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A Friendship for Today
From highly acclaimed, award-winning author Patricia McKissack comes a powerful, poignant, and timely tale of segregation, family, and one surprising friendship.
The year is 1954, the place is Missouri, and twelve-year-old Rosemary Patterson is about to make history. She is one of the first African American students to enter the white school in her town. Headstrong, smart Rosemary welcomes the challenge, but starting this new school gets more daunting when her best friend is hospitalized for polio. Suddenly, Rosemary must face all the stares and whispers alone. But when the girl who has shown her the most cruelty becomes an unlikely confidante, Rosemary learns important truths about the power of friendship to overcome prejudice.
The year is 1954, the place is Missouri, and twelve-year-old Rosemary Patterson is about to make history. She is one of the first African American students to enter the white school in her town. Headstrong, smart Rosemary welcomes the challenge, but starting this new school gets more daunting when her best friend is hospitalized for polio. Suddenly, Rosemary must face all the stares and whispers alone. But when the girl who has shown her the most cruelty becomes an unlikely confidante, Rosemary learns important truths about the power of friendship to overcome prejudice.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
31 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Patricia C. McKissack
189 books206 followersPatricia C. McKissack was the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Dark-Thirty and Porch Lies an ALA Notable Book. She collaborated with Jerry Pinkney on Goin' Someplace Special (Coretta Scott King Award winner) and Mirandy and Brother Wind (Coretta Scott King Award winner and Caldecott Honor Book).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
July 12, 2009
Looking at the cover, you'd never guess that Friendship for Today is historical fiction. It looks contemporary, and that might help to get more kids (girls?) to read it. They will be glad they did. This book is set in Kirkland, MO, during the 1954-1955 school year, when Rosemary Patterson finds herself at a brand-new school, in the first year of integration, as the only African-American student in her 6th grade class. Her best friend J.J. should have been in her class, but he was stricken with polio on Labor Day and will be out all year. But to make matters worse, her worst enemy--Grace "the Tasteless" Hamilton--is seated right next to her, and the teacher won't change their seats. Rosemary's parents' marriage is floundering. Rosemary is also nursing an injured cat, Rags, who refuses to give up and die despite her run-in with a train.
Wonderful story, great messages to be the best you can be, don't give up, and find friendship in unexpected ways.
This historical fiction is a great opportunity to let kids know about the years of early school integration. Discussion topics abound--bullies, racism, prejudice, treatment of African Americans before Civil Rights, polio. An intimate look into the early years of an educational system our students now take for granted.
The Author's Note is the true gem of the book. Patricia McKissack reveals that A Friendship for Today is autobiographical in many respects. I cried while reading her Author's Note, and I can't remember the last time a book made me cry. I remember back to my elementary school years in late 1960s Oklahoma City, when we had one black student in the whole school, a girl who was probably a lot like Patricia McKissack.
Wonderful story, great messages to be the best you can be, don't give up, and find friendship in unexpected ways.
This historical fiction is a great opportunity to let kids know about the years of early school integration. Discussion topics abound--bullies, racism, prejudice, treatment of African Americans before Civil Rights, polio. An intimate look into the early years of an educational system our students now take for granted.
The Author's Note is the true gem of the book. Patricia McKissack reveals that A Friendship for Today is autobiographical in many respects. I cried while reading her Author's Note, and I can't remember the last time a book made me cry. I remember back to my elementary school years in late 1960s Oklahoma City, when we had one black student in the whole school, a girl who was probably a lot like Patricia McKissack.
August 17, 2008
McKissack draws from her memories of her experience as the first African-American in an integrated elementary school to tell a fictional tale of Rosemary Patterson, a young black girl whose world is radically altered when the all-black school closes in 1954 and she enrolls in 6th grade at a brand-new school. Shortly before school begins Rosemary's best friend J.J. beats her fair and square in a foot race, and Rosemary discovers she does not like to lose. But she loses much more than a race when J.J. contracts polio and is moved to a special treatment center far away, leaving Rosemary as the only black child in her grade. The transition to integration is not without pitfalls and difficulties, but Rosemary slowly finds her niche at Robertson. Sadly, while Rosemary is successfully integrating, her parents' marriage is disintegrating. An injured cat, a caring teacher, a wise principal, a rock-solid loving mother, and the most unlikely friendship Rosemary could ever imagine nurture her through all the changes of a tumultuous year.
