Why did the students of the 1960's challenge patriotism?
One Pledge Unspoken shows why.
The student struggle against the U.S. war in Vietnam in the 1960's was one that led many young people to question the definition of democracy. In 1965, Mary Beth Tinker protested the war by wearing an armband. This led to a court case Tinker v. Des Moines defending "symbolic speech." Afterward, a movement began of students who refused to pledge to the flag. This book is an historic fictional account of what happened during that era.
One Pledge Unspoken is a story about Elizabeth Ellen Anderson, nick-named "Bet," a high school student who refuses to pledge the flag and takes a stand against war and racism. She and her friends learn how issues are intertwined when sexism prevents them from expressing their views and racism is used to intimidate them. With the help of Bet's Uncle Everett, a union organizer, they go to battle. They learn the difference between real life possibilities and radical beliefs.
This book is ideal to use as a discussion tool in the class room on the issues of racism, sexism, democracy, war and the right to free speech.
About the Author: Patricia Hilliard has been a writer and activist for 30 years. Frequently published by the alternative presses, she has demonstrated against racism, for women's rights, freedom of sexual identity, active as a union and tenant organizer and involved in the struggle to clean up toxins and protect the environment.
Title: One Pledge Unspoken Author: Patricia Hilliard
Category: Young Adult Fiction ISBN: 0-595-16373-4
Format: High Quality Trade Paperback Published by: iUniverse.com
Trim: 6" x 9"
Price: $12.95 U.S.
Available from : bn.com / amazon.com and other online book venders.
