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Ruth and the Green Book
Ruth was so excited to take a trip in her family's new car! In the early 1950s, few African Americans could afford to buy cars, so this would be an adventure. But she soon found out that black travelers weren't treated very well in some towns. Many hotels and gas stations refused service to black people. Daddy was upset about something called Jim Crow laws...
Finally, a friendly attendant at a gas station showed Ruth's family The Green Book. It listed all of the places that would welcome black travelers. With this guidebook—and the kindness of strangers—Ruth could finally make a safe journey from Chicago to her grandma's house in Alabama.
Ruth's story is fiction, but The Green Book and its role in helping a generation of African American travelers avoid some of the indignities of Jim Crow are historical fact.
Finally, a friendly attendant at a gas station showed Ruth's family The Green Book. It listed all of the places that would welcome black travelers. With this guidebook—and the kindness of strangers—Ruth could finally make a safe journey from Chicago to her grandma's house in Alabama.
Ruth's story is fiction, but The Green Book and its role in helping a generation of African American travelers avoid some of the indignities of Jim Crow are historical fact.
Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2010
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About the author
Calvin Alexander Ramsey
4 books28 followersCalvin Alexander Ramsey is a playwright, photographer, and painter. He adapted one of his plays for print as Ruth and the Green Book, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews
June 18, 2019
In the not so distant past, traveling America's highways was not easy for the black motorist. Many restaurants, hotels, and even gas stations refused service to African Americans. In 1936, Victor Green, an African American from New York, listed all the businesses that would serve black travelers in his city. The book proved so popular that he expanded it to includes other cities and states, as well.
The book's final edition was published in 1964, after the Civil Rights Bill was signed into law making it illegal for businesses to discriminate against African Americans.
Ramsey's book tells the story of Ruth's family, and their eye-opening trip to visit her grandmother in Alabama. The trip begins on a happy note with the family cruising along in her father's Sea Mist Green 1952 Buick. The first hint of trouble occurs at a gas station where the attendant refuses to allow Ruth and her mother to use the restroom. Their problems continue as they head further south, and Ruth learns firsthand about the awful reality of the Jim Crow laws.
Luckily, her father gets a copy of Mr. Green's book, and their trip becomes a much cheerier journey.
This is a terrific book about a sad chapter in our nation's history. And, I can't say enough about Floyd Cooper's lovely illustrations. Beautifully rendered in soft pastel tones, the character's facial expressions are priceless, and truly echo the mood of the story.
Highly recommended for all ages.
The book's final edition was published in 1964, after the Civil Rights Bill was signed into law making it illegal for businesses to discriminate against African Americans.
Ramsey's book tells the story of Ruth's family, and their eye-opening trip to visit her grandmother in Alabama. The trip begins on a happy note with the family cruising along in her father's Sea Mist Green 1952 Buick. The first hint of trouble occurs at a gas station where the attendant refuses to allow Ruth and her mother to use the restroom. Their problems continue as they head further south, and Ruth learns firsthand about the awful reality of the Jim Crow laws.
Luckily, her father gets a copy of Mr. Green's book, and their trip becomes a much cheerier journey.
This is a terrific book about a sad chapter in our nation's history. And, I can't say enough about Floyd Cooper's lovely illustrations. Beautifully rendered in soft pastel tones, the character's facial expressions are priceless, and truly echo the mood of the story.
Highly recommended for all ages.
July 1, 2019
Centered on the Green Book, Ruth and the Green Book is a simple story with heart. A family is traveling across a few states to visit Grandma. Like all families on a road trip, they stop at various businesses such as gas stations and hotels en route; however, they're turned away from many because they're black. When they meet a man who gives them a copy of the Green Book, their trip becomes much more pleasant.
Ruth and the Green Book is told from the perspective of the daughter, Ruth, and I liked that because Calvin Alexander Ramsey was really able to depict the feeling of what's happening. Ruth feels sad and is trying to grasp the why behind so much, such as why she and her parents are forced to go to the bathroom in the woods. When she hears "Jim Crow," she thinks it's a man until her father explains that Jim Crow "isn't a 'who' but a 'what'." The last page includes further information about the Green Book.