July 10, 2022
This book taught me that with the right attitude and virtue, we can overcome things better than what we anticipated. It made realize that no matter how hard things could be, we will always get by and continue living on this planet as a normal human.
It presents empowerment with pride and dignity. No matter what color, civil status, or age group you are in, there is always a time for you to shine and be happy generally.
It presents empowerment with pride and dignity. No matter what color, civil status, or age group you are in, there is always a time for you to shine and be happy generally.
May 10, 2011
Rosemary is going to start school at a school that use to be an ' all white' school. She is really nervous and some what scared to start this school. the good thing about it, is that she will not be going to this school alone. Her best friend is going to attend this school with her, until they found out that her friend got diagnosed with polio. Rosemary has to face the school alone, being the only and the first African American student it the whole town to join a school that use to be and all white school. As time goes on, Rosemary is judged almost everywhere she goes and one of the worse offenders is Grace Hamilton, but then they all a sudden become really good friends. She starts to really help Rosemary throughout the year with all of the really tough problems that are going on in her life. They realize everything that they have in common, and surprisingly they have lots of things in common! The days pass and they become even closer every day. Rosemary got the unexpected, she never thought that she would have such a good friend that would be "white". Rosemary learns important truths about the power of friendship to overcome prejudice. This is now my favorite book because it helps people understand the meaning of 'color. No matter what color you are, it does not affect who you are in the inside. To this very day, there are still a lot of judging in this world, and hopefully one day it will stop!
January 31, 2012
What I didn't like about this book: I don't think I got as much out of this book as I could've. It was a light alternative read as I was waiting for a book to come out of 'on hold'. I felt that at the end *spoiler* I also felt that she didn't explore the relationship with J.J as much as she could've. It just seemed like she was: I AM FRIENDS WITH JJ END OF STORY. Especially since all they seemed to have in common was running. And I have friends like that, don't get me wrong, but we usually have something to validate our friendship.
What I did like about this book: The message, but also the way the author sends it. She's not just like: Segregation and prejudice are bad. She tells you why they are 'bad', she makes you experience it first hand. Also, the relationships (though I found them vague and ill-explored) were realistic. Usually kids can get over their differences because happiness is better than pride to them.
What I did like about this book: The message, but also the way the author sends it. She's not just like: Segregation and prejudice are bad. She tells you why they are 'bad', she makes you experience it first hand. Also, the relationships (though I found them vague and ill-explored) were realistic. Usually kids can get over their differences because happiness is better than pride to them.
October 31, 2013
A Friendship for Today written Patricia C. McKissack, takes place in 1954 in the state of Missouri. The story is of a 12-year-old girl named Rosemary, who is one of the first African American students to enter the white school in town. Rosemary is up for the challenge and even excited until her very best friend is diagnosed with polio. She encounters a mean; racist girl by the name of Grace Hamilton and what the reader thinks will happen with their friendship is the complete opposite. The school year takes a twist when Rosemary continues to struggle with her parent’s marriage and she finds herself developing a friendship with no other then Grace.
I think this is a story that could be used with grades 4-7 as a novel study. Teaches us about diversity and friendships. The reader will see Rosemary go through realistic situations that teach her the important truths of the power of friendship and that what we think may not always be what it is.
I think this is a story that could be used with grades 4-7 as a novel study. Teaches us about diversity and friendships. The reader will see Rosemary go through realistic situations that teach her the important truths of the power of friendship and that what we think may not always be what it is.
