The Queen and the First Christmas Tree by Nancy Churnin illustrated by Luisa Uribe*

 As a young girl Charlotte loved the outdoors more than learning how to be a queen and attending balls. This German girl would faithfully decorate a yew branch with colored paper flowers, nuts, fruits, and candles each Christmas. At age seventeen she receives a proposal from King George III of England. She sets sail to live with a man she never met and to be a queen. Thankfully King George III loved the outdoors, not balls. Together they had fifteen children. Queen Charlotte impacted England by building and sponsoring orphanages and hospitals for expectant mothers. She also introduced the Christmas tree to England as she invited one hundred children to view it at Windsor Castle.

A delightful story about a delightful woman!

*Highly recommend. 

Borrowed via Inter-Lib. Loan

Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado illustrated by Eve Tharlet

 A parent bear reassures its cub that it will always be there for the cub. The whole time I was reading it, I was thinking how yes, parents are loyal to their children, but God is more faithful than earthly parents. At the end of the story, Mr. Lucado finally points out that God is a better companion and friend than even a parent. Most of the story is focused on a parent-child relationship.

-Borrowed from the library.

Franklin and Winston by Douglas Wood illustrated by Barry Moser*

 Mr. Wood delves into the interactions and friendship between FDR and Winston Churchill right after the U.S. entered WW II. Mr. Churchill travels to the U.S. over Christmas to discuss war strategies. With humor and engaging text, Mr. Wood reveals the interesting dynamics between the two men. I don't agree with FDR's politics but still enjoyed the book. The pictures are expressive and illuminate the men's personalities.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 2 by Beth Brower**

 I love this series. It is witty. It is humorous. It is captivating. I finished volume 2 in less than 24 hours!

Emma continues to accompany her cousin, Arabella, to social events during London's Season in hopes Arabella can lure a wealthy husband. Emma's job is to illuminate Arabella.  Besides being her cousin's companion, Emma slowly begins a friendship with the gentleman renting a garret in Lapis Lazuli Minor, continues to outwit her greedy cousin Archibald,  and becomes acquainted with the Duke (after reading his journal). Emma's somewhat unconventional behavior will amuse the reader like it amuses many gentlemen in this series. Of course, St. Crispin's ghost, The Roman, continues to make his appearance to Agnes, Emma's maid and cook.

I would love to see this series made into a movie. It reminds me of Jane Austen's books.

Consider: Maybe two swear words, Emma states that one man's hands wander, but she promptly hits him with a book

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Casey at the Bat illustrated by Christopher Bing*

 My sons, my nephew, my niece, my sister-in-law and I gathered to read and enjoy this poem for April's poetry treat. My nephew read this illustrated copy of the poem and shared many illustrations he enjoyed. 

*Highly recommend. It is understandable how it won a Caldecott Honor Award!

-Borrowed from the library.

Whose Knees Are These? by Jabari Asim illustrated by LeUyen Pham*

 An adorable board book that will cause the reader and child to interact!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

100 Extraordinary Stories for Courageous Girls by Jean Fischer

 When my pastor preached a sermon on Proverbs 31, he mentioned a few women as examples. Since I did not know much about them, I searched for books about them in our library system. Only this anthology contained biographical sketches about them. A diverse group of women are featured-biblical times, modern times, around the globe etc. The one page biographies just skim the surface of their lives but may stimulate further reading.

-Borrowed from the library.

Little People, Big Dreams Leo Messi by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara illustrated by Florencia Gavilan

 An accessible biography about Messi

The author focuses on his medical issue, not producing the growth hormone, and how he persevered and experienced great success despite this challenge.

Very simplistic but a great introduction for younger readers/kids.

-Borrowed from the library.

Don't Dangle Your Participle by Vanita Delschlager art by Mike Desantis

 A very visual and humorous presentation on participles! A must-read when learning about participles

-Borrowed from the library.

