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Between the Lines
Between the Lines, tells the story of three girls who become friends during the racially-charged aftermath of the 1967 Detroit Riots.
Hattie Percha is crushed when the riots start on her tenth birthday, and when she must move away from her treasured childhood home and friends, attending public school for the first time, she’s afraid her life is over. Then, she meets Beverly Jo Nichols, her first black friend, and Crackers, a fearless tomboy. Despite opposition from Hattie’s mother and a racist teacher, the unlikely friends join forces. As the self-proclaimed Dream Girls, they challenge bigotry and intolerance, willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto what’s most precious to them all, their friendship.
Hattie Percha is crushed when the riots start on her tenth birthday, and when she must move away from her treasured childhood home and friends, attending public school for the first time, she’s afraid her life is over. Then, she meets Beverly Jo Nichols, her first black friend, and Crackers, a fearless tomboy. Despite opposition from Hattie’s mother and a racist teacher, the unlikely friends join forces. As the self-proclaimed Dream Girls, they challenge bigotry and intolerance, willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto what’s most precious to them all, their friendship.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2015
6 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Whitsitt
20 books202 followersI’m the oldest of six children and the only girl. Northwest Detroit, at that time a thriving metropolis and desirable address, was my childhood home. I attended parochial schools and loved learning from the very start. A voracious reader, one of my fondest memories is keeping the hall light burning in hopes of stealing a few extra minutes of reading time each night. When my mom got wise to my tricks and closed my bedroom door, I snuck a flashlight from my dad’s toolbox, kept it hidden under my bed and replaced the batteries more than once. That single beam came in handy on many late nights with Nancy Drew.
Graduating from St. Mary of Redford high school in 1970, I attended Eastern Michigan University. After receiving my degree, I became a Special Education teacher. Early on I realized that teaching was my new “school." I learned so very much from my students and their families about hope in the face of despair, about the hidden talents each of us possess, and about how simple acts of humanity can touch and enrich lives.
I have always loved writing whether composing an educational report, a letter to one of my children, or a simple poem. My initial inspiration to write a novel came while I worked as a Special Education teacher and became involved in a mystery surrounding one of my students. As all writers do, I began playing “what if” and started putting ideas down on paper.
Since penning my first novel, Identity Issues, I am consumed with learning more about my newly discovered passion. A newbie at my first writer’s conference a few years back, I asked the question, “How do I become a better writer?” The editor, my newly adopted fairy godmother, spoke wisely. “Write some more.”
Since that time, I have written two more installments in The Samantha Series, Intimacy Issues and Internal Issues.
I've also recently released The Wrong Guy, a new adult romantic mystery loosely based on the Co-Ed killings of the late '60s.
Later in 2014, I will be releasing a stand alone work of contemporary fiction, Two of Me, and a middle grades historical fiction novel, Between the Lines.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 15, 2017
I wasn't too sure what to expect going into Between the Lines. But I have got to say that this is a perfect book for young teen girls.
What I perhaps liked most about this book is the idea that it's based on a true friendship between two white girls and a black girl. This story takes place during the aftermath of the Detroit Riots in 1967, a time when racial tensions were running high (to say the least). I think it's cool that there's real aspects tied in with the fiction. The author and her friends serve as the real life influences for this story, and like Hattie the riots started on her birthday. I think it's awesome that she was able to translate her story to a book for younger girls.
I also liked that I could tell that this book was written by a teacher. The main character, Hattie, wants to be a writer when she grows up. Because she wants to be a writer, she is always working on her vocabulary and handwriting. I think this was a subtle way to introduce new words to young readers, without making it "too educational" or too much information dumping at once. In fact, this carried over to the historical aspects too. It felt like a story, even though these events happened in real life, at least in some capacity. It's educational without coming off as an essay or textbook, and I think that's a great note.
The characters were distinct and likable. Hattie is the first character we meet, a white ten year old girl who has to move from her home to a new neighborhood, where she will attend a public school (instead of a private Catholic school) for the first time in her life. Beverly Jo is a black girl, the first one that Hattie has ever had. Crackers is an adventurous, gutsy, more tomboyish character. Together they are an awesome trio that stands strong, even in a society that tells them that they shouldn't be friends.
I think this book is a great read for girls in the junior high school age bracket, so about 10-13 years old. It brings up important issues like standing up for what you believe in, fighting for equality, and the importance of friendship. It is reminiscent of the American Girl series books, but a bit thicker in length and a bit more detailed and in depth.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
What I perhaps liked most about this book is the idea that it's based on a true friendship between two white girls and a black girl. This story takes place during the aftermath of the Detroit Riots in 1967, a time when racial tensions were running high (to say the least). I think it's cool that there's real aspects tied in with the fiction. The author and her friends serve as the real life influences for this story, and like Hattie the riots started on her birthday. I think it's awesome that she was able to translate her story to a book for younger girls.