November 10, 2008
I just finished this book yesterday and have already encouraged the 5th grade teachers in my school to use it along with their Civil Rights Unit! It is a profound story told simply and beautifully through the eyes of an intelligent, thoughtful twelve-year-old girl in 1954 Missouri. I like the fact that race is not the only type of prejudice addressed in the story. Other tie-ins to the plot are childhood polio and the universal difficulties of divorce. Each issue is addressed with honesty and sensitivity. There's something here for everyone to relate to, and I think it's important that kids today know the true realities of our country's not-so-distant past.
September 19, 2016
This book was so amazing!
It was a true eye-opener for me to learn about how people, especially kids, felt about integration for the first time.
I think that this book truly was a great reading experience. It was also one of those books where you can easily empathize with the characters, especially Rosemary. I LOVED IT!
It was a true eye-opener for me to learn about how people, especially kids, felt about integration for the first time.
I think that this book truly was a great reading experience. It was also one of those books where you can easily empathize with the characters, especially Rosemary. I LOVED IT!
January 12, 2011
This is a good book. I very much liked reading from the perspective of a child, illustrating that sometimes the "explanations" adults give to kids make no sense to kids, while at the same time kids are much more aware of and capable of understanding things than adults give them credit for.
November 17, 2014
I great introduction for kids to the racial tensions of the 1950s. The author draws on her own experiences of being integrated into a mostly white school in Kirkland, Missouri. The "trueness" of the book gives it depth that many other books don't have. Really liked this one.
November 17, 2012
Reviewed by Mechele R. Dillard for TeensReadToo.com
On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court of the United States made a historic ruling in the case of Brown v. Board of Education: Segregation of public schools was declared unconstitutional. And, like so many others, the life of twelve-year-old Rosemary Patterson was forever changed.
Rosemary doesn't really care for the idea of her school being closed just because of the decision. "If white people want to go to school with us so much, seems to me all they needed to do was ask. We'd make room for a few white kids at Attucks Elementary next year," she tells her mother. "Why did it take the Supreme Court to figure that out?" (p. 2). As was the case for many children of the time, Rosemary doesn't quite understand the significance of the ruling. Having grown up under the oppressive lie of "separate but equal," she just doesn't realize how wrong the system is, or how it actually affects her life. But, her mother promises, "Next year, when you are in a better school, you'll come to appreciate why this decision is so important" (p. 2).
As Rosemary goes through her classes at Robertson Elementary--the only "colored" student in the sixth grade after her best friend, J. J., is diagnosed with polio--she learns about hatred. She learns about intolerance. But she also learns about friendship. And she learns that sometimes people really can change. Things seem too much to handle in the beginning, but the local storekeeper, Mr. Bob, encourages her to keep her chin up: "You are a pioneer in the real sense of the word, Rosemary. Whenever you are the first, you are going to have it hard" (71).
This book, while fiction, is based on McKissack's own experience as a young girl in 1954 Missouri, facing her sixth-grade class as the only African-American student. Students today of every ethnic background will find the details fascinating, and will wonder, just as Rosemary did, "Why did it take the Supreme Court to figure that out?" (p. 2). And while it is a sign of success that children today cannot truly comprehend a society segregated by race, it is important that the struggles of those who led the fight--by choice or by circumstance--never be forgotten, as the fight for equality in the United States is still raging. A FRIENDSHIP FOR TODAY is an excellent example of courage and spirit for all children--and adults--to read, understand, admire, and, hopefully, carry forward.
On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court of the United States made a historic ruling in the case of Brown v. Board of Education: Segregation of public schools was declared unconstitutional. And, like so many others, the life of twelve-year-old Rosemary Patterson was forever changed.
Rosemary doesn't really care for the idea of her school being closed just because of the decision. "If white people want to go to school with us so much, seems to me all they needed to do was ask. We'd make room for a few white kids at Attucks Elementary next year," she tells her mother. "Why did it take the Supreme Court to figure that out?" (p. 2). As was the case for many children of the time, Rosemary doesn't quite understand the significance of the ruling. Having grown up under the oppressive lie of "separate but equal," she just doesn't realize how wrong the system is, or how it actually affects her life. But, her mother promises, "Next year, when you are in a better school, you'll come to appreciate why this decision is so important" (p. 2).