Many of the illustrations, by artist Floyd Cooper, are up close, showing faces full of expression. This is some of the most realistic artwork I've seen in a children's book, and simply breathtaking. My words can't do them justice. Ruth and the Green Book is five stars all around--for content and complementary illustrations. Everyone should read this.
Ruth and the Green Book is told from the perspective of the daughter, Ruth, and I liked that because Calvin Alexander Ramsey was really able to depict the feeling of what's happening. Ruth feels sad and is trying to grasp the why behind so much, such as why she and her parents are forced to go to the bathroom in the woods. When she hears "Jim Crow," she thinks it's a man until her father explains that Jim Crow "isn't a 'who' but a 'what'." The last page includes further information about the Green Book.
Many of the illustrations, by artist Floyd Cooper, are up close, showing faces full of expression. This is some of the most realistic artwork I've seen in a children's book, and simply breathtaking. My words can't do them justice. Ruth and the Green Book is five stars all around--for content and complementary illustrations. Everyone should read this.
July 15, 2019
I can’t believe I was uninformed about the Green Book, even when I heard about the movie I didn’t understand the significance of its title even though I have had interest in seeing the movie. It wasn’t until learning of this children’s picture book that I learned about The Green Book.
The story moved me emotionally, the parts of what Ruth and her family had to go through to the fate of Brown Bear the teddy bear. Heartbreaking. Infuriating. Heartwarming.
I want to learn more about this history. I’m hoping that plenty of white owned/run businesses with while employees also were listed in the Green Book. In this book it was mostly African-American/black run businesses that seemed to welcome African-American/black travelers.
Lush, gorgeous, large illustrations. I loved the expressiveness of people’s expressions. I loved the art style. I loved everything about them. They’re beautiful and they’re crucial part of the storytelling.
The last page of the book is informational. It’s text heavy but includes a photo of the cover of a real Green Book and a photo of a two-page spread of its contents.
Highly recommended for girls and boys ages 7-11, and all interested older people too.
The story moved me emotionally, the parts of what Ruth and her family had to go through to the fate of Brown Bear the teddy bear. Heartbreaking. Infuriating. Heartwarming.
I want to learn more about this history. I’m hoping that plenty of white owned/run businesses with while employees also were listed in the Green Book. In this book it was mostly African-American/black run businesses that seemed to welcome African-American/black travelers.
Lush, gorgeous, large illustrations. I loved the expressiveness of people’s expressions. I loved the art style. I loved everything about them. They’re beautiful and they’re crucial part of the storytelling.
The last page of the book is informational. It’s text heavy but includes a photo of the cover of a real Green Book and a photo of a two-page spread of its contents.
Highly recommended for girls and boys ages 7-11, and all interested older people too.
October 20, 2020
Really powerful and beautifully illustrated book about Black history from a young Black girl's perspective, specifically the horrific Jim Crow laws and the creation of the Green Book. I knew beforehand what the Green Book was and how it helped Black travellers in the US, but I had no idea it was used in Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico too!
Avoid the whitewashed movie and read this!
*Book 8 for the Graphics A Thon
Avoid the whitewashed movie and read this!
*Book 8 for the Graphics A Thon
February 10, 2017
This was a great picture book that was about the Green book that was used for African-American travelers. It had all the locations throughout the United States that were safe and excepted African-Americans. This included restaurants, gas stations, hotels, barber shops, etc.
March 7, 2019
Beautiful story a family's need for comfort and safety as they take a road trip from Chicago to The South. Within this book, children learn about the Green Book (a road survival guide helping African-American travelers where to eat, sleep, shop, and patron as they traveled the U.S., Mexico and other locations) and how frightening a basic road trip was for black families.
Lovely illustrations highlight each page and the story's quick and engaging for children of all ages.
(The only caveat is that the parents were woefully unprepared for their journey, considering the danger involved. A suspension of disbelief helps as knowing adults read this story.)
Lovely illustrations highlight each page and the story's quick and engaging for children of all ages.
(The only caveat is that the parents were woefully unprepared for their journey, considering the danger involved. A suspension of disbelief helps as knowing adults read this story.)
January 26, 2020
*read for free with kindle Unlimited *
Highly recommend. Wonderful and important book.
Highly recommend. Wonderful and important book.
December 15, 2014
I was curious to see how a picture book would tackle this upsetting subject. The author includes two specific instances of discrimination: a gas station attendant refuses to allow Ruth or her mother to use the station's bathroom, but we don't see that man; a hotel clerk denies the family a room despite having vacancies, and we do see this man in the illustration. After that, the discrimination is referred to in the abstract--lots of people shun Ruth's family, but we don't see each separate insult, which probably makes the story easier for children to handle.
The story instead focuses on the network of folks helping to make travel safer for black Americans traveling the States at the time, starting with the Esso gas station attendant who recommends a copy of The Green Book. (Note, it wasn't just the Jim Crow "South" that black travelers had to endure; discrimination and danger lurked everywhere.) The illustrations are soft and comforting, yet the black characters' faces are detailed and precise. We really see the emotions. Sometimes perspective seems to be a bit off (characters not *quite* looking at each other) but I'm no artist and that's a small complaint for a book so sorely needed.
A page of nonfiction at the end provides more info about the history of The Negro Motorist Green Book.
The story instead focuses on the network of folks helping to make travel safer for black Americans traveling the States at the time, starting with the Esso gas station attendant who recommends a copy of The Green Book. (Note, it wasn't just the Jim Crow "South" that black travelers had to endure; discrimination and danger lurked everywhere.) The illustrations are soft and comforting, yet the black characters' faces are detailed and precise. We really see the emotions. Sometimes perspective seems to be a bit off (characters not *quite* looking at each other) but I'm no artist and that's a small complaint for a book so sorely needed.
A page of nonfiction at the end provides more info about the history of The Negro Motorist Green Book.
November 21, 2018
(Ok, we interrupt this review to share the frisson that the characters' new car is the same color as mine!)
I love that the font is just about what a careful young girl's would actually look like, apt in this 1st-person narrative.
But mostly I just love the history lesson. How wonderful to have a book that talks about a serious issue in a way that generates some positive feelings, including hope. (There is a note, but it's almost unnecessary.) There should never have been a need for a guide to help African-American travelers, but I'm glad to learn that there was.
Highly recommended to every school and public library.
I love that the font is just about what a careful young girl's would actually look like, apt in this 1st-person narrative.
But mostly I just love the history lesson. How wonderful to have a book that talks about a serious issue in a way that generates some positive feelings, including hope. (There is a note, but it's almost unnecessary.) There should never have been a need for a guide to help African-American travelers, but I'm glad to learn that there was.
Highly recommended to every school and public library.
January 25, 2017
Beautiful art, easy-to-follow storytelling that expertly conveys how horrid Jim Crow was without becoming too scary or sad for little kids. Ruth helps her family by reading them listings from the Green Book (which I didn't know existed -- a helpful afterword provides a fuller picture), and helps a smaller, frightened kid be brave. I liked that she's an active participant in the story, not merely a passenger. Such a well-done book.
April 3, 2019
The year was 1952, and Ruth and her family were excited to take a road trip in their new Buick, heading south from Chicago to visit her grandmother in Alabama. As African-Americans however, traveling across country wasn't so simple, especially as they headed into the South, where Jim Crow laws prevented them from availing of such amenities as restrooms at service stops, or eating at local restaurants. Then a man at an Esso gas station gave them The Green Book, a national guide which detailed all of the businesses in each state and city which welcomed African-American custom, and their trip improved. Thanks to the help of other African-Americans, and the all-important Green Book, they made it safely to Alabama...
With the release last year (2018) of the film Green Book, many movie-goers became aware for the first time of Victor Hugo Green's The Negro Motorist Green-Book , first published in 1936. Before the film however, Atlanta-based playwright Calvin Alexander Green wrote a play about the subject in 2007, and it was performed at the Carter Center. He joined forced with co-author Gwen Strauss and illustrator Floyd Cooper to produce this 2010 picture-book based upon his play. I found Ruth and the Green Book to be an immensely engrossing and poignant work of picture-book historical fiction. The authors adeptly depict Ruth's emotional journey in their narrative, as she experiences both the hurt of rejection and racism and the comfort of community solidarity and mutual aid. Her emotional experiences make the depiction of the family's physical journey much more powerful and immediate for the reader. The artwork, as is always the case with the marvelous Floyd Cooper, is expressive and full of feeling, whether of pathos or joy. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books exploring the history of discrimination against African-Americans in the twentieth-century, and their use of The Green Book as an aid in traveling, during that period.
With the release last year (2018) of the film Green Book, many movie-goers became aware for the first time of Victor Hugo Green's The Negro Motorist Green-Book , first published in 1936. Before the film however, Atlanta-based playwright Calvin Alexander Green wrote a play about the subject in 2007, and it was performed at the Carter Center. He joined forced with co-author Gwen Strauss and illustrator Floyd Cooper to produce this 2010 picture-book based upon his play. I found Ruth and the Green Book to be an immensely engrossing and poignant work of picture-book historical fiction. The authors adeptly depict Ruth's emotional journey in their narrative, as she experiences both the hurt of rejection and racism and the comfort of community solidarity and mutual aid. Her emotional experiences make the depiction of the family's physical journey much more powerful and immediate for the reader. The artwork, as is always the case with the marvelous Floyd Cooper, is expressive and full of feeling, whether of pathos or joy. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books exploring the history of discrimination against African-Americans in the twentieth-century, and their use of The Green Book as an aid in traveling, during that period.
October 2, 2016
Have you ever been denied service? This happened to Ruth and her family in this historical fiction book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey. I picked this as a WOW book because it was a compelling story of an African American family that travelled by car from Chicago to Alabama. Along the way they were turned away by hotels, gas stations, restrooms, and restaurants. The family learned of a guidebook they could buy that tells African Americans where services are available to them. The guide was called the Green Book. I had never heard of the Green Book before and was curious about it after reading this book. The author included information about the Green Book as well as pages from a real one that was used back in the 1940's , 50's, and early 1960's. There is a a link on the ruthandthegreenbook.com website to view a green book I think it is important for students to know the history of the United States and especially the civil rights movement. Teachers can use this picture book to teach history, civil rights, empathy, and discussions about treating others with respect. I think this book could be used as a read aloud for grades k-5. Grades 3-5 could read independently. I also think grades 3-5 could use this book in a guided reading group or book club and do an indepth discussion of the social injustices of the time period, incorporating additional research of the green book compiled by Victor Green.
December 3, 2018
I originally picked this book up because I'm interested in the movie that's out now, The Green Book. I wanted to know more about green books, and this book expanded my horizon. I love picture books like this because they impart information in an easy read manner. Ruth and the Green Book is told from a child's perspective, conveying the sense of adventure, fear, and pride of the main character. And the illustrations are wonderful and give a soft sense of nostalgia. I now have an impression of what it would be like to be African American traveling in the 1950s, and what a Godsend the Green Books would have been.
March 2, 2018
This is one of the Coretta Scott King Award books this year. This picture book would be an excellent teaching tool in introducing elementary school aged children to segregation. The beautiful illustrations really make the book.
The reader is referred to www.ruthandthegreenbook.com to see pages from a real Green Book online. The site was a publisher's site with "Correlation to Standards," information about the author and illustrator, and even a printable bookmark. Unfortunately I could not find the link at this site to an actual Green Book.
The reader is referred to www.ruthandthegreenbook.com to see pages from a real Green Book online. The site was a publisher's site with "Correlation to Standards," information about the author and illustrator, and even a printable bookmark. Unfortunately I could not find the link at this site to an actual Green Book.
March 6, 2019
Being European and white, I had never heard of VH Green's book before the movie Green Book.
This cute picture book made a MUCH better job of explaining what the Green Book was and how important it was for Black people travelling than the Oscar-winning movie did.
The art is absolutely wonderful, it has a distinct retro feeling and is just plain pretty. Little Ruth was very endearing too. All around, if you have kids, or even if you are an adult but enjoy picture books, this is one you shouldn't miss.
