Justice and Her Brothers facts for kids
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| Author | Virginia Hamilton |
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| Country | United States of America |
| Series | The Justice Trilogy |
| Genre | science fiction young adult |
| Publisher | Greenwillow Books |
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Publication date
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1978 |
| ISBN | 978-0-688-80182-3 |
| Followed by | Dustland; The Gathering |
Justice and Her Brothers is an exciting science fiction novel from 1978. It was written by the famous author Virginia Hamilton. This book is for young adults, meaning it's perfect for readers aged 12-15.
The story takes place in Yellow Springs, Ohio. This is the same town where Virginia Hamilton was born. It is the first book in a series called The Justice Trilogy. The next books are Dustland (1980) and The Gathering (1981).
What the Story is About
This amazing story happens over one hot summer week in Ohio. The main character is a girl named Justice Douglass. She is dealing with her mom being away at college. This means Justice has to stay with her older twin brothers, Thomas and Levi.
Levi is kind and helps Justice with chores and her feelings. But Thomas is often mean to Justice. He has started a big competition called the Great Snake Race for the boys in the neighborhood. Justice decides to find the biggest and fastest snake to prepare.
Justice also starts to notice something strange. Thomas seems to be able to control Levi with his mind. This makes Justice scared of Thomas. She goes to visit Mrs. Leona Jefferson and her son, Dorian. Mrs. Jefferson teaches Justice about her own special mind powers. Justice learns how to use these powers to protect Levi and to practice her own abilities.
Justice soon learns that the Great Snake Race isn't about racing snakes. It's about catching the most snakes. Justice thinks she will lose, but she ends up winning against Thomas. Her snake was pregnant and had many baby snakes! After the race, Thomas tries to control Justice's mind. Justice and Dorian work together using their powers. They defeat Thomas. The children then link their minds. Justice briefly takes them to the future. There, they discover they are the "first unit," a new kind of human.
Main Characters
- Justice Douglass: She is 11 years old and the main character. Justice is learning to live without her mom at home. She discovers her own powerful psychic abilities.
- Thomas Douglass: He is Justice's 13-year-old brother. Thomas is a skilled drummer.
- Levi Douglass: He is Thomas's twin brother.
- Mrs. Douglass: She is the mother of Justice, Thomas, and Levi. She is away attending college.
- Mr. Douglass: He is the father of the children. He works as a stonecutter.
- Dorian Jefferson: He is a boy from the neighborhood who also has psychic powers.
- Mrs. Leona Jefferson: She is Dorian's mother. She is a "Sensitive" person who helps Justice understand her special abilities.
Why This Book is Important
When Justice and Her Brothers was first published, it was very special. There were not many science fiction books for young adults that featured Black characters. This book helped to change that.
Awards and Recognition
The novel was recognized as an honor book for the Coretta Scott King Award in 1979. This award celebrates outstanding books by African American authors and illustrators.