As Rosemary goes through her classes at Robertson Elementary--the only "colored" student in the sixth grade after her best friend, J. J., is diagnosed with polio--she learns about hatred. She learns about intolerance. But she also learns about friendship. And she learns that sometimes people really can change. Things seem too much to handle in the beginning, but the local storekeeper, Mr. Bob, encourages her to keep her chin up: "You are a pioneer in the real sense of the word, Rosemary. Whenever you are the first, you are going to have it hard" (71).
This book, while fiction, is based on McKissack's own experience as a young girl in 1954 Missouri, facing her sixth-grade class as the only African-American student. Students today of every ethnic background will find the details fascinating, and will wonder, just as Rosemary did, "Why did it take the Supreme Court to figure that out?" (p. 2). And while it is a sign of success that children today cannot truly comprehend a society segregated by race, it is important that the struggles of those who led the fight--by choice or by circumstance--never be forgotten, as the fight for equality in the United States is still raging. A FRIENDSHIP FOR TODAY is an excellent example of courage and spirit for all children--and adults--to read, understand, admire, and, hopefully, carry forward.
June 24, 2010
It's 1954, and Rosemary Patterson is thrilled to be going to an integrated middle school. That is, until her best friend, J.J. Stenson, is diagnosed with polio.
Why is this such a big deal? Because although the school is integrated, some students don't accept it, and Rosemary is the only black girl in her class. And to make matters worse, she has to sit next to Grace "The Tasteless," her worst enemy. So far, school is a total failure to Rosemary.
However, one day during the summer, as she walked along the railroad tracks, she found a cat which appeared to be dead. But when she took a closer look, it was still alive. After been taken to the veterinarian, she found out that after a long healing period and gentle handling she may be able to survive with her one ear, one eye, and three legs.
This ties into eventually winning Grace's friendship. When the most popular girl in their school, Katharine, tells Grace that she can be in her clique as long as she calls Rosemary the N-word, Grace refuses. So when Rosemary thanks her for doing so she shows Grace her cat. Although they will occasionally spit insults at each other, their hatred toward each other starts to deteriorate.
Rosemary exchanges letters with J.J. while he's at the hospital and finds that he may be able to use hydrotherapy to treat his polio. A few more letters later, and J.J. is able to walk again, just like Rags, who is climbing trees with just three legs!
Unfortunately, Grace, one of Rosemary's closest friends now, is moving back to her hometown: Arkansas. But, fortunately, J.J. has recovered from polio. Well, mostly. He has to wear a leg and arm brace. So while one friend is leaving, another is coming back.
Why is this such a big deal? Because although the school is integrated, some students don't accept it, and Rosemary is the only black girl in her class. And to make matters worse, she has to sit next to Grace "The Tasteless," her worst enemy. So far, school is a total failure to Rosemary.
However, one day during the summer, as she walked along the railroad tracks, she found a cat which appeared to be dead. But when she took a closer look, it was still alive. After been taken to the veterinarian, she found out that after a long healing period and gentle handling she may be able to survive with her one ear, one eye, and three legs.
This ties into eventually winning Grace's friendship. When the most popular girl in their school, Katharine, tells Grace that she can be in her clique as long as she calls Rosemary the N-word, Grace refuses. So when Rosemary thanks her for doing so she shows Grace her cat. Although they will occasionally spit insults at each other, their hatred toward each other starts to deteriorate.
Rosemary exchanges letters with J.J. while he's at the hospital and finds that he may be able to use hydrotherapy to treat his polio. A few more letters later, and J.J. is able to walk again, just like Rags, who is climbing trees with just three legs!
