
Dreamland Burning is a compelling young adult novel that masterfully weaves together two narratives set a century apart. In the present, 17-year-old Rowan Chase discovers a skeleton on her family's property, leading her to investigate a brutal, century-old murder. Her journey uncovers painful truths about her family's past and the complex history of race relations in America. Simultaneously, the story transports readers to 1921 Tulsa, where 17-year-old Will Tillman is thrust into the escalating racial tensions that culminate in the devastating Tulsa Race Riot. The book explores themes of justice, identity, systemic racism, and the enduring impact of historical events. It is suitable for mature young adult readers aged 12-18, offering a powerful and thought-provoking look at a critical moment in American history and its echoes today.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepicts the historical violence of the Tulsa Race Riot, including a 'racial firestorm'.
Characters face significant danger during the historical riot and in investigating a murder.
Explores systemic racism and segregation under Jim Crow laws.
Discovery of a skeleton and descriptions of riot scenes may be intense.