They Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group

Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Reading level: Grade 7-12

Summary:
From School Library Journal
Gr 7-10–This richly documented, historically contextualized account traces the origin and evolution of the Ku Klux Klan from a small mischievous social club into a powerful, destructive organization. With compelling clarity, anecdotal detail, and insight, Bartoletti presents the complex era of Reconstruction, 1865-1877, that gave rise to the KKK. After the Civil War, the defeated South was a simmering cauldron of political, economic, and social instability. As the federal government struggled to provide law and order and to protect the rights of freed slaves, secret groups of Southern whites banded together to vent their anger over lost property, prosperity, and power. From six men in a law office in Pulaski, TN, KKK dens spread across the South targeting freed blacks and their supporters. Although the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 was meant to end violence, KKK activity persisted through the 20th century, diminishing in the last 30 years as civil rights became a reality for all Americans. Bartoletti includes excerpts from slave narratives, archival illustrations, and historical quotes to convey the human drama of KKK terrorism. An annotated bibliography and source notes illuminate the variety and significance of reference works. Additional secondary titles include Chester L. Quarles's scholarly The Ku Klux Klan and Related American Racialist and Antisemitic Organizations (McFarland, 2008). Bartoletti effectively targets teens with her engaging and informative account that presents a well-structured inside look at the KKK, societal forces that spawn hate/terrorist groups, and the research process.

Reviews:

This is one of the best non -fiction books of the year. Bartoletti has not missed a thing. Her Civil Rights timeline, (6pgs), quotes cites (6pgs) and Bibliography and Source Notes (7pgs) are all very impressive and appreciated.
Every school and public library should have a copy of this profoundly important book and parents should consider adding it to their child's home library. The history contained in this book is an important part of any Civil War/Reconstruction curriculum.
The evolution of this group is frightening. However, understanding this evolution is a beginning to understand the process through which a group of people, small or large, can band together in fear of the "others" and begin their journey of terror.
While this book is categorized as a "young adult" book, it is informative reading for adults (like me) as well. I would recommend this book to everyone.
This well-researched book offers illustrations (often in the form of published political cartoons) and photographs on every page. Suitable for mature kids in upper grades or high school, and interesting reading even for grown- ups.
The author's notes at the back are gripping, because she visited a KKK country camp - don't skip those pages.

Award: 2011 Winner of YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction