The past should not be buried. With Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, it isn’t. This novel exhibits the little-known history of Malaga Island in an emotional, thoughtful way. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is one of the books we are encouraging people to read in companion to The Wednesday Wars for this year’s Big Read Lakeshore program.
What It’s About
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Malaga Island. It is narrated by Turner, who is the son of the (white) minister. Having just moved, Turner doesn’t have any friends until he meets Lizzie, the daughter of the (Black) Reverend.
Turner and Lizzie hang out and become fast friends. She shows him around the coast, and he even encounters whales. However, the town (including Turner’s father) don’t approve of the friendship. Things get especially troublesome when the town decides to build a resort on Malaga Island. They tell the entire Black community on Malaga Island that they have to leave.
The overwhelming prejudice against Lizzie and her community does not stop Turner from doing what is right. He continues to do everything he can to help, even confronting the Sheriff. In the end, Turner learns that he has to always stand up and fight for what is right, even when the people around him are not doing the same.
Why Read It
This profoundly beautiful novel is a must-read for anyone who is interested in history, truth, and the value of community. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy makes history come alive with engaging characters whose plights readers cannot help but sympathize with.
Teachers using Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy can pair it with a history lesson on Malaga Island. Teaching the injustices of history to young people is very important so that history is not repeated. But students will not only learn history with this book, they will also be entertained with an engaging story. If you are a teacher and want to use Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy in the classroom, check out these resources.
Adults will also love Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. It is as entertaining and informative for adults as it is for kids, but adults will be able to better comprehend the complex town relationships and how they impact the story. If you or anyone you know is interested in reading Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, check out these book club resources.
We are so excited for everyone to join the Big Read Lakeshore in reading Gary D. Schmidt’s books! Come hear from him at the Author Keynote Address November 16 in Graves Hall, Hope College at 7:00 p.m. If you want to learn more about this year’s program or know when our other events are, check out our website.
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