Unfortunately, Grace, one of Rosemary's closest friends now, is moving back to her hometown: Arkansas. But, fortunately, J.J. has recovered from polio. Well, mostly. He has to wear a leg and arm brace. So while one friend is leaving, another is coming back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2010
Rosemary Patterson is excited when she learns that she’ll be attending a new school in the fall. It’s 1954 and the Kirkland Board of Education has just announced that all of the schools will be integrated. But the experience is not quite what Rosemary expected. She’s one of the only black students in 6th grade (her best friend J.J. comes down with polio and misses out on the whole year), and at first, none of the other kids want anything to do with her. It’s particularly difficult for Rosemary, because she also has to deal with the disintegration of her parents’ marriage – she doesn’t really have anyone to talk to about her problems. And then something unexpected happens; she becomes friends with Grace Hamilton. Grace and her older siblings have been tormenting Rosemary since they moved into the neighborhood. Grace is white and her family is pretty prejudiced toward colored people. But the two girls bond over an injured cat that Rosemary rescues, and find that they can get beyond some of the bad stuff that happened between them in the past. By the time the school year ends, Rosemary is in a much better place – secure in her new school, new friendships, and new family situation.
A Friendship for Today is based on Patricia McKissack’s (the author) experiences growing up during integration (and her parents’ divorce). Good, strong characters and strong female role models make this short read quite enjoyable.
A Friendship for Today is based on Patricia McKissack’s (the author) experiences growing up during integration (and her parents’ divorce). Good, strong characters and strong female role models make this short read quite enjoyable.
June 13, 2013
This isn't my kind of book.
I think I picked this up as a freebie from Scholastic. That was about the time CLI was the rage in my school. As part of that, we were encouraged to complete author studies. We were provided a set of books of an author. The one I received was Patricia McKissack. I have enjoyed her other books so thought this one might be okay.
But it's still not my kind of book. Race relations and girls. Yuck!
Not wanting to list another of my books on the "Do Not Plan to Read" list, I decided to tackle this. What immediately grabbed me was McKissack's writing. It was wonderfully descriptive. It drew me in. It didn't take long to care about Rosemary. And heck, once there was a wounded cat, one had to read on.
Grace and her siblings reminded me much of the Herdmans from the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, without the comic relief. The relationship between the girls was rich and multi-layered. I like that the author did not completely change Grace; it felt far more authentic that way.
This is a quick read, but well wroth it. It did not come off as preachy as the topic easily could have been. Walk tall with your head held high. Everything else will take its place. It worked for Rosemary; that is exactly how I was reared.
The one knock I have about this book is the cover; those are not how I envision the girls to look. What is depicted is far too modern for the setting of this book.
I think I picked this up as a freebie from Scholastic. That was about the time CLI was the rage in my school. As part of that, we were encouraged to complete author studies. We were provided a set of books of an author. The one I received was Patricia McKissack. I have enjoyed her other books so thought this one might be okay.
But it's still not my kind of book. Race relations and girls. Yuck!
Not wanting to list another of my books on the "Do Not Plan to Read" list, I decided to tackle this. What immediately grabbed me was McKissack's writing. It was wonderfully descriptive. It drew me in. It didn't take long to care about Rosemary. And heck, once there was a wounded cat, one had to read on.
Grace and her siblings reminded me much of the Herdmans from the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, without the comic relief. The relationship between the girls was rich and multi-layered. I like that the author did not completely change Grace; it felt far more authentic that way.
This is a quick read, but well wroth it. It did not come off as preachy as the topic easily could have been. Walk tall with your head held high. Everything else will take its place. It worked for Rosemary; that is exactly how I was reared.
The one knock I have about this book is the cover; those are not how I envision the girls to look. What is depicted is far too modern for the setting of this book.
Read
January 16, 2017The book “A Friendship for Today” tells the journey about a young African American child transitioning from a segregated all African American school to a school with all whites. Rosemary was a very special child, she was a child of great capabilities in academics, going to an all white school made her feel like she wasn't as special at times. At first everyone was a bit cold towards her. Switching to a new school was not easy for her, especially because she was the only African American in her class. Rosemary’s parents were in so much joy that the schools were integrating, but Rosemary didn’t know why they were so happy, she was never going to see her old friends again because they were transferred to another school and she knew that everyone was going to treat her differently. Rosemary’s parents were a bit different than most parents who are together, they had many disagreements. At the end of the day she knew it was going to be a great opportunity because she wasn't going to go through that journey alone, her best friend J.J was transferred there too. Leading up to the few days before school started J.J was diagnosed with polio. What was Rosemary going to do without her best friend, how will her new integrated life unravel?