I also liked that I could tell that this book was written by a teacher. The main character, Hattie, wants to be a writer when she grows up. Because she wants to be a writer, she is always working on her vocabulary and handwriting. I think this was a subtle way to introduce new words to young readers, without making it "too educational" or too much information dumping at once. In fact, this carried over to the historical aspects too. It felt like a story, even though these events happened in real life, at least in some capacity. It's educational without coming off as an essay or textbook, and I think that's a great note.
The characters were distinct and likable. Hattie is the first character we meet, a white ten year old girl who has to move from her home to a new neighborhood, where she will attend a public school (instead of a private Catholic school) for the first time in her life. Beverly Jo is a black girl, the first one that Hattie has ever had. Crackers is an adventurous, gutsy, more tomboyish character. Together they are an awesome trio that stands strong, even in a society that tells them that they shouldn't be friends.
I think this book is a great read for girls in the junior high school age bracket, so about 10-13 years old. It brings up important issues like standing up for what you believe in, fighting for equality, and the importance of friendship. It is reminiscent of the American Girl series books, but a bit thicker in length and a bit more detailed and in depth.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
February 9, 2019
I loved this so much! It was a sad and heartwarming book that I just can’t believe is over!
March 30, 2022
Great book to spur conversations about race and prejudice of any kind. I would have loved to have read and discussed this with my own children when they were younger. Having it set in Detroit, so close to home made it a bit more special.
May 20, 2015
This is another Youth Fiction that I previewed by my daughter. The author visited her school and promoted reading and writing to the Middle Schoolers along with the battle against racism.
Between the Lines is a story with a purpose approaching the Detroit riots and the aftermath from a child's perspective. But what really worked is that Whitsitt also brought in the adult perspective through the main character's parents and the conversations that happened or were avoided.
Whitsitt does a pretty good job of expanding a vocabulary without being preachy or jumping out of character. There are areas that appear rushed or just a little too perfect that may have had more impact if done differently. Overall, a good read and one to recommend to the young who may not understand the message is still needed.
Between the Lines is a story with a purpose approaching the Detroit riots and the aftermath from a child's perspective. But what really worked is that Whitsitt also brought in the adult perspective through the main character's parents and the conversations that happened or were avoided.
Whitsitt does a pretty good job of expanding a vocabulary without being preachy or jumping out of character. There are areas that appear rushed or just a little too perfect that may have had more impact if done differently. Overall, a good read and one to recommend to the young who may not understand the message is still needed.
May 18, 2015
*** 5 Bright Shining Stars ***
My daughter (12) and I (the Mom) read and reviewed this book for Mother Daughter Book Reviews. Here are excerpts from our reviews, but full our detailed reviews can be found on our website (just search us!)
DAUGHTER SAYS: My favorite part in the book was when they did the experiment for the hair color because the kids realized that the black people were being treated unfairly. I didn’t like how they treated the black people. I especially was disappointed by how the teacher had pretended that she liked Beverly but then gave another teacher a note that insulted Beverly. And then there was the mom who was really rude to Beverly. And I really didn’t like that. This book made me sad to see how Beverly AND Hattie were getting treated. Beverly was getting treated poorly just because she was black and Hattie was getting treated poorly because she was friends with Beverly.
The title “Between the Lines” comes from Crackers who tells Hattie she needs to step outside the lines to make a difference in the world. Throughout the book, Hattie ponders what Crackers means by this and she comes up with many different meanings. What Hattie learns is that she can stay “Between the Lines” (i.e., play by the rules), but still make a difference in the world with the way she treats people. She realizes that everybody should be treated the same.
I really loved this book. That is all I can say other than THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I think girls 11-14 years old would like this book.
MOM SAYS: There are so many reasons to love this wonderfully crafted piece of historical fiction for middle grade. Claudia Whitsitt effectively uses stream of consciousness to allow the reader to experience Hattie’s thoughts and emotions as she learns first hand about racism after she befriends a black girl in the aftermath of the Detroit riots in 1967. Peppered with historical facts, reflections on the social and systemic root causes of racial discrimination and oppression, as well as many heart-wrenching examples of both overt and covert racist thoughts and actions, Between the Lines is a masterfully written and evocative story for tweens that will leave a lasting impression on a generation of readers who are the future leaders of our society. I highly recommend this wonderful book to children ages 8 and older and in particular for mid to upper elementary classrooms seeking a book to elicit a discussion about racism. Loved it!
* This book was provided to us by the author free-of-charge for from the author in exchange for our honest reviews. All opinions expressed are our own. *
My daughter (12) and I (the Mom) read and reviewed this book for Mother Daughter Book Reviews. Here are excerpts from our reviews, but full our detailed reviews can be found on our website (just search us!)
