TULSA BURNING
Anna Myers
Walker & Company
Historical Fiction
ISBN: 0802788297
184 pages

It is 1921 in Wekiwa, Oklahoma and life has been hard for 15 year-old Nobe Chase. He lost his father, his home and his dog Rex, who was his best friend. Worst of all, he had to move with his mother to live with Sheriff Leonard --- dog killer, wife stealer and secret lawbreaker --- and he doesn't think it's fair at all. Ever since that day, he's been determined to get revenge.

While living with the Leonards, he gets a job as a dishwasher at a local cafe working with the new cook, Lester Cotton. Hate begins to take over his life, burning inside him uncontrollably. Sheriff Leonard is very mean to Nobe, who is determined to teach him a lesson. However, he can't understand why his best friend Issac is hated just because of the color of his skin. One day Nobe learns how awful hate can be when he discovers that Issac was involved in a race riot and is seriously injured. Nobe is determined to bring him back home and asks Lester Cotton, also Issac's father, to go with him. He does so reluctantly and they both save Issac's life. The next day, however, Issac is arrested because of his involvement with the death of a young girl. Nobe knows it was an accident, but some people in the town, including Sheriff Leonard, are still affected by the riots in Tulsa and they plan to kill Issac. Will Nobe be able to save his life once again, or will Issac be killed for an accidental crime?

This powerful book of a boy who must struggle with his past and find the courage and strength to break free from the cycle of hatred and abuse will captivate, move and inspire readers. If I were Nobe, I would have tried to run away from home. If you like reading moving books, read this one to find out if Nobe's life will be changed forever.

   --- Reviewed by Ashley Hartlaub

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