Dec. 2024 - True Crime Book Club - Past Titles - LibGuides at Westwood Public Library

Candace Fleming on Writing

Read-Alikes & Resources

Read-Alikes
Resources

Killers of the Flower Moon: Adapted for Young Readers by David Grann
Call Number: 976.6004 Grann
This book is an essential resource for young readers to learn about the Reign of Terror against the Osage people--one of history's most ruthless and shocking crimes. In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma, thanks to the oil that was discovered beneath their land. Then, one by one, the Osage began to die under mysterious circumstances, and anyone who tried to investigate met the same end. As the death toll surpassed more than twenty-four Osage, the newly created Bureau of Investigation, which became the FBI, took up the case, one of the organization's first major homicide investigations. An undercover team, including one of the only Native American agents in the bureau, infiltrated the region, struggling to adopt the latest modern techniques of detection. Working with the Osage, they began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history. In this adaptation of the adult bestseller, David Grann revisits his gripping investigation into the shocking crimes against the Osage people. The book is a searing indictment of the callousness and prejudice toward Native Americans that allowed the murderers to occur for so long.
Doomed: Sacco, Vanzetti and the End of the American Dream by John Florio; Ouisie Shapiro
Call Number: YA 305.3 FLORIO
From John Florio and Emmy Award-winning writer Ouisie Shapiro comes a monumental YA nonfiction book about the heartbreaking case of Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian immigrants who were wrongfully executed for murder. In the early 1920s, a Red Scare gripped America. Many of those targeted were Italians, Eastern Europeans, and other immigrants. When an armed robbery resulting in the death of two people broke headlines in Massachusetts, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti--both Italian immigrants--were quick to be accused. A heated trial ensued, but through it all, the two men maintained their innocence. The controversial case quickly rippled past borders as it became increasingly clear that Sacco and Vanzetti were fated for a death sentence. Protests sprang up around the world to fight for their lives. Learn the tragic history we dare not repeat in Doomed: Sacco, Vanzetti, and the End of the American Dream , an action-packed, fast-paced nonfiction book filled with issues that still resonate today
Simeon's Story by Simeon Wright; Herb Boyd
Call Number: YA 305.8 Wright
No modern tragedy has had a greater impact on race relations in America than the kidnapping and murder of Emmett Till. A 14-year-old black boy from Chicago visiting relatives in Mississippi in 1955, Till was taken from his uncle's home by two white men; several days later, his body was found in the Tallahatchie River. This grotesque crime became the catalyst for the civil rights movement. At age 12, author Simeon Wright saw and heard his cousin Emmett whistle at a white woman at a grocery store; he was sleeping in the same bed with him when Emmett was taken; and he was at the sensational trial. This is his gripping coming-of-age memoir.
From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry by Paula Yoo
Call Number: YA 305.895 Yoo
America in 1982: Japanese car companies are on the rise and believed to be putting U.S. autoworkers out of their jobs. Anti-Asian American sentiment simmers, especially in Detroit. A bar fight turns fatal, leaving a Chinese American man, Vincent Chin, beaten to death at the hands of two white men, autoworker Ronald Ebens and his stepson, Michael Nitz. Paula Yoo has crafted a searing examination of the killing and the trial and verdicts that followed. When Ebens and Nitz pled guilty to manslaughter and received only a $3,000 fine and three years' probation, the lenient sentence sparked outrage. The protests that followed led to a federal civil rights trial--the first involving a crime against an Asian American--and galvanized what came to be known as the Asian American movement. Extensively researched from court transcripts, contemporary news accounts, and in-person interviews with key participants, From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry is a suspenseful, nuanced, and authoritative portrait of a pivotal moment in civil rights history, and a man who became a symbol against hatred and racism.
Accused! by Larry Dane Brimner
Call Number: YA 345.761 Brimner
This chilling and harrowing account tells the story of the Scottsboro Boys, nine African-American teenagers who, when riding the rails during the Great Depression, found their lives destroyed after two white women falsely accused them of rape. Award-winning author Larry Dane Brimner explains how it took more than eighty years for their wrongful convictions to be overturned. In 1931, nine teenagers were arrested as they traveled on a train through Scottsboro, Alabama. The youngest was thirteen, and all had been hoping to find something better at the end of their journey. But they never arrived. Instead, two white women falsely accused them of rape. The effects were catastrophic for the young men, who came to be known as the Scottsboro Boys. Being accused of raping a white woman in the Jim Crow south almost certainly meant death, either by a lynch mob or the electric chair. The Scottsboro boys found themselves facing one prejudiced trial after another, in one of the worst miscarriages of justice in U.S. history. They also faced a racist legal system, all-white juries, and the death penalty. Noted Sibert Medalist Larry Dane Brimner uncovers how the Scottsboro Boys spent years in Alabama's prison system, enduring inhumane conditions and torture.
Just Mercy (Movie Tie-In Edition, Adapted for Young Adults) by Bryan Stevenson
Call Number: YA 353.48 Stevenson
The young adult adaptation of the acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestseller Just Mercy --now a major motion picture starring Michael B. Jordan, Jaime Foxx, and Brie Larson and the subject of an HBO documentary feature! In this very personal work--adapted from the original #1 bestseller, which the New York Times calls "as compelling as To Kill a Mockingbird , and in some ways more so"--acclaimed lawyer and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson offers a glimpse into the lives of the wrongfully imprisoned and his efforts to fight for their freedom. Stevenson's story is one of working to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society--the poor, the wrongly convicted, and those whose lives have been marked by discrimination and marginalization. Through this adaptation, young people of today will find themselves called to action and compassion in the pursuit of justice. Proceeds of this book will go to charity to help in Stevenson's important work to benefit the voiceless and the vulnerable as they attempt to navigate the broken U.S. justice system.
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater
Call Number: YA 364.155 Slater
One teenager in a skirt. One teenager with a lighter. One moment that changes both of their lives forever. If it weren't for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. Both were high school students from Oakland, California, one of the most diverse cities in the country, but they inhabited different worlds. Sasha, a white teen, lived in the middle-class foothills and attended a small private school. Richard, a black teen, lived in the crime-plagued flatlands and attended a large public one. Each day, their paths overlapped for a mere eight minutes. But one afternoon on the bus ride home from school, a single reckless act left Sasha severely burned, and Richard charged with two hate crimes and facing life imprisonment. The case garnered international attention, thrusting both teenagers into the spotlight.
The Borden Murders by Sarah Miller
Call Number: YA 364.1523 MILLER
With murder, court battles, and sensational newspaper headlines, the story of Lizzie Borden is compulsively readable and perfect for the Common Core. Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one. In a compelling, linear narrative, Miller takes readers along as she investigates a brutal crime: the August 4, 1892, murders of wealthy and prominent Andrew and Abby Borden. The accused? Mild-mannered and highly respected Lizzie Borden, daughter of Andrew and stepdaughter of Abby. Most of what is known about Lizzie's arrest and subsequent trial (and acquittal) comes from sensationalized newspaper reports; as Miller sorts fact from fiction, and as a legal battle gets under way, a gripping portrait of a woman and a town emerges.