This cute picture book made a MUCH better job of explaining what the Green Book was and how important it was for Black people travelling than the Oscar-winning movie did.
The art is absolutely wonderful, it has a distinct retro feeling and is just plain pretty. Little Ruth was very endearing too. All around, if you have kids, or even if you are an adult but enjoy picture books, this is one you shouldn't miss.
June 6, 2017
I never knew about the Green Book until I read this.
November 6, 2021
Ruth and her family encounter the evils of Jim Crow as they travel into the Southern United States. Thank God for the Green Book! A guide to places that will be kind to black travelers, a sense of safety and community.
February 4, 2012
Ruth's family decides to travel to Alabama to visit her grandmother. The problem is that Ruth and her family are African American and they are traveling in the heyday of Jim Crow. After being turned away from restrooms and hotels, Ruth's father buys a green book, a guide that helped African American travelers navigate the unfriendly world of the Jim Crow South.
This is an excellent introduction to segregation and Jim Crow for younger elementary school students. The examples are clear, easy to comprehend, and are presented through the eyes of a child who hadn't experienced much discrimination in Chicago. This book is also a good introduction for Mildred Taylor's The Gold Cadillac, which is a more advanced chapter book with many of the same themes.
Recommended for grades 2 - 4.
This is an excellent introduction to segregation and Jim Crow for younger elementary school students. The examples are clear, easy to comprehend, and are presented through the eyes of a child who hadn't experienced much discrimination in Chicago. This book is also a good introduction for Mildred Taylor's The Gold Cadillac, which is a more advanced chapter book with many of the same themes.
Recommended for grades 2 - 4.
October 9, 2014
I am so thankful that I did not live in a time when discrimination was incredibly apparent. This picture book tells the story of a black family living in the ‘50s that has just bought a new car. They decide to go on a road trip to Grandma’s house, but have no idea what they will encounter along the way. Not being able to use a public restroom because of their skin color is only one of the issues they meet on their trip. Fortunately, a gas station employee gives them a Green Book to help them on the rest of their journey. This book lists various places that black people can receive services, such as hotels and car shops. Ruth looks up all of the safe locations for her daddy and even helps a little boy who is scared to travel. This cute story teaches kids about discrimination and also shows a good lesson of helping others in need. This must-read book even has meaningful illustrations that help the reader see the awful extent of discrimination and how it hurts people deeply.
June 2, 2017
Ruth and the Green Book is a fictionalized tale of an African American girl trying to travel from Chicago to Alabama in 1952, that highlights an actual travel guide called, The Negro Motorist Green Book. As Ruth's family discovers in their attempt to visit her Grandma, in 1950's America it was very difficult for African Americans to travel through southern states due to the presence of Jim Crow laws. On their trip through the South, Ruth's family is unable to purchase gas, use the restroom or find a motel to sleep in until they discover The Green Book, a resource listing gas stations, boarding houses and other business establishments that welcome African Americans. Ruth's story highlights the discrimination of the 1950's South and how The Green Book helped ensure the freedoms that were given to all Americans by the Emancipation Proclamation and Thirteenth Amendment. A great read for younger students as they are introduced to Civil Rights and the 1950's.
January 31, 2019
A children's book, short and lovely about a disturbing era, when African Americans were often unable to be served in restaurants, be able to rent rooms in motels, refused service in stores or gas stations, etc. The art work is muted, the subject honest but balanced, for children, as they learn about this prejudice time in our country. The story brief story centers on Ruth and her Mom and Dad traveling from their home in Chicago, to visit Ruth's grandmother in Alabama, and their challenges, until they purchase a Green Book that assists them in finding those businesses where they are welcome. Terrible that this book was even needed? Yes. An unfortunate time in our history? Yes. Good that the book was available? Yes. Just saw the movie, Green Book, which alerted me to the green book itself, and this children's book. Great movie, by the way!
September 28, 2012
Genre: PB 42
What a great book! This was so well written and informative. I enjoyed reading about Ruth and her family's trip in their new car and felt for them with all the struggles and tough times they had while driving. The story is well written and is one readers will enjoy hearing what happens to Ruth. I found the illustrations to be remarkable. They were almost lifelike and made the story easy to follow or readers. I really en joyed reading the true information at the back of the book and finding out more about the green book. This is a great book to read to students and will make a great reference book and a read aloud.
