Spies of Mississippi

Bowers, Rick. Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement. National Geographic Children's Books, 2010

Plot
This book covers how the state government of one state signed into being a spy network whose sole purpose was to undermine the civil rights movement and maintain segregation. The government officials, spies and insiders that were involved in the movement are exposed along with some of their plans and propaganda that they tried to spread in the community. The book also contains copies of actual documents that support the existence of the network and their influence.

Critical Evaluation
Some nonfiction books have the problem of getting too involved in the data of the covered event and overcrowd the narrative with minute details. However, Bowers does a good job of making the narrative clear and flow well so that readers do not feel stressed by the amount of information. The information about the network is very interesting and gets the reader curious about US history.

Reader's Annotation
There were struggles during the civil rights movement, but few know about a spy network that was written into state law. This network worked with the sole purpose of making sure that segregation was maintained...forever.

About the Author
Rick Bowers resides in Washington D.C. In addition to writing books, he is also a journalist, songwriter and heads several projects for AARP. He is also the executive director of the Leadership Commission on Civil Rights.

Genre
Nonfiction

Curriculum
Civil Rights Movement
Segregation
Government accountability

Book Talking Ideas
Propaganda is looked down on so much in America, yet it has existed in this country as well. How does it change your perspective in what you read or hear about from the media?
Why do you think people were able to create such a network?
Do you think it was worth it for these civil right activists to give up so much to go to Mississippi and protest?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issue
Deals with murders, propaganda, racism, hate crimes, and abuse of the law.

Challenge Answer
This book talks about what really happened in the history of the U.S. No matter how ugly the past is, it is best to learn about it and make sure it does not happen again.

Why Included in Selection
It is a well written book about an interesting part of U.S. History.