What do you think?
Rate this book
Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case
The kidnapping and murder of Emmett Till is famous as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old Black teenager from Chicago, was visiting family in a small town in Mississippi during the summer of 1955. Likely showing off to friends, Emmett allegedly whistled at a white woman. Three days later his brutally beaten body was found floating in the Tallahatchie River. The extreme violence of the crime put a national spotlight on the Jim Crow ways of the South, and many Americans-Black and white-were further outraged at the speedy trial of the white murderers. Although the two white men were tried and acquitted by an all-white jury, they later bragged publicly about the crime. It was a galvanizing moment for Black leaders and ordinary citizens, including such activists as Rosa Parks. In clear, vivid detail Chris Crowe investigates the before-and-aftermath of the crime, as well as the dramatic court trial, and places it into the context of the nascent Civil Rights Movement.With lively narrative and abundantly illustrated with forty fascinating contemporaneous photographs, this impressive work of nonfiction brings fresh insight to the case in a manner that will be accessible and eye-opening for teenagers and adults alike.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
145 people are currently reading
2627 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 793 reviews
July 31, 2018
A shocking presentation of gathered facts regarding a 14-year-old black boy who was beaten and killed in 1955. Painful to learn of the details, leaving me to ponder the treatment of blacks at that time. Left me reflecting and wondering how segregation and racism are happening today, more than I realize.
I wish this story was taught in public education. I think it’s a must read in order to educate our children in hopes to decrease the racial barriers of today.
I wish this story was taught in public education. I think it’s a must read in order to educate our children in hopes to decrease the racial barriers of today.
November 8, 2018
It is hard to imagine how someone could hate another person, especially a child, enough to kill them because of the color of their skin and a need to feel their race is superior but this is what happened to a 14 year old black boy in the 50's. And the fact that these men never had to pay for their murder is beyond comprehension, but that is the way it was in the Jim Crow South. This is a short book, at only 140 pages, but powerful and something we need to be reminded of.
March 10, 2017
Emmett Till
I was born about three months after Emmett was. I remember hearing about his murder at 14. I, too, was 14 and was two hours north in Memphis. Every white person in the U.S. needs to read this story. This is not ancient history, it happened in America in our time.
I was born about three months after Emmett was. I remember hearing about his murder at 14. I, too, was 14 and was two hours north in Memphis. Every white person in the U.S. needs to read this story. This is not ancient history, it happened in America in our time.
May 18, 2020
This is a true, nonfiction book about the murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955. It covers the trial of the two white men who murdered him and were acquitted of the charges as well as accounts of what happened before and after the death and trial.
This story was extremely hard to read, especially as a mother of three little brown boys. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for Emmett’s mother to learn about what had happened to her son. I never learned about this story in the schools I attended, and it was absolutely sickening to see and hear what they did to him. It is sad that these racially charged murders are still happening in our country even after something as big as this story has been shared.
This story was extremely hard to read, especially as a mother of three little brown boys. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for Emmett’s mother to learn about what had happened to her son. I never learned about this story in the schools I attended, and it was absolutely sickening to see and hear what they did to him. It is sad that these racially charged murders are still happening in our country even after something as big as this story has been shared.
April 24, 2017
Emmett Till was a young black boy who was killed in Mississippi in 1941 by two white men. He was falsely accused of flirting with a white woman who was married. Then her husband and his brother kidnapped him, beat him and killed him.
What happened to Emmett was horrible enough but because of segregation and racism the men who killed him were let free. This is a story that all children should learn because it teaches a great lesson. Before I read this I didn't know who he was and I wish that I had learned sooner because even though it is sad, it is still important. I would read this book to people who are into murder and even people who don't like non-fiction.
What happened to Emmett was horrible enough but because of segregation and racism the men who killed him were let free. This is a story that all children should learn because it teaches a great lesson. Before I read this I didn't know who he was and I wish that I had learned sooner because even though it is sad, it is still important. I would read this book to people who are into murder and even people who don't like non-fiction.
June 21, 2020
If you want to know more about the Emmett Till and the civil rights movement that followed this is a great resource as it is a concise and engaging telling of the tragedy that was the senseless murder of a boy. Not gonna lie though, it will probably piss you the hell off, as it did me.
October 1, 2020
Disturbing, tragic, with racial injustice exposed in the brutal and inhumane murder of Emmett Till.
December 24, 2016
Getting Away With Murder is an excellent and thorough overview of the Emmett Till case. It feels like more important information than ever to receive right now.
