Tools for this page
Print

Day of Tears : A Novel in Dialogue

(2006, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Julius Lester)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Interesting story of historic slave auction.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Pervasive racism, as whites discuss how blacks don't have the intelligence or emotions of whites, characters admire the KKK, and in general treat slaves as animals or dimwitted children.
  • Violence :

    Whipping of slaves, a forced fight in which a slave loses an eye, the death of a baby in a rainstorm, a suicide, a son punches his father.
  • Sex :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Whites refer to blacks using the n-word.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Day of Tears : A Novel in Dialogue

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Read It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Day of Tears : A Novel in Dialogue?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 9 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 5.0

    i cried....alot

    THIS BOOK IS MARVELOUS ITS GREAT IT ALMOST MADE ME CRY.... (SNIFF) (SNIFF) U'V GOT TO READ IT....

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 5.0

    i cried....alot

    THIS BOOK IS MARVELOUS ITS GREAT IT ALMOST MADE ME CRY.... (SNIFF) (SNIFF) U'V GOT TO READ IT....

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    A discussion starter

    I began reading this book in what began as sun filled morning with just a few clouds. As read the novel, it began to rain and my heart grow as somber as the tale Lester begins to tell. As a native of South Carolina and an African American I truly appreciate how this story weaves the history of blacks and their relationships with each other and whites of the times. This novel will begin a conversation of healing and understanding for a terrible time in American history.

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 15
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    this book is a must read

    this is a book u can really get a feel with. it cathes your eye and has your attention. i believe many young and old would really connect with this book. if there was a book i had to choose to do a report on it would this book. thank you julius lester for writting such a great book.

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    A really good book a must read

    This book is a book i used for a book report. It also has a lot of information on slavery and to inform people on slavery in general.

Find books reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Site of the Week

    KidZui

    KidZui

    Kids' browser features prescreened, safe sites.

  • Advice for Parents

     iPhones, Apps, and Preschoolers

    iPhones, Apps, and Preschoolers

    Do you let your kid use your smartphone?

  • Book of the Week

    Wings

    Wings

    Romantic fairy fantasy, milder than Twilight.

  • Most Popular This Week

    Pixar Favorites

    Pixar Favorites

    If your kids are excited for Up, they'll love these!

  • Game of the Week

    inFAMOUS

    inFAMOUS

    How you play superhuman adventure results in fame or infamy.