Synopsis

How did two teenagers brutally murder an innocent child...and why? And how did their brilliant lawyer save them from the death penalty in 1920s Chicago? Written by a prolific master of narrative nonfiction, this is a compulsively readable true-crime story based on an event dubbed the "crime of the century." In 1924, eighteen-year-old college students Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb made a decision- they would commit the perfect crime by kidnapping and murdering a child they both knew. But they made one crucial error- as they were disposing of the body of young Bobby Franks, whom they had bludgeoned to death, Nathan's eyeglasses fell from his jacket pocket. Multi-award-winning author Candace Fleming depicts every twist and turn of this harrowing case--how two wealthy, brilliant young men planned and committed what became known as the crime of the century, how they were caught, why they confessed, and how the renowned criminal defense attorney Clarence Darrow enabled them to avoid the death penalty. Following on the success of such books as The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh and The Family Romanov, the acclaimed nonfiction writer, Candace Fleming, brings to heart-stopping life one of the most notorious crimes in our country's history.

Discussion Questions

Motive and Psychology:
- What were the motivations behind Leopold and Loeb's decision to commit murder?
- How does the book explore the psychological aspects of their characters?
Relationship Dynamics:
- How did the friendship between Leopold and Loeb contribute to the crime?
- Were there warning signs or aspects of their relationship that stood out to you?
Legal System and Justice:
- How did the legal system respond to the Leopold and Loeb case?
- Do you believe the punishment they received was just, or did it reflect the societal attitudes of the time?
Socioeconomic Factors:
- In what ways did the socioeconomic backgrounds of Leopold and Loeb influence their actions and the aftermath of the crime?
- How did their privilege or lack thereof play a role in the narrative?
Media Influence:
- How did the media coverage of the case impact public perception and the legal proceedings?
- Were there parallels between the media portrayal then and the way crimes are covered today?
Ethical Considerations:
- Do you think there were any ethical dilemmas faced by those involved in the investigation and trial?
- How did the society of that time grapple with the ethical implications of the crime?
Cultural Impact:
- How has the Leopold and Loeb case left a lasting impact on popular culture and public memory?
- Are there elements of their story that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences?
Legal Legacy:
- In what ways did the Leopold and Loeb case influence criminal law or legal practices in the years that followed?
- Were there any changes in legal procedures or public attitudes towards crime and punishment?
Personal Reflection:
- How did reading about Leopold and Loeb's case make you reflect on the nature of crime, punishment, and morality?
- Were there aspects of the story that challenged your own beliefs or preconceptions?

