry Louis Gates Jr., Tonya Bolden

Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. presents a journey through America's past and our nation's attempts at renewal in this look at the Civil War's conclusion, Reconstruction, and the rise of Jim Crow segregation.

This is a story about America during and after Reconstruction, one of history's most pivotal and misunderstood chapters. In a stirring account of emancipation, the struggle for citizenship and national reunion, and the advent of racial segregation, the renowned Harvard scholar delivers a book that is illuminating and timely. Real-life accounts drive the narrative, spanning the half century between the Civil War and Birth of a Nation. Here, you will come face-to-face with the people and events of Reconstruction's noble democratic experiment, its tragic undermining, and the drawing of a new "color line" in the long Jim Crow era that followed. In introducing young listeners to them, and to the resiliency of the African American people at times of progress and betrayal, Professor Gates shares a history that remains vitally relevant today.

©2019 Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (P)2019 Scholastic Inc.

A must-read for all ages

Though this book is intended for a younger audience, I definitely recommend it to adults as well. It is well-written, interesting, and insightful. I learned a lot, and for that I am grateful.

it tells the true story

It is a story all people should know ! black and white. thanks you

Very good YA history of Reconstruction

As a former history teacher, there was not much new information here, but it is an excellent overview of the events surrounding Reconstruction with personal stories interspersed to illustrate and illuminate. I was struck by how we are dealing with ripple effects from this era now, in 2019, making this book unusually topical.

Every American should read

This book is a must for every American inorder to understand why we are where we are today in regard to race relations in 2019. After reading this book ( or listening to it), go and do some more research on our history.

Brilliant

This is an excellent account of Reconstruction and Jim Crow in America. I plan to listen to it a few more times and share it. Dr. Gates did an excellent job.

Read This!

Anyone who has hesitations with regard to “Black Lives Matter” should read this book. Although advertised for “young readers,” it is a must read for anyone concerned about a future and just America.

Concise and Complete

To understand Black History is to understand America. History shapes today and tomorrow. Amen.