They Call Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2010. THEY CALL THEMSELVES THE K.K.K.: THE BIRTH OF AN AMERICAN TERRORIST GROUP. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 061844033X

PLOT SUMMARY

The history of the Ku Klux Klan is explored through the use of personal accounts, congressional documents, and other primary sources.

CRITCAL ANALYSIS

 Susan Campbell Bartoletti provides us with this well-written account of the formation and subsequent reign of terror of the Ku Klux Klan beginning just after the Civil War in 1866 and ending as recently as thirty years ago. Bartoletti’s writing style is such that it would appeal to all ages ranging from youth through adults.

The visuals in this book are all historically relevant, including political cartoons, photographs and paintings of persons of interest, as well as drawings of all sorts. As you flip through the book you’ll find yourself stopping at an interesting image and reading the captions that come with each. The tidbits of information are just the beginning and will invite the potential reader to start at the beginning and immerse themselves in a small portion of United States history.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “effectively targets teens with her engaging and informative account that presents a well-structured inside look at the KKK, societal forces that spawn hate/terrorist groups, and the research process.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Bartoletti…writes in admirably clear, accessible language about one of the most complex periods in U.S. history, and she deftly places the powerfully unsettling events into cultural and political context without oversimplifying.”

CONNECTIONS

* Book discussion suggestions:

            What are your feelings about the Ku Klux Klan?

Does anyone in the group have ancestors that came into contact with the Klan, or that were a part of the Klan?

           

*More titles by this author:

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW. ISBN 0439353793 *Newbery Honor Book, 2006; *Sibert Medal Honor Book, 2006

            Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. BLACK POTATOES: THE STORY OF THE GREAT IRISH 
           FAMINE. ISBN 0618548831 *Sibert Medal, 2002; Orbus Pictus, 2002