An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor

 This novel was like a James Herriot book but set in Ireland with stories about a country medical doctor. Barry Laverty, fresh out of medical school, ventures to Ballybucklebo in Northern Ireland to be an assistant to Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly, a rural doctor. Dr. O'Reilly's unconventional methods challenge Dr. Laverty, but overtime he realizes their effectiveness with the rural folk. The character development is superb. I thoroughly enjoyed losing myself in this fictional village. I am not highly recommending it because of the warnings below. Concerning the warnings, I wasn't surprised about what I encountered in this novel since we visited Ireland this summer and witnessed how they "talk". 

Warnings: swearing, crass humor, abortion is discussed-not performed but O'Reilly says even though he won't do an abortion, it would be better to do it in a medical office than in a back alley (at the time of the novel abortion was illegal),  Laverty makes a grab for his girlfriend's chest but nothing progresses, drinking/getting drunk, a predominant man tries to mess around with his house help and makes vulgar comments about a body part, One of the characters also mentions he does not believe in God as he cannot understand how a god could allow suffering.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne

 When I learned that A.A. Milne had written a mystery, I immediately borrowed it from the library. Mr. Milne wrote it for his father, who liked reading detective stories. I liked how he directly talked to the reader and how he incorporated humor and charm.

Antony Gillingham, an independently wealthy young man, has explored London and pursued a variety of odd jobs throughout his travels. Upon arriving to Woodham for a holiday, he learns that his friend Bill is staying at "The Red House", a mansion owned by Mark Ablett, a wealthy patron of the arts. Antony decides to pay Bill a surprise visit. A surprise, however, awaits for Antony-a corpse. With his deduction skills and with Bill's faithful assistance, Antony uncovers secrets and deception. 

Perfect for those who love classic, old-fashion detective stories.

 I sometimes thought Bill was a bit too eager and a push-over . . .Antony asked him to do the unpleasanst aspects of the detecting. On the other hand, I liked Antony and would have liked to have been friends with him. They joked that they were like Sherlock and Watson. Their joviality throughout the investigation, even when in danger, was unrealistic, but I overlooked it after awhile because it added lightness to the story. It was a fun read.

Consideration if sharing with teens: some swearing-dn, a**, infer a character may have committed suicide at the end (no details-very vague)

*Highly recommend for those who enjoy classic, old-fashion, British detective stories.

-Borrowed from the library.

Barn at Night by Michelle Houts illustrated by Jen Betton

 A father wakens his daughter to help him with farm chores before dawn. Although it depicts the dedication farmers have to care for their creatures and the hard work farming entails, a farm with this amount of animals could not sustain a family. This farm would be a hobby farm or what people call nowadays "homesteading". 

-Borrowed from the library.

Published by Feeding Minds Press "accurate and engaging books about agriculture".

The Golem's Latkes retold by Eric A. Kimmel illustrated by Aaron Jasinski

 Rabbi Judah creates a golem who will do any task when told. One problem-he will keep doing the task until someone says, "Golem, enough!". When Rabbi Judah visits Emperor Rudolf in Prague, he leaves his new housemaid, Basha,  in charge. Against his better judgment, he permits her to use the Golem. 

Pair with Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola & Sweep: The Story of a Girl & Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier (for older kids-grades 4 & older) to make T-T connections.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Few Beautiful Minutes-Experiencing a Solar Eclipse by Kate Allen Fox illustrated by Khoa Le

 Ms. Fox celebrates the phenomenon of the total solar eclipse. With figurative language, she walks the reader through a solar eclipse. After the main narrative, Ms. Fox offers facts about the solar eclipse and also a timeline of an eclipse. Instructions how to build a a sun viewer are also included.

Stunning illustrations.

Perfect timing for the total solar eclipse occurring soon in the U.S.! 

-Borrowed from the library.

Little People, Big Dreams series

 This biography series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara includes more than eighty titles!! She includes interesting information about the individual in an engaging manner. Various artists from around the world illustrate the books in this series. 

I read Charles Dickens (Vol. 70) & Agatha Christie (Vol. 5)- (not many biographies written about this author for children!!).

