Riot

Myers, Walter Dean. Riot. New York: Egmont, 2009. Print. ISBN978-1-60684-000-9. Hardcover. $16.99 USD.

 

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover, eBook, unabridged audio CD and unabridged audio book download.

Annotation: New York City is in turmoil due to the 1863 Draft Riots. The city's Irish residents are angry, because they are being drafted for the Union army. They lash out against the African American population, because they do not want to die for their freedom. Fifteen year old Claire is torn between the two sides, since she is of African American and Irish descent.

Book Talk:Wrap Back to the Title Technique
In 1863 our country was in the middle of a Civil War. One nation, divided for many reasons, waging bloody battles. Yet, during all of this turmoil, another war was about to begin. Not on the battlefields, but in the streets of New York. A war started by the the city's residents. A war between races and classes. 

Riot follows the events of the New York City Draft Riot. In 1863, the city's population of Irish immigrants revolted against the draft instated by Lincoln to obtain more Union soldiers. Infuriated that the city's wealthy residents were able to avoid the draft by paying a fee, the Irish took their anger out on the African American population; blaming them for the war. For three days they created chaos in the city, placing many in harms way.

The story centers around fifteen year old Claire, who is of African American and Irish heritage. Before the riot, Claire wasn't identified by her race. Now, she must struggle to understand where she belongs. To make matters worse, Claire fears for the safety of her friends who are on opposing sides.

Which race does she identify with the most? If she takes a side will one of her parents be hurt? Can her family stay together when society wants them to be apart? Will her friends survive the brutality on the streets?

Follow Claire on her difficult journey as she struggles to find her identity during the intense Riot. 

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Young Adult Interview:

“I like anything that makes you think and learn. So, historical fiction is definitely something that I enjoy reading.”

--Quote from Rob N., age 19.