Kekla Magoon's The Rock and the River is set in the turbulent 1960's in Chicago. The main character, Sam, and his brother Stick (Steven) deal with the harsh realities of being young and black in a city where both are liabilities. Their father, Roland Childs, is a prominent black non-violent leader. Their family has hosted Dr. Martin Luther King when he has been in Chicago. When Dr. King is murdered, they watch parts of the city burn. Destruction of businesses and arrests of many innocent young black men drive both to the edge. Will they disregard their father's preaching about what brings about change through non violent way or will they join the Black Panthers? Read the book to find out.
