Love it. It teaches kids about slavery. And even though it's violent, I think that that's part of the point- the evils of slavery.
Day of Tears : A Novel in Dialogue
(2006, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Julius Lester)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Interesting story of historic slave auction.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Day of Tears : A Novel in Dialogue was written by Matt Berman
Parents need to know that the way slaves are treated is disturbing -- they are beaten into unconsciousness, treated like animals with no feelings, and separated from their families. Readers will encounter the whipping of slaves, a forced fight in which a slave loses an eye, the death of a baby in a rainstorm, and a suicide.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the historical background of the American slave system. How could people who considered themselves to be good, decent people have treated others in this way? How could the slaves endure it? How could Sampson, a slave, come to identify so strongly with being a slave that he resisted freedom?
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More on Day of Tears : A Novel in Dialogue
Book Summary
In 1857, Pierce Butler, a plantation owner deeply in debt due to a gambling habit, held what became the largest slave auction in American history to raise the money to pay off his debts. Author Julius Lester takes this real historical event and tells the story through the eyes of those involved, black and white, both at the time and reflecting back on it years later.
Some of these characters are: Emma, a child slave who takes care of the Butler children and is sold despite a promise to her mother not to sell her; Sampson, a slave who believes in slavery and the inferiority of his race; Sarah, oldest Butler daughter, who takes after her mother in despising slavery; and Jeremiah, a white abolitionist conductor on the Underground Railway, who sets in motion more than he had planned.
Is It Any Good?
Julius Lester tells the story in the form of snippets of scripted dialogue, thoughts, flashbacks, and quotes from an historical pamphlet that gives the names and prices of those sold at this auction. Though it sometimes can be a bit confusing when read silently, the format makes the story very accessible to elementary-age children, as does the author's careful avoidance of the more sensational and lurid aspects of the story.
This format, though, creates an emotional distance that robs the novel of some of the raw power one might expect from the subject matter. The author skips from character to character, and time to time, never letting the reader identify too strongly with any one person. Perhaps the author felt this was necessary to avoid overwhelming young readers. In any case, this is a fascinating and engrossing look at a little-known historical event that encapsulates the institution of slavery.
Publisher’s Details
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children, Publication date: 02/05/2006
Number of pages: 177, Price: $15.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 9, Read Alone: 10+
Number of pages: 177, Price: $15.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 9, Read Alone: 10+
Our Members Say
See all 12 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Day of Tears
This Is the BEST book I have read within the last past 15 years! I LOVE the book Day of Tears! It tought me so much, I had to buy it! I even got others to read! When I grow up I want my children to read this book! It makes you Laugh, Cry, and Think. Thank you so much Julius Lester for your Wonderful writing!
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
new perspective
I really really enjoyed this book. There were some times where the racism made me mad, but it really gives you a new perspective on how people think. This book helps you to understand how hard it really was, and sometimes still is for people of different races to live with eachother. It really opends your eyes up
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I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
i cried....alot
THIS BOOK IS MARVELOUS ITS GREAT IT ALMOST MADE ME CRY.... (SNIFF) (SNIFF) U'V GOT TO READ IT....
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I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
i cried....alot
THIS BOOK IS MARVELOUS ITS GREAT IT ALMOST MADE ME CRY.... (SNIFF) (SNIFF) U'V GOT TO READ IT....
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