I had been familiar with the case prior to picking this up at the library, but I had done no more than read the occasional article about it or relating to it. I have been curious for a long time about learning more on the Emmett Till case, and I feel like I have done myself a disservice by taking so long to pick up a book on the topic. While this book is a young adult non-fiction work, it definitely felt suitable for adults and teenagers alike. It gives all of the basic facts in an easy to understand way, without ever making the audience feel talked down to. Crowe manages to cover information provided from most of the major primary sources, complete with quotes and photographs. It manages to go over events in the news leading up to the murder, Till's young life cut too short, details of the crime itself, details of the trial, and the aftermath for everyone involved.
Anyone who doesn't feel furious and heartbroken in reading Getting Away With Murder is missing a vital something in their hearts. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to familiarise themselves more thoroughly with Emmet Till's life and death, as well as this major catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. I would also recommend this to anyone who does not yet know anything of the Emmett Till case, as it is an important part of our modern history that too many of us have forgotten.
I had been familiar with the case prior to picking this up at the library, but I had done no more than read the occasional article about it or relating to it. I have been curious for a long time about learning more on the Emmett Till case, and I feel like I have done myself a disservice by taking so long to pick up a book on the topic. While this book is a young adult non-fiction work, it definitely felt suitable for adults and teenagers alike. It gives all of the basic facts in an easy to understand way, without ever making the audience feel talked down to. Crowe manages to cover information provided from most of the major primary sources, complete with quotes and photographs. It manages to go over events in the news leading up to the murder, Till's young life cut too short, details of the crime itself, details of the trial, and the aftermath for everyone involved.
Anyone who doesn't feel furious and heartbroken in reading Getting Away With Murder is missing a vital something in their hearts. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to familiarise themselves more thoroughly with Emmet Till's life and death, as well as this major catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. I would also recommend this to anyone who does not yet know anything of the Emmett Till case, as it is an important part of our modern history that too many of us have forgotten.
July 14, 2020
There are so many points in this story when you can say “I’m so glad the world isn’t like that anymore.” At least, it would have been easy to say naively say that a couple years ago (maybe months ago in some cases). But the really impactful moments for me were the moments when I read a quote from 1955 and heard the same language used to defend these acts and “traditions” today. Here’s just one by the police commissioner of Montgomery, AL about the Supreme Court case of Brown vs. the Board of Education ...
“Since the infamous Supreme Court decision rendered in 1954, we in...the South have been put to a severe test by those who seek to destroy our time-honored traditions.”
Those time-honored traditions were Jim Crow laws, but it sounds an awful lot like the argument for Confederate monuments.
If you’re still waffling with “the problem” being addressed with the Black Lives Matter movement, this book draws a tragic parallel to an event no one can argue with and the events we spend so much time squabbling over today. It’s a must read and I’ll be adding it to every nonfiction book list I make from now until the end of time.
“Since the infamous Supreme Court decision rendered in 1954, we in...the South have been put to a severe test by those who seek to destroy our time-honored traditions.”
Those time-honored traditions were Jim Crow laws, but it sounds an awful lot like the argument for Confederate monuments.
If you’re still waffling with “the problem” being addressed with the Black Lives Matter movement, this book draws a tragic parallel to an event no one can argue with and the events we spend so much time squabbling over today. It’s a must read and I’ll be adding it to every nonfiction book list I make from now until the end of time.
February 9, 2015
This book is very interesting, as I have never heard about the Emmett Till case. The writing style was very heartfelt and sincere, about the fourteen year old boy who was murdered in Mississippi. Some may say it was the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement and some may disagree; either way this story is very captivating and captured my heart. For me, Crowe made it feel like I was actually in the story. Not only does he show the reader Emmett's side of the story but he shows other peoples account of the story.
Some parts of the book were a slow read and repetitive. Other than that, I really enjoyed learning about Emmett Till and his case. For me, the book was very eye-opening. Not only did I learn about things that happened in the past but it was a way to connect it with what is happening today. In my opinion, this book should be taught in English and Language Arts classes, so other students have a better understanding of what went on in the past and connect it to what is happening today around the world.
Some parts of the book were a slow read and repetitive. Other than that, I really enjoyed learning about Emmett Till and his case. For me, the book was very eye-opening. Not only did I learn about things that happened in the past but it was a way to connect it with what is happening today. In my opinion, this book should be taught in English and Language Arts classes, so other students have a better understanding of what went on in the past and connect it to what is happening today around the world.