September 9, 2017
Rosemary (don't call her 'Rosie') attends a segregated school in MO, in 1954--but that school is closing its doors, and all the students must be integrated into the white schools in town. She's nervous, for sure. But she has a best friend who'll be coming along with her--her neighbor JJ. But JJ contracts polio suddenly and Rosemary must face 6th grade as the only Black student.
Things go badly quickly. Her arch-nemesis, Grace, is seated right next to her. The other kids don't know how to act around Rosemary, so they mostly ignore her.
This is a year of big moments and little moments. A kitten she saves and tries to nurse back to health, uncertainty about her friend's prognosis, navigating a new social world...and her parents' marriage is falling apart in front of her face...lots of issues for a little girl.
I'll be honest...except for the color of our skin, I could have been Rosemary...she's a year older than I am, but she and I both were raised in families that fractured, and she and I both had a beloved kitten...and I'll just say my experience with spelling bees was very similar, too.
A sensitive book about a turbulent time. Well done!
Things go badly quickly. Her arch-nemesis, Grace, is seated right next to her. The other kids don't know how to act around Rosemary, so they mostly ignore her.
This is a year of big moments and little moments. A kitten she saves and tries to nurse back to health, uncertainty about her friend's prognosis, navigating a new social world...and her parents' marriage is falling apart in front of her face...lots of issues for a little girl.
I'll be honest...except for the color of our skin, I could have been Rosemary...she's a year older than I am, but she and I both were raised in families that fractured, and she and I both had a beloved kitten...and I'll just say my experience with spelling bees was very similar, too.
A sensitive book about a turbulent time. Well done!
May 4, 2007
It's the last day of school, 1954, and Rosemary has just learned that next year she'll be going to a brand new integrated school. She's a little nervous about it, but everyone keeps telling her now nice this new school will be and how it's a great opportunity. Rosemary's sure she can handle it as long as her best friend J.J. is by her side. But then just before school starts, J.J. is stricken with polio and Rosemary learns that she'll be going to this new school by herself, the only black kid in her class. And what's worse? On her first day she discovers that Grace the Tasteless, one of the relentless Hamilton siblings that's made Rosemary's life miserable, is in her class and assigned to sit right next to her. As the school year goes on, Rosemary and Grace realize that maybe they have more in common than they thought...
I enjoyed this book about school integration. I think it's definitely a book about an important subject, but I could see it more being used to supplement educational curriculum than being picked up for pleasure.
I enjoyed this book about school integration. I think it's definitely a book about an important subject, but I could see it more being used to supplement educational curriculum than being picked up for pleasure.
August 5, 2009
This is a quick, interesting read about a school system in Missouri integrating in 1954. Rosemary, a smart, funny fifth grade class president at her black school has to deal with being the only African-American student in her newly integrated school. We witness Rosemary's struggles with prejudice in the classroom (in the form of Katherine, whose father is ironically an attorney who helps with civil rights cases), in the school system (while teacher and principal are wonderful, the placement official tries to move Rosemary, a straight A student to a remedial classroom), and in the community. While learning about tolerance, Rosemary gains strength from a cat named Rags and her best friend, JJ, who is undergoing treatment for polio.
While this is a well-crafted book I enjoyed, I almost wish the author hadn't included the note that said it was mostly autobiographical. We didn't need to know that in order for the book's message to come across. Overall, a satisfying read that would be great for students interested in the civil rights movement.
While this is a well-crafted book I enjoyed, I almost wish the author hadn't included the note that said it was mostly autobiographical. We didn't need to know that in order for the book's message to come across. Overall, a satisfying read that would be great for students interested in the civil rights movement.