-Borrowed from the library.

If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall

Through her imagination, a girl shares how she would behave if she was a horse. Ms. Blackall's illustrations/art are full of clever details. I studied the backgrounds and seemingly minor inclusions with great delight!

-Borrowed from the library.

 

Greek Mythology text set

 My eighth grader will soon be reading Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus for literature class. So he could understand the allusion in the title, he read the myth about Prometheus in two of these books. Although I only read the Prometheus retellings in these books, I wanted to record the titles so I can borrow them again when we study ancient history. 

-Borrowed from the library.

**Full of interesting facts & history -will appeal to reluctant readers.

A classic!

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicolas Day with art by Brett Helquist*

Award winner: Sibert Medal Winner

World magazine listed this book as one of the top nonfiction books published in 2023. 

With humor and the pace of a detective story, Mr. Day shares the events surrounding the Mona Lisa heist in 1911. Mr. Day researched extensively. My mind was spinning at points from learning about the different individuals connected to the case! He even transports the reader to the 1500s where we interact with Leonardo da Vinci, learn about his childhood and then about his interesting "career". The plot switches between the 1500s & 1911-1913. 

Mr. Day's tone and voice is engaging and humorous. He proves that nonfiction reading and history can be fascinating!

Points to discuss: da Vinci is an illegitimate child, stealing, lying, betrayal, Picassco lives with a woman (call her his "partner), mentions how a man was so obsessed with the Mona Lisa that he committed suicide

Strategy: monitor comprehension (vast amount of individuals involved with case . . .plus many theories & conclusions arise and then are disproven!! Also, the reader needs to keep straight the two time periods portrayed)

*Highly recommend 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Nick Carraway narrates a story about his time in the East, working as a bondsman in NYC but residing on Long Island at West Egg. His next door neighbor, Jay Gatsby, hosts lavish parties each weekend. Not knowing where he gained his wealth, people create stories about him and his past. As Nick develops a relationship with "the Great Gatsby", he learns about his past (is it accurate??) and his present goal: to regain the affections of Daisy, a girl from his past who is now married. Daisy lives across the water from Gatsby. Daisy is also Nick's cousin.

Mr. Fitzgerald depicts the vacuity of the 1920s well. The desire to gain wealth dominated the decade. Materialism was a driving force.

I especially enjoyed reading this novel's beautiful writing: Fitzgerald's word choice, his ability to incorporate imagery, and his powerful allusions. 

Warning/points to discuss: excessive drinking, adultery, lying/deception, materialism, selfishness, murder, suicide, in Gatsby's younger days he was intimate with a lot of woman (no descriptions are included-just stated)

-I own two copies of the this novel-one for my son, one for me.

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

 At first I wasn't sure if I liked this book because the characters frustrated me. As I continued to read, however, I realized that the author was developing them realistically. God is mentioned a few times but is not central to the character's lives. One character begins to change when she starts reading her Bible and praying. However, it seems like Maddie's letters to each of the three main characters and the books she recommends are what transforms them, not a personal relationship with God. 

Madeline, an inspiring lawyer, is shocked when she learns that her deceased aunt, Maddie, has given her her bookshop and home. As she navigates her new situation, she discovers a lot about herself and life. Two women who work at The Printed Letter are also impacted by Maddie's death. The three women form an unlikely friendship and help each other face issues in a healthy manner. The story is told from these three women's perspectives.

I loved all the references to books and, of course, I loved the setting---an independent bookstore!! I am interested in reading more of her books.

-Borrowed via inter-lib loan.

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage**

 World magazine selected this picture book as the best one of the year. The illustrations are stunning and captivating. I especially loved the cross-sections. Look carefully at all of the illustrations as you will see the different personalities shining forth.

Dr. Morley loves jellyfish and longs to see the Giant Arctic Jellyfish. She and her team of scientists spend months searching for this elusive creature. After reading this book, readers will understand how tenacious and brave scientists are. They will also marvel at the unique creatures which reside in the Arctic Ocean.