January 25, 2019
Getting Away With Murder by Chris Crowe, published in 2014, is non-fiction. This story is told in third person omniscient. It takes place in Mississippi Delta when Emmett Till went down to visit his Great-Uncle. Emmett was very caring and helpful kid to others. This all happened when Emmett was walking down the street and was allegedly flirting with a white women which offended many individuals; this event sparked the civil rights movement. Emmett Till was removed from his Great-Uncle’s house by two men and brought to a river where he was severely beaten and killed. Emmett’s mother was so surprised by what happened she wanted to put a picture of his dead body in the “Jet” magazine. I liked this book because it talked about how people were treated. I think it’s a good topic because there was a lot of segregation and racism; there still is now in our time period but not as much.
In my opinion, this was an upsetting book because of the ways people were treated. I would not recommend this book to anyone under eighth grade because of racially demeaning words.
In my opinion, this was an upsetting book because of the ways people were treated. I would not recommend this book to anyone under eighth grade because of racially demeaning words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2017
In the book, Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case by Chris Crowe there is a kid that makes the Civil Rights movement start going. In 2003 this nonfiction book was made and tells the readers about Emmett Till's murder. This book was really interesting, no one really knows what happened the day that Emmett was killed, as mentioned in the book. This story on Emmett Till was confusing but interesting, the case on him isn't the confusing part it's the case on the people that murdered him that gets me. Emmett Till was from Chicago, he was just visiting his great uncle in Mississippi Delta when the poor boy was brutally murdered. I think this is a really good book to read, not only for history but to show how awful of an event this was and how it affected the Civil Rights movement.
December 12, 2017
The famous story of Emmett Till, a fourteen year old black boy, sparked the civil rights movement. Emmett Till was a boy from the north who was down to the south by his mother to visit family. While there is was assumed that Till whistled at a white woman. Because of this Till was kidnapped from his family's home where he was taken and beat to death by some white men. This book analyzes Till's story along with showing how his murder was dealt with and why it was a big part of the civil rights movement.
If you are in a US history class learning about the civil rights movement, this book is for you. I have read this novel twice for different classes, and it always makes me so sad, but it moves you and makes you feel the things those people went through. It does show explicit pictures in here, so if that makes you uncomfortable, just watch out for those.
If you are in a US history class learning about the civil rights movement, this book is for you. I have read this novel twice for different classes, and it always makes me so sad, but it moves you and makes you feel the things those people went through. It does show explicit pictures in here, so if that makes you uncomfortable, just watch out for those.
March 14, 2014
This is the account of the 14-year-old boy from Chicago who was murdered in the summer of 1955 while he was visiting his family in a small town in Mississippi. Some say that this was the incident that started the Civil Rights Movement, not the Montgomery bus boycott. In this factual account, the author tells the story using court documents, newspaper reports and photographs to provide a complete picture. This is an excellent resource for young adult readers to become familiar with the case. I have to admit that I had heard about the case, but did not know the details until I read this book.
May 20, 2016
This book is incredibly powerful. It's written for young adults. Before reading this book, I knew a lot about this case, but I'm learning at TON. It goes into great depth about race relations in Mississippi v. race relations in Chicago and the impact of Brown v. Board of Ed on the whites of Mississippi and why Emmett Till really didn't know what he was getting into by going down there when he did.
August 24, 2017
This book was pretty great! I loved it because it is what started racial equality and it's a story that needs to be heard, we keep learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks but the story of Emmitt Louis Till is just as important and I wish it was in our history textbooks
November 7, 2019
Excellent audio -the updated book includes updated information from the woman who accused Till of the crime for which he was beaten to death. Less than 3 hours, an excellent introduction to the crime that indeed spark the Civil Rights Movement.
October 6, 2018
This graphic novel is a true tale that tells the story of Emmett Till, with the eye catching name Getting Away with Murder: The True Story Behind the Emmett Till Case. The novel tells an interesting story for how a young black man was kidnapped and murdered by a group of middle aged white men. While I didn’t really enjoy the fact that there was a time where something like this could happen,however I do enjoy the fact that the novel stays true and doesn’t really sugar code any of it. There were several times in this novel where I just wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next, especially during the court case. My favorite part of the book was in fact the beginning portion of the court case where it seemed justice would be served. At the same time as being my favorite part the ending portion of the court case was my least favorite as it proved second most aggravating. And of course there was when they kidnapped and killed him, I just don't understand what could’ve been going through their mind when the men beat and murdered the 14 year old. It wasn’t just that they did all that it was how brutally they beat him before killing him as they made his face almost if not entirely unrecognizable and why because he was a black boy who whistled at a white woman. In the end it was a good informational novel, but it proved itself aggravating at times, a good read for anyone who likes history and isn’t too taken by facts.
