📖 Overview
Chris Crowe is an American author and professor known for his young adult literature, particularly his works exploring civil rights history and racial justice. He has written both fiction and nonfiction books, with his most acclaimed work being "Mississippi Trial, 1955," a historical novel about the murder of Emmett Till.
As a professor of English at Brigham Young University, Crowe has contributed significantly to the field of young adult literature through his teaching and scholarly work. His book "Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case" received multiple awards and has been widely used in educational settings.
The intersection of history and young adult literature is a central focus in Crowe's writing career, with works that aim to make historical events accessible to younger readers. His other notable works include "Death Coming Up the Hill," a historical novel written in haiku about the Vietnam War, and "More Than a Game: Sports Literature for Young Adults."
In addition to his books, Crowe has written extensively about young adult literature for professional publications and has served as an editor for various literary journals. His work consistently demonstrates a commitment to addressing challenging historical topics while maintaining accessibility for teenage readers.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Crowe's approach to historical events, particularly in "Mississippi Trial, 1955" and "Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case." Multiple reviewers note his careful balance of historical accuracy with age-appropriate content for young adult readers.
Readers like:
- Clear explanations of complex historical events
- Character development in fiction works
- Thorough research and primary sources in nonfiction
- Inclusion of photographs and documents in historical accounts
Common criticisms:
- Slow pacing in early chapters of novels
- Some dialogue feels unnatural
- Young protagonists can seem unrealistic
Ratings:
Goodreads:
- Mississippi Trial, 1955: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings)
- Getting Away with Murder: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- Death Coming Up the Hill: 3.9/5 (800+ ratings)
Amazon:
- Mississippi Trial, 1955: 4.5/5 (90+ reviews)
- Getting Away with Murder: 4.6/5 (70+ reviews)
📚 Books by Chris Crowe
Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case
A nonfiction account documenting the 1955 murder of Emmett Till, the subsequent trial, and its impact on the civil rights movement.
Mississippi Trial, 1955 A historical novel following sixteen-year-old Hiram Hillburn as he witnesses the events surrounding Emmett Till's murder in Mississippi.
Death Coming Up the Hill A novel written in haiku form that tells the story of a seventeen-year-old boy dealing with family conflicts against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in 1968.
More Than a Game: Sports Literature for Young Adults A reference book examining sports-themed literature for young readers and its role in education.
Mississippi Trial, 1955 A historical novel following sixteen-year-old Hiram Hillburn as he witnesses the events surrounding Emmett Till's murder in Mississippi.
Death Coming Up the Hill A novel written in haiku form that tells the story of a seventeen-year-old boy dealing with family conflicts against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in 1968.
More Than a Game: Sports Literature for Young Adults A reference book examining sports-themed literature for young readers and its role in education.
👥 Similar authors
Walter Dean Myers writes historical fiction and nonfiction for young adults with focus on African American experiences and civil rights history. His works like "Monster" and "Fallen Angels" address social justice themes through teen perspectives.
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Steve Sheinkin produces nonfiction books making complex historical events accessible to young readers. His works combine thorough research with narrative techniques to create compelling accounts of significant historical moments.
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Deborah Wiles creates historical fiction focusing on the American civil rights era and 1960s social change. Her documentary novels combine narrative with primary sources and historical documents to immerse readers in specific time periods.
Sharon Draper writes contemporary and historical young adult novels examining racial identity and civil rights issues. Her books like "Stella by Starlight" and "Fire from the Rock" explore discrimination and courage through teenage protagonists.
Steve Sheinkin produces nonfiction books making complex historical events accessible to young readers. His works combine thorough research with narrative techniques to create compelling accounts of significant historical moments.
Kekla Magoon writes historical and contemporary young adult novels about social justice and civil rights struggles. Her works examine racial tensions and activism through multiple perspectives, incorporating both historical and modern-day contexts.