I noticed an issue of social justice in my independent reading life!

What if something you loved and was special to you and/or your family was destroyed or changed into something that someone else might think is better but is really terrible? You would probably be furious and wistful. In the book I recently read, The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore, a man and his family, the Maddoxes, are trying to convince a town that they should build another town on sacred land. The family bribes and charms the town into believing that it’s the right thing to do because they can make money, and for the citizens there will be supermarkets and other businesses. However, the protagonist, Sylvie, the reverend and a few other townspeople think it’s wrong and dangerous because the land has had history with natural disasters. I also agree that it is wrong to ruin something precious to the town.

The family that wants to change the land is going to call it Maddox Landing. In the past, many floods have erased the old towns built on the area. The town is doubtful about the rebuilding but is tricked by the family. It is unfair to the town because if there were to be a flood, money and time would just be wasted. Also, the profit money would go towards the Maddoxes. This shows that the family is taking advantage of the town because they are keeping the money for themselves when it could be put to good use. While some people are against the rebuilding, they don’t speak up which makes them look a bit weak because it proves that the Maddoxes are feared of.

I do not believe that what the townspeople are doing is right. They should stand up for what they believe or at least make sure the money they put into the project is worth it. The Maddoxes aren't to be trusted but have charmed and frightened the town. Even though it is unjust to the town, it is great for the family because they’re making a profit off of the land. However, to make it much more fair, they could reveal a bit more to the town, make sure Maddox Landing will be safe, and share the profit with the town.

Even though life obviously isn't fair, everyone can still try. In the incredible book, The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore, I saw an issue of social justice. A family called the Maddoxes were taking advantage of a town to make a profit off a risky land. It is unfair to the town and great for the family. But that never means it’s all good and they can try a lot harder to make their lives as fair as possible.