The Glory Field

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager begins asking deep questions about their family's roots, the weight of history, or how personal identity is built over generations. Walter Dean Myers crafts a sweeping epic that follows the Lewis family from their first ancestor brought to South Carolina in shackles to the modern day descendants seeking their place in the world. It is a powerful tool for families looking to discuss the lasting impact of systemic racism and the incredible resilience required to overcome it. While the book deals with the heavy realities of slavery and the Jim Crow era, its core is a beautiful exploration of family bonds and the spiritual connection to a piece of land called the Glory Field. It is best suited for readers aged 12 and up who are ready for an honest, sophisticated look at African American history through a deeply personal lens.