**Highly, highly recommend. A book to own! I hope this author/illustrator creates more picture books. On Nov. 7, 2024 in the UK, she will be publishing her book, The Search for Carmella, about a different sea creature!

-Borrowed from the library.

A short video with Ms. Savage talking about her book-https://www.readingzone.com/authors/chloe-savage/

Gertie: The Darling Duck of WWII by Shari Swanson illustrated by Renee Graef*

 World magazine voted this as one of their runners-up for the best picture books of the year.

Gertie, a mallard duck, decides to nest on decaying pilings. She and her eventual eggs and then ducklings amuse and capture the attention of Milwaukee and the world during a trying time, WW II. Four more pages after the main narration offer more information about WW II and Gertie.

A delightful, hopeful book! Pair with Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. Readers will be able to make numerous text to text connections.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Classic Poetry An lllustrated Collection Selected by Michael Rosen illustrated by Paul Howard*

 I offered this collection as a choice when we were reading Walt Whitman's poems. Although the boys did not choose to read this one, I wanted to record it so I can return to it when studying other poets. This collection contains samplings of poems from many famous poets. Reading it aloud with your children would expose them to a wide variety of poets. Poets included are: Shakespeare, William Blake, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Clare, John Keats, Thomas Hood, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Allan Poe, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Edward Lear, Robert Browning, Emily Bronte, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Christina Rossetti, Lewis Carroll, Thomas Hardy, Robert Louis Stevenson, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Banjo Paterson, Rudyard Kipling, William Butler Yeats, Henry Lawson, Hilaire Belloc, Walter de la Mare, Robert Frost, Edward Thomas, Carl Sandburg, John Masefield, Siegfried Sassoon, T.S. Eliot, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Langston Hughes, Judith Wright. 

I had not heard of some of the poets!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Three Little Kittens by Barbara McClintock*

 An adorable retelling of the original poem "The Three Little Kittens". The original poem is incorporated with Ms. McClintock's humorous additions. Although the illustrations stray from her typical style, they are still endearing.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

I Am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

 Ruby (in 2022) has published another book about her experience being the first black student in a formally all white school after the Brown vs. Board decision. This version reads how a six-year-old would tell the story. Glossary is in the back, defining words in ruby red throughout the narration. I liked the connection between her name (first & last) and what she accomplished.

-Borrowed from the library.

Saving H'Non Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen & Jeet Zdung*

 Based on a True Adventure

Chang, a fictional character, relates the tale of rescuing H'Non, an Asian elephant, from her abusive owner and the ensuing healing and adjustment process. The illustrations are stunning. Jeet Zdung is equally talented in several styles-realistic, cartoon, and manga. Some of the pages contained a lot of information. World magazine reviewed and recommended this graphic novel. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Aunt Pitty Patty's Piggy retold by Jim Aylesworth illustrated by Barbara McClintock*

 A cumulative tale starting with Aunt Pitty Patty attempting to lure a pig she bought into her yard. Her niece Nelly searches out solutions. I love Barbara McClintock's illustrations. Her style is distinct and engaging. Her illustrations do the heavy lifting in this story.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Common Life-The Wedding Story by Jan Karon *

 Audio CD read by John McDonough

#6 in the Mitford series

We skipped #3,4, & 5 because chronologically this novel comes after #2. Ms. Karon describes the days approaching Father Tim and Cynthia's wedding. She also includes different character's pespective about the wedding. Ms. Karon knows how to make characters come to life and develops them well. My fourteen-year-old and I laughed often and enjoyed hearing about the special day. We liked the last line in the novel.

Consider: On their honeymoon references to intimacy are made but are subtle. My son did not notice the references. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Walt Whitman text set

 For this month's poetry treat, we are reading Walt Whitman's poems. Below are some resources we used. Be aware that some of his poems are descriptive of attraction and intimacy. It is easy to find ones that do not include these topics. Although I do not include a summary here, I am showing the physical copy of Leaves of Grass so they can appreciate the amount of poems he wrote.

