Kay's book does not provide a
traditionally happy ending, but it does do a fine job of exploring
the moral turmoil of the time. He seeks to illustrate to young
readers the fundamental unfairness of the system of racial
prejudice, carried as it was even to the extreme of legalized
slavery. In doing so he may cause those same young readers
to examine their own attitudes and prejudices, and reject some of
them as being similarly unfair. His book must be considered a
valuable aid to teaching these lessons in the classroom."
-- Tim Harrison, Civil War Historian and
Editor, American Civil War - The Struggle to Preserve the Union, http://www.swcivilwar.com,
February 2002
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"...(Send 'Em South) is
an exciting story about a dad and daughter whose love demands
sacrifice, and a tribute to the bravery of two young people who
manage to push past the hatred and danger swirling around them.
Although it's geared for ages
11-15, this book provides a memorable glimpse of pre-Civil War
America for adults, too. It adds flesh to people of that
tumultuous time, giving readers a closeup view of the emotions and
events of those days, and a better understanding of the meaning of
courage." -- Bonnie Bruno, editor,
WonderKorner, http://www.wonderkorner.com,
February, 2002
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"...The narrative moves right
along in this book, thrilling the reader with harrowing escapes
and a sense of danger. Many times, the story of slavery and the
Civil War seems like the story of adults fighting against each
other. This book does a good job of relating just how big a part
kids played in that part of American history.
I also liked the ending, which was
not at all what I was expecting, based on the events leading up to
it.
This book is a promising beginning
to what looks to be a great series, Young Heroes of History. Pick
it up!" -- David White, editor, Social Studies For Kids, http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com,
February, 2002
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"I
have to admit that I am a big fan of historical fiction, and
reading Send 'Em South, the first book in this
series, has made me a fan of Alan N. Kay, too....Send 'Em
South is gripping and action-packed, yet it still manages
to be rather touching at times. Middle school kids can empathize
with their plight, and this gives the book its impetus for making
history come alive, a virtue which history teachers know is
largely elusive...These books can be used for more than just
history classes. English and reading teachers might find them to
be good materials for their classes, too. I do want to point
out that the language in these books reflects the reality of the
era. Any of you who feel that Huck Finn should
be excluded from the classroom because of certain words will feel
the same way about this series. The rest of us can simply delight
in these stories, well-told, which can spur our students on to
greater knowledge and a more personal grasp of the Civil
War." -- Terry Orr, Webmaster, Teacher Information
Network, http://www.teacher.com,
December 2001.
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"(An) ambitious tale...emotionally
wrenching...designed to let readers 'experience' history...The
novel demonstrates how prejudice extends beyond black and
white....In this book, with its themes of courage, friendship that
ignores skin color, and the love between parent and child, the
author does not flinch from portraying bigotry and the cruelty of
slavery....If nothing else, this story should make them
think." --Linda Salisbury - Foreword Magazine,
August 2001
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"With deft pen and simple
words, Alan N. Kay has re-created the exciting world of the United
States just before the Civil War...(in a) breathtaking
adventure...Mr. Kay’s dialogue and characterization bring to
life the historical era and give breath to these young heroes of
our past" -- Linda Hutton of Hutton Book-Review
Services - May 2001
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"Send 'Em South is a gripping tale...The
book is well written in an easy to understand format, based on
facts, that young adults will find easy to read. The story is
filled with love and sadness, dedication and sacrifice. You will
be captivated by these young heroes and want to travel with them
through history. If you are a fan of American history I
encourage you to read these books. Even with my Canadian
background I find this series to be very well written, gripping
and full of mystery and intrigue." -- Wendy Hogan,
Editor,