If the Fire Comes: A Story of Segregation during the Great Depression

In the midst of the Great Depression and the arid challenges of a relentless California drought, eleven-year-old Joseph McCoy faces an uphill battle. His world is one marked by segregation and hardship, where daily life is steeped in the stark realities of socio-economic struggles. As he navigates this turbulent landscape, Joseph grapples with the complexities of racial divides that loom over his community, painting a vivid picture of both resilience and vulnerability faced by young individuals during this tumultuous era.

The story unfolds through Joseph's eyes, revealing his hopes, dreams, and the harsh circumstantial realities that threaten to extinguish them. Against the backdrop of a society on the brink, he finds solace in friendships, community ties, and an unyielding spirit. This poignant tale not only highlights the personal struggles of the time but also invites readers to reflect on the broader social injustices that continue to resonate through history.