Book Review: "The 5th Little Girl: Soul Survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing"

 

By Sequoria Lewis, Branch Manager|Smihfield Branch Library

I feel we should celebrate Black History and Women's History throughout the year. There are those who have made an impact on history yet we should never forget those who have forever been affected by events recorded in history. 

Meet Sarah, survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham. The 5th Little Girl: Soul Survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing (The Sarah Collins Rudolph story) chronicles the life of Sarah Collins at the height of the Civil Rights Era including the day that changed her life forever-September 15, 1963.  

The book is written by Tracy Snipe in conversation with Sarah Collins Rudolph.  

Many may weaken the tangible effects that the tragedy brought about because of their conceived notion that it was not as “drastic” as death, yet the challenges of losing sight or an older sister can produce a “what IF” syndrome that could potentially stick in the recesses of your mind for a lifetime. 

Chapter Twelve is where I really nestled in because it is at this point I was fortunate to meet Sarah as an 11 year old girl.

Did you know that she carries pieces of that fretful day with her wherever she goes? 

To find out more, read to discover more about The 5th Little Girl. The book is available on Amazon.com as well as Africa World Press, its publisher.   

Sarah Collins Rudoph was interviewed by the Birmingham Times about her status as the sole survivor of the 16th Baptist Church bombing in September 2017.