1. Who Was Walt Whitman?-by Kirsten Anderson -a quick, but thorough overview of his life- Created/written for elementary readers, but junior high and high schoolers can read this in one sitting and have a great insight about his life. *Highly recommend. Borrowed from the library.

2. Walt Whitman by Catherine Reef-more in depth biography with a lot of photographs for junior high and older-Borrowed from the library.

3. Walt Whitman Words for America by Barbara Kerley illustrated by Brian Selznick-I own this one. Highly recommend. Beautifully illustrated biography.

4. Poetry for Young People Walt Whitman Edited by Jonthan Levin illustrated by Jim Burke  A great poetry series-includes many poems with summaries at the top of each poem with unusual words defined at the bottom of each poem.  *Highly recommend. I own this book.

5. Poetry for Kids  Walt Whitman Edited by Karen Karbiener, PhD illustrated by Kate Evans  (similar to Poetry for Young People as it features a mixture/excerpts of his poems with unusual words defined on the side/bottom of each poem).  -Borrowed from the library.

6. The Civil War Poems Walt Whitman (Barnes/Noble)-When I was in high school, my best friend gave me this anthology for either a birthday or Christmas gift (I really liked Whitman and studying the Civil War in high school, so it was a thoughtful and creative gift), but I did not keep it. I regret giving it away now!! -Borrowed from the library.

7. O Captain, My Captain -Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and the Civil War by Robert Burleigh illustrated by Sterling Hundley  Mr. Burleigh takes quotes from Whitman and lines from his poems and uses them as headings/topic sentences to create a highly illustrated and engaging biography. For late elementary through high school.

8. The World Below the Brine by Walt Whitman illustrated by James Christopher Carroll    Mr. Carroll uses deep colors to illustrate Whitman's poem.  *Highly recommend for elementary readers. Borrowed from the library.

Disney-The American Presidents 1945-2010-DVD

 An entertaining, engaging overview of the presidents. A short presentation of "The Presidency & the Economy" is also included. The slant is more liberal (especially the commenters they sourced out).

-Borrowed from the library.

The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesteron*

 My eighth grader read this anthology of short stories for literature and enjoyed them. I read quite a few of them and anticipated the twists and unusual solutions. Although the twelve short stories can be read in any order, if the reader wants to understand the character development of Flambeau, he/she should read the first four in order. I would label these short stories as "literary mysteries". The sentence structure, the word choice, the allusions, and historical inclusions require the reader to be intellectually engaged. 

*Highly recommend (for junior high and older-murder and graphic descriptions of some murders).

-We own this book.

Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry illustrated by Annie Won

 A mother shares the story of the miracle of her son's birth along with the story of Christ's birth.  Although I love how the story celebrates human life and retells Christ's birth, I did not enjoy the dual storylines.For younger readers/listeners, it may be challenging to keep the two stories separate. Ms. Berry does change the font to make each story distinct. The illustrations also have the three wisemen coming to visit the modern baby boy . . .humorous yet not at the same time. On the other hand,  I love that a book recently published celebrates the miracle of human life and what a joy it is to have children! Of course, having Christ's birth retold is wonderful too.

The illustrations are luscious and bold. 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Voice that Won the Vote by Elisa Boxer illustrated by Vivian Mildenberger*

 A few weeks ago in history we learned how a TN representative broke the tie and brought women's right to vote into law by listening to his mother! This picture book expounds on the culture at the time, the law making process, his mother, and the ramifications of his vote.

Point to discuss: In the author's note her language denotes a secular worldview-"by trusting their truth", "find similar courage to express what's in your heart and trust your inner voice . . ."

*Highly recommend but see above point to discuss.

-Borrowed from the library.

Splash! Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change by Elisa Boxer illustrated Elizabeth Baddeley*

 After being stricken with polio, Ethelda follows her doctor's orders and learns to swim. In the water she feels strong and alive. Swimming transforms her life. Not only is she the first woman in the world to win all of the swimming events in one Olympic game, she is the woman who challenged the law requiring woman to wear socks. Her fiesty nature also prompts NYC to build its first public swimming pool. 

