#MMGM: The Lucky Ones by Linda Williams Jackson
REVIEW
Ellis Earl dreams of one day becoming a teacher and a lawyer. But in 1967 Wilsonville, Mississippi, those dreams huddle under the realities of poverty and segregation. Ellis Earl lives in a shack with his mother and eight siblings and niece Vera. The addition several other nieces and nephews after their mother's complications giving birth add to the crowding and hunger. Despite his mother's and brothers best efforts, work and income is hard to come by. But at school, Ellis Earl learns about Thurgood Marshall and Miss Marian Wright as his teacher, Mr. Foster works to instill not just knowledge but hope in his students. Ellis Earl struggles with shame for his situation, jealousy of his friend Philip, and conflict with his family. While he enjoys reading "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", he finds himself relating to Charlie and his family; and even more he comes to enjoy sharing it with his family. After reciting a speech at church at Mr. Foster's invitation, Ellis Earl finds an opportunity for some of his siblings to sing at a talent show, but he lies to get them to participate. When given the chance to go with Mr. Foster and some other students to see the arrival of Senator Robert Kennedy who is coming to Mississippi to see the poverty he's been told about, he's eager to go, but his mother only reluctantly agrees. After running into racist treatment, Ellis Earl realizes why his mother was reluctant for him to go. Despite the ongoing difficulties of his life and the seeming hopelessness of it all, Ellis Earl continues to hope for the best, but will it be enough?
Ellis Earl feels so real in his emotional struggles. He loves his family, but he's ashamed of their circumstances. He likes his friend Philip, but he's envious of how he thinks he lives. He wants to help his family but he wants his own opportunities. Williams does an amazing job of creating a story full of heart and humanity. I found it remarkably easy to envision Ellis Earl and his family and the challenges they face. The hope that Mr. Foster brings into Ellis Earl's life is almost palpable. I wasn't surprised when I discovered in the author's note that the story is based in part on the author's own childhood experiences. The inclusion of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a book that Ellis Earl connects to touched my librarian's heart greatly. This is historical fiction at its best, a powerfully depicted setting, a realistic plot, and characters who seem to really live and breathe. Highly recommended.
Thank you!
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