Three words to describe this book: Informative, Beautiful, Sweet
What a great book! This was so well written and informative. I enjoyed reading about Ruth and her family's trip in their new car and felt for them with all the struggles and tough times they had while driving. The story is well written and is one readers will enjoy hearing what happens to Ruth. I found the illustrations to be remarkable. They were almost lifelike and made the story easy to follow or readers. I really en joyed reading the true information at the back of the book and finding out more about the green book. This is a great book to read to students and will make a great reference book and a read aloud.
Three words to describe this book: Informative, Beautiful, Sweet
March 27, 2019
In the 1950s while on a road trip heading down south, Ruth, a young African-American girl finds out all too quickly that she and her family are not welcome to stay in some hotels, unable to get gas or eat in certain restaurants based solely on the color of their skin. But thanks to Victor Green, a former postman, who wrote a small travel guide called The Green Book, giving those like Ruth a safe place to eat, drink and rest. A great companion story to the new Oscar winning movie The Green Book.
January 30, 2018
This is a fascinating (although upsetting) book about the Jim Crow Laws in the US, told from a child's point of view. I had never heard of the Green Book before, a book that was published to let Black people know what businesses would welcome them.
September 1, 2012
Informative book about Jim Crow laws and their effect on black travelers. I didn't know about the Green Book before now, and I look forward to sharing it with my students.
March 16, 2023
A beautifully illustrated and written introduction to the topic of segregation, racism, and the Green Book, in a way that is completely child friendly.
Ruth and her family are traveling from the Chicago area to Alabama to visit her grandmother in her dad’s new work car. Ruth’s parents prepared for the journey by packing food and supplies, but Ruth did not expect to need them so much as (due to their race) they were not permitted to buy food, stay in certain hotels, or even pump gas. When she is introduced to the Green Book by another black traveller, it changes the way the rest of their trip goes and inspires Ruth to help others.
The last page even gives the history of Victor Green’s creation of the Green Book as well as giving more historical context to the time period.
I have read this with my third grade classes for the past two years, specifically during Black History Month and while we are studying the genre of historical fiction. I have used it to teach character traits, point of view, story elements, theme, and fictional elements vs. non-fiction. This is a great informational mentor text that can be referenced again and again!
Ruth and her family are traveling from the Chicago area to Alabama to visit her grandmother in her dad’s new work car. Ruth’s parents prepared for the journey by packing food and supplies, but Ruth did not expect to need them so much as (due to their race) they were not permitted to buy food, stay in certain hotels, or even pump gas. When she is introduced to the Green Book by another black traveller, it changes the way the rest of their trip goes and inspires Ruth to help others.
The last page even gives the history of Victor Green’s creation of the Green Book as well as giving more historical context to the time period.
I have read this with my third grade classes for the past two years, specifically during Black History Month and while we are studying the genre of historical fiction. I have used it to teach character traits, point of view, story elements, theme, and fictional elements vs. non-fiction. This is a great informational mentor text that can be referenced again and again!
January 9, 2022
Excellent story to introduce students to Jim Crow Laws in the south after WW II as well as to the concept of The Green Book. More history in the addendum after the story is over.
November 12, 2018
This review is required for Dr. Sykes' READ3307 course at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. While reading "Ruth and the Green Book,” a historical fiction picture book, the eight different literary elements were shown very nicely. The plot was simple and sweet, Ruth and her family are traveling from Chicago to Alabama to see her grandmother, and along the way, there are certain obstacles that the African American raced endured during these times. The setting was during 1952 and was through the country land from Chicago all the way to Alabama. This book was written from the point of view of Ruth, and the style of the book was shaped around Ruth as well. The characterization was a fictional character enduring real historical time and this book was writing around the “The Negro Motorist Green Book.” This book was presented as a picture book and as an incent girl traveling through this time did not understand the hardship. The main theme was not all people are bad, and nobody should judge someone by the color of their skin. The culture implications also tied into the theme as well, overall no one should be treated or outcast by the color of his or her skin. This book was written for a younger, but mature audience around the ages of 7-11. Overall, this was one of the best books I have read in such a time, it has a great story behind it as well as telling historical points. This is a book I believe should be in every classroom and emphasized to children.
