Shadows of Caesar’s Creek (Clubhouse Mysteries)
by Sharon Draper
Ziggy and his pals are all set for another adventure. This time, it’s a camping trip sponsored by the Black Heritage Club. Along with a group of girls, the boys will be staying overnight in Caesar Creek State Park. But of course, the trip is educational in addition to being fun. Their tour guide Noni tells them all about the history of the area.
In the third book of the series, Sharon Draper explains how African-American history and Native American history sometimes intertwined. Draper discusses how Europeans in some areas did try enslaving Native Americans, but that they were generally unsuccessful because the Native Americans knew the land better than the Europeans and they could not be fully separated from their people who were then able to help them. Europeans begin bringing in slaves from Africa who had no such knowledge of the terrain and no one to assist them. Over time however, many runaway slaves discovered that some Native Americans would assist them and shelter them, with some former slaves even becoming tribal members and leaders over time.
Again, the Ziggy books do not have very difficult vocabulary and are able to be read by advanced second graders and many third graders while maintaining an interest level that will even appeal to fifth graders. This is essential for teachers and parents who have children who are reading below their grade level as it can be difficult to find books that will engage those readers and will not make them feel as though they are reading something babyish.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – Rashawn shows he likes a girl by trading away a chocolate chip cookie for a cupcake.
Profanity – None.
Death, Violence and Gore – We learn that some Indians would chew poisonous leaves if captured by settlers.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None.
Frightening or Intense Things – The boys worry they are being chased by a bear.