Ethelda was compassionate too. As a nurse, she devoted her life to teaching children with polio and cerebral palsy how to swim. She passed away in 1978.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel illustrated by Barbara McClintock**

 Both Sarah Mackenzie from Read Aloud Revival and World magazine recommend this book. Oh my. It is stunning and delightful. Both author and illustrator capture Randolph Caldecott's energetic personality and weave in his life's story which will appeal to the audience. I appreciated the annotations, which make this book for an audience for a wide age range. The two-page illustrated spread on pp 28-29 is fun for bibliophiles-try to guess which Caldecott Award winner the people are holding!

This book should have won the Caldecott this past year! Ms. McClintock is a favorite illustrator.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (but would love to buy it).

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo**

 I loved every minute reading Kate DiCamillo's latest book, Ferris. Ferris describes her summer before fifth grade. She and her eccentric family love each other through challenges. The characters are unique and memorable. I love Ferris's special relationship with her grandmother, Charisse. With her precise word choice and beautiful writing style, Kate DiCamillo creates delightful and engaging novels.

**Highly, highly recommend.

Points to discuss/warnings: A ghost visits Charisse with  a request. It is not scary,  but some families may stay clear of ghosts and the like. Ferris's uncle, Uncle Ted leaves Aunt Shirley, his wife, to live in Ferris's basement to paint a history of the world (they reunite by the end of the novel). A few characters have lost family members to death. A main character dies by the end . . .but it is not a surprise nor soul-wretching sad.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain**

 If your seventeen-year-old plans when he will eat lunch to ensure that you will have time to read aloud, you know that the book you are reading is a winner! My two teenage boys looked forward to lunch each day when I was reading aloud The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Mark Twain's humor and perfect plot pacing create a delightful story. Tom's numerous adventures will appeal to boys.

Now my fourteen-year-old is reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to himself! (we listened to it on audio a few years ago) Goal: to stimulate a love for an author and for literature--- accomplished!!

Warning: Racial slurs towards blacks and Native Am. . .although, Twain was not prejudice. He was portraying the cultural and the times. A couple of swear words. The boys learn to smoke pipes. Some characters drink and become drunk. The boys lie. Church is not regarded as a wonderful event.

-I own this book-the one with Norman Rockwell paintings and illustrations!

**Highly, highly recommend but see warnings.

Ruby Bridges text set

 We will be studying the 1960s soon in American history. I am having my youngest son do a deeper study of Ruby Bridges. The following books he could use for his study-

1. The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles-narrative picture book for grades 2nd-6th, junior high  It includes the prayer Ruby prayed over the angry mob. Her prayer made me emotional. *Highly recommend. I own this book.

2. Ruby Bridges Goes to School My True Story by Ruby Bridges -Scholastic Reader Level 2-perfect for beginning & transitional readers, full of photographs *Highly recommend. -Borrowed from the library.

3. This Is Your Time by Ruby Bridges Written in 2020, Ms. Bridges encourages children of this era to stand vs racism  She recounts her school integration, exalts her father, shares about her sons, and points out modern racial issues. Lots of photographs-some show the hatred people had toward blacks & integration. She mentions Black Lives Matters & includes several photographs of their demonstrations. One photo has a preschooler wearing a t-shirt that states, "lightly melanated hella black". Ms. Bridges does NOT focus on how racial relationships have improved since 1961. She does place hope in this younger generation to break prejudice. This book should provide opportunity for an interesting discussion with my son. 

Suited for grades 4 and older.  Borrowed from the library.

4. Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges 

published 1999 This longer narrative shares how Ruby Bridges participates in the civil rights struggle. Tons of photographs. The photographs do expose the hatred people had towards blacks and integration. *Highly recommend.  For readers in 5th grade & older.  -Borrowed from the library.

*I just read on-line that Barbara Henry, Ruby's teacher, is still alive (91 years old)!!

A book should be written about her!