August 22, 2015
This picture book will acquaint many readers with The Green Book, a yearly publication first available in 1936 that notified African Americans of places that would welcome black travelers. Before the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s, many hotels, restaurants, gas stations, hospitals, and other establishments would not serve African Americans.
[In 1946, for example, the famous heavyweight boxer Jack Johnson died from a car crash near Raleigh, North Carolina. Ironically, Johnson was racing angrily from a diner that refused to serve him. After the crash, he was taken to St. Agnes, the closest hospital serving blacks. This hospital lacked lacked the technology that could have saved his life, which was, however, available at the closest “white” hospital, the Rex Hospital. In yet another cruel irony involving the same two hospitals, in 1950, Charles Drew, the African-American physician and researcher who actually invented the way to preserve and store blood plasma, allowing medics to save thousands of lives during World War II, fell asleep at the wheel while traveling through Raleigh on his way home to Washington, DC. He too was taken to St. Agnes, the only place that would admit him. He also needed blood plasma to save his life, but the technology he himself developed was not available at St. Agnes and he died from his injuries.]
This story tells about a trip from Chicago taken by a little girl with her parents in the 1950’s to visit Grandma in Alabama.
They were having a good time at first, but they couldn’t use restrooms in gas stations, eat in restaurants along the way, nor stay in motels along the road. When they stopped at the house of one of her dad’s friends in Tennessee, the friend told the travelers they should look for Esso gas stations, where blacks could get served. The little girl was given the job to look out for an Esso station. At the first one they found, the black man working there showed them The Negro Motorist Green Book, and they bought their own copy for seventy-five cents. The rest of the trip was smooth sailing, thanks to the recommendations of the Green Book. The little girl couldn’t wait to see Grandma and tell her all about it.
An afterword gives more historical background about the book, written by Victor Green. Although it was first designed to help travelers in New York City, it proved to be so popular that the book was expanded, and eventually covered all of the U.S., Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada. The Civil Rights Bill, making such discrimination illegal, was passed on July 2, 1964, and Victor Green published the final edition of the Green Book that same year. You can find out more information about the book here, and access an entire edition of the 1949 book here.
Floyd Cooper once again employs his trademark “subtractive process” to create the sepia-toned impression of old photos in his soft renditions of times both good and bad, showing the harshness of bigotry and the warmth of fellowship by the manipulation of color and amazingly nuanced expressions.
Evaluation: This book is an excellent way for children to understand just what “Jim Crow” was and what it meant for blacks to live under its strictures, even though they were supposed to be equal citizens. This winner of multiple awards is highly recommended.
[In 1946, for example, the famous heavyweight boxer Jack Johnson died from a car crash near Raleigh, North Carolina. Ironically, Johnson was racing angrily from a diner that refused to serve him. After the crash, he was taken to St. Agnes, the closest hospital serving blacks. This hospital lacked lacked the technology that could have saved his life, which was, however, available at the closest “white” hospital, the Rex Hospital. In yet another cruel irony involving the same two hospitals, in 1950, Charles Drew, the African-American physician and researcher who actually invented the way to preserve and store blood plasma, allowing medics to save thousands of lives during World War II, fell asleep at the wheel while traveling through Raleigh on his way home to Washington, DC. He too was taken to St. Agnes, the only place that would admit him. He also needed blood plasma to save his life, but the technology he himself developed was not available at St. Agnes and he died from his injuries.]
This story tells about a trip from Chicago taken by a little girl with her parents in the 1950’s to visit Grandma in Alabama.
They were having a good time at first, but they couldn’t use restrooms in gas stations, eat in restaurants along the way, nor stay in motels along the road. When they stopped at the house of one of her dad’s friends in Tennessee, the friend told the travelers they should look for Esso gas stations, where blacks could get served. The little girl was given the job to look out for an Esso station. At the first one they found, the black man working there showed them The Negro Motorist Green Book, and they bought their own copy for seventy-five cents. The rest of the trip was smooth sailing, thanks to the recommendations of the Green Book. The little girl couldn’t wait to see Grandma and tell her all about it.
