The Cross and the Lynching Tree Book Review

11/29/2025

A graphic with the book cover of The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone on the left and The Justice of Jesus by Joash Thomas on the right

CEFR Level C1-C2

The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone is an intense read at the beginning, especially if a reader has been taught to avoid saying anything that will make others uncomfortable or to use euphemisms or vague references if it is necessary to talk about such things.

Bittersweet

11/22/2025

A grinning young girl and an older woman sit in theater seats

CEFR Level B1-B2

“It’s so beautiful,” they say,
And my eyes are wet.

“I believe you,” I say,
And my heart wonders,

To the Oppressed

11/15/2025

CEFR Level B1-B2

Olive skinned woman with gray eyes holds a white theater mask over half her face

Now be brave and survive,

It's Such a Shame (It's Such a Hope)

11/8/2025

A young woman holds a sign that reads

CEFR Level B1-B2

It's Such a Shame

It’s such a shame that grandmas who as teenagers

I Heard It Again

11/1/2025

Black and white newspaper collage behind colorful word art saying

CEFR Level B2-C1

I heard it just that once and thought,