August 17, 2016
This book was an excellent, in depth look at what happened to Emmett Till and the ridiculousness of the trial of his murderers. The author did not pander to young audiences, telling the story honestly but in a way that, I think, will hold their interest. This is a great companion to Mississippi Trial, 1955.
June 12, 2018
This book tells the true story of the murder of a young boy that sparked the civil rights movement.
I liked this book. It was a short read, though sad and a little gruesome. I'm glad that it's written for kids to read and understand, so that they can be educated on the civil rights movement, although it's a terrifying story. I think it was told well and appropriately.
I liked this book. It was a short read, though sad and a little gruesome. I'm glad that it's written for kids to read and understand, so that they can be educated on the civil rights movement, although it's a terrifying story. I think it was told well and appropriately.
June 4, 2019
Quick read - providing an account of actions from a time in history that obviously unjust and almost unbelievable in our nation (although I do realize that many might argue these issues continue plague our country). A History teacher must read. Wish I had read it earlier. I appreciated the concise, to the point information provided - no extra - just the facts.
August 29, 2016
The story of Emmett Till for young adults and up. Crowe argues that the Till case was an important catalyst for the Civil Rights movement. I couldn't help but notice the similarities between the Till case and the Ferguson, Missouri or Sanford, Florida cases.
October 28, 2019
Strong 4stars
May 31, 2023
Heart breaking and horrifying. I pray we never stop moving away from societies that condone the killing of children for our own satisfaction. Evil is still so prevalent in the world.
February 3, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded down.
This was an interesting collection of information about the Emmett Till case and how it impacted the civil rights movement. It was very informative, and for the most part well-organized. I did find myself a little bored while reading it, though, mostly because the first chapter of the book essentially summarizes all the others. So even though the information was new to me and talked about in-depth, it always felt familiar and a bit repetitive. Especially being told that the murderers were acquitted in the end killed any suspense and tension the book might have managed to build up.
I wouldn't have read this if it hadn't been assigned for school, but if you're interested enough in the topic to read over 100 pages about it, then this is a well-researched and written account of what happened. For me, the summary was enough.
This was an interesting collection of information about the Emmett Till case and how it impacted the civil rights movement. It was very informative, and for the most part well-organized. I did find myself a little bored while reading it, though, mostly because the first chapter of the book essentially summarizes all the others. So even though the information was new to me and talked about in-depth, it always felt familiar and a bit repetitive. Especially being told that the murderers were acquitted in the end killed any suspense and tension the book might have managed to build up.
I wouldn't have read this if it hadn't been assigned for school, but if you're interested enough in the topic to read over 100 pages about it, then this is a well-researched and written account of what happened. For me, the summary was enough.
December 3, 2022
Informative, but organization could have been a little better.
Although, perhaps, it's easier to follow when reading instead of listening?
Although, perhaps, it's easier to follow when reading instead of listening?
June 18, 2023
A comprehensive text of the murder of Emmett Till. I wish I had learned this in school because this is horribly important for the understanding of American history, particularly the Civil Rights Movement and BLM.
October 29, 2020
This is an excellent book for people of all ages, who want to learn more about Emmett Till, Mississippi, politics, history, or the civil rights movement! It has real pictures and a detailed discussion of the case.
December 9, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book, it is a true story about racism and discrimination. The book has a lot of strong and powerful images that makes you think beyond the text on the book. This story hooks you in and you don't want to stop reading. This book may be a bit intense for some but I think it is important to know what has been going around the world whether it is current or in this case history.
This book truly makes me think deeper and feel empathy towards the black people so I think that everyone should read this because it is about a very important topic society has faced. In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a powerful one and if you have a chance to read it, I recommend you read it.
This book truly makes me think deeper and feel empathy towards the black people so I think that everyone should read this because it is about a very important topic society has faced. In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a powerful one and if you have a chance to read it, I recommend you read it.
February 1, 2019
Getting Away With Murder By Chris Crowe, published in 2003, is a nonfiction book that is about a fourteen- year- old boy named Emmett Till. Emmett Till was very mature until he met this girl that worked at the Bryants store Emmett was very inappropriate the girl was the person to go kill Emmett Till and then a big murder happened after the incident at the Bryants store. The people that murdered Emmett Till was Roy Bryant and J. W. Milam Also, they try to hide the body by using a 70 pound cotton gin fan to make his body sink. I would rate this book with a three because very graphic and its got a lot of information i would recommend this book for kids in 8th grade.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 793 reviews