We Were the Fire

THREE STARRED REVIEWS!
     * “Moses takes readers inside the movement that saw its youngest become effective challengers to the segregation status quo. Her narrative seamlessly weaves a personal family story with the larger one of the fight for change. Rufus is an engaging, thoughtful narrator whose voice and perspective ring true as he works to make a difference. . . . The love and determination of his community are realistically and richly portrayed. A stirring, cleareyed look at the young people who risked much for social change as they fought for their civil rights.” —Kirkus STAR
     * “Pays homage to Black children living during the civil rights era whose contributions to the movement were often left undocumented, in this riveting historical fiction volume. . . . Birmingham and its citizens, culture, and struggles are empathetically wrought in this eye-opening novel. With intention, Moses thoughtfully highlights the real-world horrors that Rufus courageously faces. . . and provides levity through his introspective and energetic first-person narration.” —PW STAR
    * “Rufus is a keen observer . . . He is a thoughtful and endearing character, even while suspense is high. The setting and strong sense of community among his Black neighbors are vividly drawn. This compelling and powerful story will resonate with many readers. A first purchase.” —SLJ STAR
     “A memorable family story. . . . A good match with Christopher Paul Curtis’s The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963. . . . Moving and memorable . . . the author’s note is important reading in its own right.” —Horn Book
  “Evocative first-person narration. . . . Moses packs a lot of details into a trim page count, creating a fully realized family of characters while depicting historical events and the horrific consequences of systems of white supremacy.” —BCCB