When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods

History and a summer adventure combine in an engaging, slim, novel-in-verse for middle grade readers.

When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022. 176 Pages.

Reading Level: Midde Grades, Ages 10-12

Recommended For: Ages 10 and up

Eden Louise Coal is excited. Her cousin Winter is coming for a visit, all the way from Mississippi to Los Angeles, California. It’s 1965, and Winter is excited to see California. It seems a far cry from Mississippi. Take the buses:

… as we climb aboard, Winter notes,

Y’all never had to sit in the back of the bus out here, huh?

No, no back of the bus, Mama echoes, unless that’s where you choose to sit.

Winter parks himself right behind the driver and says,

I know the law says Jim Crow is supposed to be over and all, but back home, so as not to cause trouble, most of us, including me, still sit in the back …

Brenda Woods, When Winter Robeson Came

But, besides sightseeing, Eden learns that Winter has another hope for his visit. California is where his daddy disappeared, and Winter is determined to find out what happened to him. Together Eden and Winter begin their own personal quest, oblivious at first to the growing unrest in Los Angeles, till it grows too big to ignore.

Brenda Woods skillfully conveys the feeling of California in 1965 with deft details tucked into her free verse. Even more, she brings Eden’s family and friends to life. Eden’s love of music flows into her descriptions and is a nice touch for music lovers. When the race riots descend on Los Angeles, readers feel the shock and uncertainty of normal life turning upside down. But instead of a grim book, When Winter Robeson Came is full of unexpected happiness and joy with strong themes of family and hope.

Considerations:

• Thematic suspense (During the race riots, Eden and Winter witness the effects of rioting and find themselves in some precarious places. Also, Eden’s neighbors have a scary interaction with some nervous policemen.)

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 4 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4 out of 5

Read more about our ratings here.

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA by Brenda Woods (Woods’ engaging historical novel reflects on the plight of Unsung Heroes—black service men in the years immediately following World War II.)
• A Review:Newberry Buzz: The Undefeated and A Place to Land (two picture books perfect for MG readers)
• A Resource: Books about Racism for Children and Teens

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