Mississippi Trial, 1955

By: Chris Crowe

Narrated by: Victor Bevine

Winner of the 2003 International Reading Association Award for Young Adult Novel. This gripping story is based on the true events of the murder of Emmett Till, one of the nation's most notorious crimes that helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.


At first Hiram is excited to visit his hometown in Mississippi. But soon after he arrives, he crosses paths with Emmett Till, a black teenager from Chicago who is also visiting for the summer. Hiram sees firsthand how the local whites mistreat blacks who refuse to "know their place." When Emmett's tortured dead body is found floating in a river, Hiram is determined to find out who could do such a thing. But what will it cost him to know?

Critic reviews

"Will get readers thinking."--Publishers Weekly

"Teen readers will find themselves caught up in Hiram's very real struggle to do the right thing."--Kirkus Reviews

"This book belongs in all collections to show young readers the full range of American history."--School Library Journal

"This is a thoughtful story that rises above a mere retelling of one episode in the South's racist past."--Children's Literature

Good narration for a great story

Historical fiction is always my favorite way to peak my (and my kids’) interest in historical events and people. This book does a great job introducing the details of the Emmet Till murder and trial through the eyes of a concerned teenager in the Mississippi community where it occurred. It’s a heart wrenching story about racism, prejudice, relationships, politics, the justice system, and a persons responsibility to stand up for what is right, no matter what.

Amazingly sad

While this is a historic fiction it holds a lot of truth. I once believed my elders could do no wrong and knew gods truth. As I grew and saw the world I reliazed their views were skewed by the time and place they had grown up in, showing that while you idolize your elders you must make your own judgements about right and wrong. Hiram makes a new friend that is also not from the antiquated Mississippi delta and after failing to defend that freind he must decide what is the true path of right and wrong. Leading to alienate of those he has held in the highest regard.