Angel of Greenwood
on Goodreads (2,573)
What’s inside...
Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink is a piercing, unforgettable love story set in Greenwood, Oklahoma, known as the 'Black Wall Street,' against the backdrop of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Isaiah Wilson, outwardly a town troublemaker, secretly treasures his love for reading and poetry, always carrying a journal. Angel Hill is seen as a loner and goody-goody by her peers. Her father is dying, gravely affecting her family's finances. Though they've been schoolmates, Isaiah had never noticed Angel beyond her church-going image. That changes when their English teacher offers them a job on her mobile library, a unique three-wheeled bike, pushing them into close proximity each afternoon. Their budding relationship and perceptions of community are profoundly tested on May 31, 1921, when a violent white mob attacks Greenwood, leaving devastation and displacement in its wake. This calamity forces Isaiah, Angel, and their peers to confront the true adversaries of their community.
Age
12-17
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Angel Hill
Isaiah Wilson
Discussion points
How do the main characters, Isaiah and Angel, show courage and resilience in the face of adversity?
What did you learn about the historical events of the Greenwood Massacre? How do you think it impacted the community?
How do Isaiah and Angel’s relationship evolve throughout the story? What do you think brought them closer together?
What role do you think community and support play in overcoming challenges? Can you give examples from the book?
In what ways do the characters in 'Angel of Greenwood' inspire you to make a change or help others in your own community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, exploring how they might feel in similar situations.
Discuss the historical context of the book beforehand to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges the characters face.
After reading, ask your child to draw or write about their favorite scene and explain why it stood out to them, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Compare and contrast the main characters’ actions and motivations to help your child grasp the complexities of their personalities and growth.
Highlight the importance of community support as shown in the book and relate it to your child’s experiences in school or neighborhood.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Angel of Greenwood', the characters learn to understand and sympathize with people from different backgrounds during the historical events of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The portrayal of diverse perspectives encourages readers to put themselves in others' shoes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by respecting and valuing the feelings and viewpoints of their peers, which can enhance their social interactions and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The protagonists in 'Angel of Greenwood' show immense resilience in the face of racial and social challenges. Their determination to overcome obstacles highlights the strength of the human spirit.
Real-World Application: This book can teach children the importance of persistence and courage when confronting difficulties, encouraging them to remain strong and hopeful regardless of the circumstances.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The book provides a detailed look into a significant historical event, the Tulsa Race Massacre, which is not widely covered in school curricula. This fosters a deeper understanding of American history and its impacts.
Real-World Application: Learning about historical events through narratives like this can help children appreciate the complexities of history and how it shapes the present, encouraging informed and conscientious future citizens.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Community
Explanation: The Greenwood community plays a pivotal role in the narrative, showing how communal support and unity can offer strength during tumultuous times. The book pays homage to the spirit of community resilience and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of participating in and contributing to their own communities, understanding how collective efforts can lead to positive outcomes.