* Genre: Young Adult Fiction / Historical Fiction
* Setting: 1962 - United States
* Themes: Civil Rights Movement, racism, prejudice, discrimination, friendship, family, love, finding oneself, coming-of-age
Plot Summary
The novel tells the story of Gentlehands, a young African American boy living in the segregated South in 1962. Gentlehands is a gifted student and a talented athlete, but he is also trapped within the oppressive walls of racism. He finds comfort and friendship with a white boy named Luke, and the two become close companions despite the racial tensions of the time. Together, they navigate the challenges of growing up in a segregated society, and they learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it means risking everything.
Characters
* Gentlehands: The protagonist of the novel. A young African American boy who is kind, intelligent, and athletic. He is trapped within the oppressive walls of racism, but he finds comfort and friendship with a white boy named Luke.
* Luke: A white boy who is Gentlehands' best friend. He is kind and compassionate, and he does not believe in the racial prejudices of his society.
* Mama: Gentlehands' mother. A strong and determined woman who is devoted to her family. She is proud of Gentlehands and encourages him to stand up for what is right, even when it means risking everything.
* Papa: Gentlehands' father. A hard-working man who is also devoted to his family. He is proud of Gentlehands, but he is also afraid for him because of the racism that exists in their society.
* Miss Martha: A wealthy white woman who is a friend of Gentlehands' family. She is kind and compassionate, and she helps Gentlehands to obtain an education.
* Mr. Granger: A white teacher at Gentlehands' school. He is racist and prejudiced, and he makes it difficult for Gentlehands to succeed.
* The Reverend: A black minister who is a friend of Gentlehands' family. He is a wise and compassionate man who teaches Gentlehands about the importance of standing up for what is right.
Key Events
* Gentlehands and Luke become friends despite the racial tensions of the time.
* Gentlehands is denied the opportunity to attend the white school, even though he is a gifted student.
* Gentlehands is beaten by a group of white boys because he is black.
* Gentlehands and Luke are arrested for protesting against segregation.
* Gentlehands is expelled from school for his activism.
* Gentlehands and his family are forced to leave town because of the racism that exists in their community.
Themes
The novel explores several important themes, including:
Civil Rights Movement: The novel is set during the Civil Rights Movement, and it depicts the struggles that African Americans faced in the segregated South. Gentlehands and his family are subjected to racism and discrimination on a daily basis, and they must fight for their rights as citizens.
Racism: The novel explores the destructive power of racism and how it can affect people's lives. Gentlehands and his family are受害者of racism, and Luke witnesses how it negatively affects Gentlehands. The novel shows the harmful effects of segregation, prejudice, and discrimination.
Finding Oneself: The novel explores the journey of self-discovery that Gentlehands undertakes as he grows up in a segregated society. He must learn to stand up for what is right, even when it means risking everything, and he must find his own voice in a world that is often hostile to him.
Coming-of-Age: The novel also explores the coming-of-age of Gentlehands as he transitions from a child into an adult. He faces many challenges and obstacles along the way, but he ultimately emerges as a stronger and more resilient individual.
Conclusion
Gentlehands is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of a young African American boy who must fight for his rights in a segregated society. It is a story of friendship, family, love, and finding oneself, and it is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.