An afterword gives more historical background about the book, written by Victor Green. Although it was first designed to help travelers in New York City, it proved to be so popular that the book was expanded, and eventually covered all of the U.S., Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada. The Civil Rights Bill, making such discrimination illegal, was passed on July 2, 1964, and Victor Green published the final edition of the Green Book that same year. You can find out more information about the book here, and access an entire edition of the 1949 book here.
Floyd Cooper once again employs his trademark “subtractive process” to create the sepia-toned impression of old photos in his soft renditions of times both good and bad, showing the harshness of bigotry and the warmth of fellowship by the manipulation of color and amazingly nuanced expressions.
Evaluation: This book is an excellent way for children to understand just what “Jim Crow” was and what it meant for blacks to live under its strictures, even though they were supposed to be equal citizens. This winner of multiple awards is highly recommended.
February 9, 2019
February is Black History Month in the United States and I have always wanting to learn something about our history as Americans that I did not know previously. Well, I found out last month on the Rick Steves’ travel podcast about a travel guide published during the days of Jim Crow. The Negro Motorist Green Book by Victor Green was published in 1936 until the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. Green, a mailman by profession, knew about the troubles that black families had in traveling across to country. Mostly from the North to South to see relatives or to take a vacation because of segregation. He published a book to where black families could find lodging, gas, and places to eat to help ease their travels.
I must admit I had never of The Green Book and was stunned (and sadden) when author and playwright Calvin Alexander Ramsey (along with Gwen Strauss) wrote a children’s book about this seldom known part of American history.
Ruth and the Green Book is the story a young girl from 1950s named Ruth and she is taking a trip with her parents from Chicago to see her relatives in Alabama. Along the way, Ruth learns the harsh realities of the Jim Crow era, when she realizes that her father could not gas from white-owned gas stations or eat at white owned restaurants. However, the family reached an Esso Gas Station (owned by the famed Rockefeller family), where at attendant gave them a copy of the Green Book, a travel guide for black families. Ruth and her parents could find places to stay for the rest of trip until they reached their relatives’ home in Alabama.
I read this story with my 9-year-old daughter, Norah and we had a good discussion about this recent past of American history. It is a history that should be taught in elementary and middle schools today and something everyone can learn from regardless of your ethnic background. I’m glad the power of story could reveal a painful part of history that can go deeper than facts or a textbook and can bring home how inhumane humanity can be, unfortunately.
I highly recommend Ruth and the Green Book from 2nd to 5th grade parents. I want to thank Victor H. Green for having the courage to publish The Negro Motorist Green Book and Calvin Alexander Ramsey for bringing it this part of our past to light.
I must admit I had never of The Green Book and was stunned (and sadden) when author and playwright Calvin Alexander Ramsey (along with Gwen Strauss) wrote a children’s book about this seldom known part of American history.
Ruth and the Green Book is the story a young girl from 1950s named Ruth and she is taking a trip with her parents from Chicago to see her relatives in Alabama. Along the way, Ruth learns the harsh realities of the Jim Crow era, when she realizes that her father could not gas from white-owned gas stations or eat at white owned restaurants. However, the family reached an Esso Gas Station (owned by the famed Rockefeller family), where at attendant gave them a copy of the Green Book, a travel guide for black families. Ruth and her parents could find places to stay for the rest of trip until they reached their relatives’ home in Alabama.
I read this story with my 9-year-old daughter, Norah and we had a good discussion about this recent past of American history. It is a history that should be taught in elementary and middle schools today and something everyone can learn from regardless of your ethnic background. I’m glad the power of story could reveal a painful part of history that can go deeper than facts or a textbook and can bring home how inhumane humanity can be, unfortunately.
I highly recommend Ruth and the Green Book from 2nd to 5th grade parents. I want to thank Victor H. Green for having the courage to publish The Negro Motorist Green Book and Calvin Alexander Ramsey for bringing it this part of our past to light.
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