Yard War

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2015

Review

Life, as he knows it, is about to change for 12 year old Trip Westbrook when he invites the Negro maid's son to play football on the front lawn. Living in Mississippi in 1964, generations of families have differing views on segregation. Trip learns that adults disagree on how people of different colors should interact and his simple gesture to be inclusive creates tension on many levels. Kitchings does a good job of placing the reader in the times intended. The family stresses between parents, grandparents, and young Trip are well drawn. With a hopeful conclusion to a better future, the struggles of the times shine a light on how the younger generation can help the older one stand up for what they believe is right.

Overall Book Score: good