About the Author: Candace Fleming

Birth: Candace Fleming was born on April 5, 1962, in Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Education: She attended the University of Tampa, where she earned a degree in elementary education. Later, she pursued graduate studies in creative writing at Vermont College.
Writing Career: Candace Fleming is a versatile author who has written picture books, middle-grade novels, and nonfiction works for young readers. She is recognized for her ability to tackle a wide range of subjects and genres.
Genres and Themes: Fleming's works often cover historical events and figures, and she is known for her engaging storytelling and meticulous research. Her books frequently address complex subjects in a way that is accessible to young readers.
Notable Works:
- "The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia" (2014): This nonfiction work explores the last days of the Romanov family, the end of imperial rule in Russia, and the rise of the Bolsheviks.
- "The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary" (2008): An illustrated biography of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, providing a unique perspective on the lives of the former president and first lady.
- "Giant Squid" (2016): A picture book that delves into the mysterious world of the giant squid, combining scientific information with poetic language and stunning illustrations.
Awards: Candace Fleming has received various awards and honors for her contributions to children's literature, including multiple ALA (American Library Association) Notable Book designations.
Collaborations: In addition to writing her own books, Fleming has collaborated with illustrators and photographers, contributing to the visual appeal of her works.
Writing Style: Known for her engaging and accessible writing style, Fleming often brings historical events and figures to life for young readers, making complex subjects relatable and interesting.
Personal Life: Information about Candace Fleming's personal life is often kept private, and details beyond her professional career may not be readily available.

Other Writings:

Honeybee

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!

The Family Romanov

The Tidal Pool Waits

The Curse of the Mummy

Crash from Outer Space

Ben Franklin's in My Bathroom!

Papa's Mechanical Fish

Giant Squid

& so much more!

Fact vs Fiction: Leopold & Loeb

Nathan Leopold:

Birth: Nathan Leopold Jr. was born on November 19, 1904, in Chicago, Illinois.
Family and Background: Leopold came from a wealthy Jewish family. His father was a wealthy box manufacturer.
Education and Intelligence: Leopold was exceptionally intelligent and had an IQ that was reportedly in the genius range. He was a prodigy in various fields, particularly ornithology.
Relationship with Loeb: Leopold met Richard Loeb while they were both students at the University of Chicago. They developed a close friendship, sharing common interests in intellectual pursuits and criminal activities.
Crime: Leopold, along with Loeb, committed the infamous crime known as the "Leopold and Loeb Case" or the "Crime of the Century." In 1924, they kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks, a neighbor and distant relative of Leopold.

Richard Loeb:

Birth: Richard Loeb was born on June 11, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois.
Family and Background: Loeb came from a wealthy Jewish family. His father, Albert Henry Loeb, was a senior executive at Sears, Roebuck and Company.
Education and Intelligence: Like Leopold, Loeb was highly intelligent. He was known for his rebellious nature and a fascination with crime.
Relationship with Leopold: Loeb's friendship with Leopold was intense and complicated. Some speculate that Loeb's influence played a role in shaping the criminal aspects of their relationship.
Crime: The crime committed by Leopold and Loeb involved the kidnapping and murder of Bobby Franks in May 1924. The motive behind the crime was rooted in a belief in their own intellectual superiority and a desire to commit the "perfect crime."

The Crime:

Leopold and Loeb meticulously planned the crime, believing they could commit the murder without being caught.
They lured Bobby Franks into a car, murdered him, and then dumped his body.
The crime shocked the nation due to its brutality and the seemingly senseless motives behind it.

Trial and Imprisonment:

Leopold and Loeb were eventually caught due to a pair of eyeglasses found near the crime scene.
During the trial, famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow defended them. The defense focused on their psychological issues and argued against the death penalty.
In a surprising turn, Leopold and Loeb both pleaded guilty and were sentenced to life in prison. The judge spared them from the death penalty, considering their age and Darrow's arguments.

Later Years:

Nathan Leopold was paroled in 1958 after serving 33 years in prison. He lived a relatively quiet life, working in various capacities and contributing to the field of ornithology. Leopold died on August 30, 1971.
Richard Loeb was killed by a fellow inmate, James Day, in prison in 1936.

The Leopold and Loeb case remains one of the most infamous criminal cases in American history, capturing public attention due to the shocking nature of the crime and the subsequent trial. The case has inspired numerous books, plays, and movies over the years.