Bessie Smith, a famous African American blues singer, had come to Concord! People from everywhere lined up to see her from the time she road in on her own train. Draped in pearls and a feathered boa and a shimmering dress, Bessie was the "cat's meow"! Her performance was to take place under a tent that night. One little black girl who really wanted to see Bessie perform could not afford the price of a ticket. So she did they next best thing. She hid behind the tent and lifted the curtain...just to get a peep. Then she noticed that the KKK had come to burn down Bessie's tent with all of those Black people inside. The little girl ran in the tent and told Bessie what was happening outside. Well, Bessie went straight at those Klansmen and told them they'd better run. Bessie stood her ground and the Klansmen rode off into the night, never to come back. After everything went back to normal, Bessie finished her show with one particular person getting a special seat...right in the front. ( )

This book tells the story of a night that blues singer, Bessie Smith, encountered the Night Riders. I think this book would be great for younger audiences because it gives the accuracy of some of the things the KKK did but not in such gory detail. The pictures in the book are really night and do a good job at showing all of the emotions in the book. Just like the little girl in the book said, this book can teach people to stand up for themselves. ( )

This book is very colorful. The writing is setup as if it was during the 40s, 50s era. My favorite quote "i learned you can look the devil in the eye and spit on the ground." It is all peace until the KKK shows up to Bessie's concert but she runs them of. It is a nice read for grands 2nd and up. ( )

The overall setting of this book was very colorful and happy. The only times the setting was dark was when the Night Riders were in town because they were a turning point in the book and not in a good way. Bessie Smith's braveness scared the Night Riders away and then the party continued with bright, cheerful colors. I liked this book it has a few themes to it, one being the historical fiction and then bravery, kindness shows up when Bessie runs the Night Riders off. ( )

This book is about the story of Bessie Smith visiting a little town on a tour, then trouble comes about. The young girl, Emmarene Johnson, saw the Klansmen attempting to set fire to the tent. She informed Bessie Smith if the attempted attack, Bessie confronted the Klansmen. I think this is a cute book and is an important read for children. I would suggest this book to teachers to read to their students, especially during Black History Month. ( )