They Called Themselves the K.K.K. (Informational Books)

Bartoletti, Susan. They called themselves the K.K.K. : the birth of an American terrorist group. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010.

Summary
    Bartoletti weaves the tale of the war strewn south after the American Civil War and the beginnings of the well known terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan, during the period of reconstruction. Sequential chapters allow young adults to grasp how society’s mindset and widespread prejudices allowed for a small group of men to grow into a widespread, highly secretive society of hate. The in-depth look into the group concludes with President Grant’s eventual crackdown on the Ku Klux Klan and its gradual retreat from mainstream society, but reminds the reader that hate groups still exist in United States to this day.

Critical Review
     They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: the birth of an American terrorist group is detailed and well researched presentation of the Ku Klux Klan. Young adult readers may find the grim subject matter is difficult to read with its intimidatingly crisp layout and honest portrayal of the treatment of African Americans in American society. The use of black and white pictures, documents, uncensored quotes, historical artist renderings, and satirical cartoons serve to break up dense passages of information and provide further insight into the life of freed slaves and the individuals who were part of the K.K.K..
    Bartoletti retells events concisely while providing readers with enough first hand anecdotes from freed men and women and Klan members to encourage critical thinking. For example, a quote from Susan Merrit, a freed woman, gives readers insight into a life where even her religion was encroached upon by former slave owners and members of the Ku Klux Klan. A time line at the end of the book provides readers with perspective and quote attributions and source notes serves the needs of individuals looking to do further research.
    Readers will find this book to be a somber, yet much needed glimpse into how unchecked prejudices led to shameful acts and the formation of a terrorist group.

Awards and Excerpts
ALA Notable Books
Booklist Editors Choice 2010
Horn Book Magazine Starred Review Titles
Kirkus Starred Review
Booklist- “amirably clear, accessible language”
Kirkus- “An exemplar of history writing”
School Library Journal- “compelling clarity, anecdotal detail, and insight”

Connections:
Use these book as read alouds on slavery and segregation:
    Hopkinson, Deborah. Sweet Clara and the freedom quilt. New York: A. Knopf, 1995.
    Levine, Ellen. Henry's freedom box. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007.
    Wiles, Deborah. Freedom Summer. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2005.
    Woodson, Jacqueline. The other side. New York: Putnam's, 2001.

Learn about terrorist groups and actions that arise from hatred and/or fear:
    Bartoletti, Susan. Hitler Youth : growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction,  2005.
    Isaac, John. Rwanda : fierce clashes in Central Africa. Woodbridge, Conn: Blackbirch Press, 1997.
    Lange, Dorothea. Impounded : Dorothea Lange and the censored images of Japanese American internment. New York London: W.W. Norton, 2008.
    Meltzer, Milton. The day the sky fell : a history of terrorism. New York: Random House, 2002.
    Michelson, Maureen. Looking like the enemy : my story of imprisonment in Japanese-American internment camps. Troutdale, OR: NewSage Press, 2010.

Use one of these books as a conclusion to discussions on hate groups, hate crimes, and bullying.
    Fox, Mem. Whoever you are. Orlando: Voyager Books Harcourt, 2001.
    Seskin, Steve. Don't laugh at me. Berkeley: Tricycle Press, 2002.

Plan a cultural fair to celebrate unity within your school or classroom.