August 3, 2013
I love historical fiction books, so when I read this one, I was jumping for joy at how good it was. It gives an insight of what it was like for a kid to live during the mid 1900's, one quality of this book that I enjoyed. It was so sad what happened to Rosemary's friend after she started her new school. This book did have its flaws, something that was hard to look past through. I highly recommend this book.
December 9, 2014
This is a heart-warming story about friendship coming from unlikely places. There is a new girl at a recently changed school. The school was transformed from an all-white school to an unsegregated school. This new girl, Rosemary Patterson, is the first African American to attend the school. This book is great for in the classroom. It provides a great story to read when discussing racism and the history of it.
McKissack, Patricia C. A Friendship for Today. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007.
McKissack, Patricia C. A Friendship for Today. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007.
July 4, 2017
Historical fiction set in 1950s Missouri after the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling. The main character Rosemary is a strong narrator, sharing not only her experiences in the integrated school, but also her struggles at home with friendships and family.
It's important to note the book contains the n-word, so students may need a heads up for the use of this word in the context of the time period.
It's important to note the book contains the n-word, so students may need a heads up for the use of this word in the context of the time period.
September 21, 2017
Sadly it took news of her death to tune me into Patricia McKissack... but at least I have learned to appreciate her, even if after the fact.
This is a great book to show middle grade kids what life could be like in a segregated (and integrating) community - how difficult it was, the wide variety in experiences, the darkness and light that were revealed. It's also a reminder that, sometimes, people can change.
This is a great book to show middle grade kids what life could be like in a segregated (and integrating) community - how difficult it was, the wide variety in experiences, the darkness and light that were revealed. It's also a reminder that, sometimes, people can change.
August 20, 2007
Nice story based on Patricia McKissack's personal experiences in desegregated Missouri. Too many things happen in too short of a time period to the main character and that makes it seem almost unbelievable. Great for discussions on race relations. Vocabulary could be read by younger readers, but topics may be too much. Not my favorite by this author.
December 6, 2008
J This black eyed Susan nominee crams in a lot of 1950's history but in a well written, fascinating way. Eleven year old Rosemary will be attending a new school built for both whites and blacks in 1954 Missouri. This book takes on segregation, polio, adults having affairs, divorce, a runover but not dead cat, etc. It's based somewhat on the author's own experiences.
March 21, 2009
A good story set in the time of Integration...not exactly the best book with this topic, but a good story nonetheless that gives kids an idea of the difficulties of merging societies. The story has an interesting convention--a look at two friends of different races who have similarities in their lives.
November 30, 2009
This is a nice story about an African American girl who attends a mostly white school after the desegregation of schools. She finds unexpected friendships and accomplishes many things during her first year. The author note says that much of the story is based on her experiences attending school during this time and being the only African American in her class.
Reading with Tween Book Club.
Reading with Tween Book Club.
April 7, 2010
Used this as my read-aloud book. Good theme. Good plot. Kept the students interested and listening. Set in the 50s, this had a lot of historical perspectives and up-to-date themes in it. Be aware, the n-word is used 2x (it's in italics). It's a California Young Read Award winner, just to throw that it in for emphasis.
July 26, 2011
Wonderful tale of growing up just as schools were getting integrated -- influenced by the author's own life. Young and smart Rosemary heads off to her new school as the only black kid in her class and her experience is told honestly and beautifully by McKissack. Her friendship with J.J., who gets polio, is especially poignant.
November 13, 2011
Rosemarry is making history. She enrolls into what was an all-white school. She was prepared to face the challenges of being a black student along with her friend. One day it all changes for Rosemarry. Her friend is diagnosed with polio and she has to face school alone. This would be a great book for a class to read about life-changing situations.
July 26, 2016
I read this for a book discussion. Takes place in the 50's, written from the perspective of a 5th grade girl. Tells her story of going through the integration of the local schools. Touches on the racism that they children felt through their parents and how the kids were often better able to work through racism than the adults. Well written, great characters.
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