DAUGHTER SAYS: My favorite part in the book was when they did the experiment for the hair color because the kids realized that the black people were being treated unfairly. I didn’t like how they treated the black people. I especially was disappointed by how the teacher had pretended that she liked Beverly but then gave another teacher a note that insulted Beverly. And then there was the mom who was really rude to Beverly. And I really didn’t like that. This book made me sad to see how Beverly AND Hattie were getting treated. Beverly was getting treated poorly just because she was black and Hattie was getting treated poorly because she was friends with Beverly.
The title “Between the Lines” comes from Crackers who tells Hattie she needs to step outside the lines to make a difference in the world. Throughout the book, Hattie ponders what Crackers means by this and she comes up with many different meanings. What Hattie learns is that she can stay “Between the Lines” (i.e., play by the rules), but still make a difference in the world with the way she treats people. She realizes that everybody should be treated the same.
I really loved this book. That is all I can say other than THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I think girls 11-14 years old would like this book.
MOM SAYS: There are so many reasons to love this wonderfully crafted piece of historical fiction for middle grade. Claudia Whitsitt effectively uses stream of consciousness to allow the reader to experience Hattie’s thoughts and emotions as she learns first hand about racism after she befriends a black girl in the aftermath of the Detroit riots in 1967. Peppered with historical facts, reflections on the social and systemic root causes of racial discrimination and oppression, as well as many heart-wrenching examples of both overt and covert racist thoughts and actions, Between the Lines is a masterfully written and evocative story for tweens that will leave a lasting impression on a generation of readers who are the future leaders of our society. I highly recommend this wonderful book to children ages 8 and older and in particular for mid to upper elementary classrooms seeking a book to elicit a discussion about racism. Loved it!
* This book was provided to us by the author free-of-charge for from the author in exchange for our honest reviews. All opinions expressed are our own. *
July 9, 2015
While the intended audience for Between the Lines may have been upper elementary through middle school, I loved this book and believe any age could relate. I would highly recommend it for young people, parents and teachers. The characters are so well developed and easy to relate to that most any age would enjoy, particularly those drawn to character-driven books basted on actual events. Somehow Whitsitt has managed to create a realistic story of love and friendship within a background of tolerance and empathy for others. The way her three children from far different background were able to weave a valuable lesson of understanding, was unique and moving. I recently found a quote by Benjamin Franklin, which I share in social media, that describes how these children moved others. "Tell me and I forget; teach me and I remember; involve me and I learn." Hattie, Beverly, and Crackers involved their classmates and while people do not change over night, they made an impact.
Being a child during the Detroit Racial Riots, Whitsitt draws much from her own experiences and emotions and makes it real to her readers. However, this book deal not only with racial prejudice but touches on other differences which isolate and destroy self esteem. Be sure to mark this as "want to read."
February 6, 2017
This is the best historical fiction book I have ever read, even if I haven't read many. It's in the point of view of a ten year old Caucasian girl named Hattie, and it takes place in 1967, and this girl, Hattie, moved from her old neighborhood and is going to a public school for the first time in her life. She befriends a black girl named Beverly. While I read this book, I get frustrated because I can't believe that actual people acted or still act like that. This is another book where you can't put it down no matter what.
July 29, 2015
SPARROW'S THOUGHTS:
Between the Lines is one of those small treasures that at face value, appears as something ordinary, but is not. This story is a powerful and thought-provoking prose and it shed some much needed light on pivotal motifs that are influencing America today. It is a deeply involving story for readers of all ages, namely because it engages the reader into considering the life lessons of loss, injustices, humility, love, forgiveness, boldness and loyalty.
More affecting for me, was the author's personal note which made the entire read so well worth my time. You will not regret reading this wonderful story, I guarantee it!
WHAT I LIKED:
+ I read this inspiring story aloud with my 9-year-old little girl, and it was in all truth, one of the most significant things I could have ever done with her. Between the Lines had elements that naturally drew her in: Nuances of innocent bliss, witty banter, realism and human drama; granted, some of the motifs surrounding this prose was a bit difficult for her to swallow, but it stirred many thought-provoking conversations and questions ― which in turn, inspired her to be more aware and to show a little extra kindness to her peers. I know, that this narrative will linger well with her; as for me though, it served as a reminder that racism is still America’s cancer
+ The plot ― which was inspired by true events ― is full of depth and was delivered flawlessly. It didn’t waver nor did it trail behind; rather it reiterated and elaborated on its message in such an alluring way, that it propels you to ponder on the issues at hand, and then later forces you to reconsider what you just pondered; it’s truly amazing and I assure you, that there are no dull moments in this prose
+ Claudia Whitsitt’s writing style is well-rounded and most enjoyable. She considers her audience (middle-grade) by engaging with them through a lively informative tone; she uses the right amount of foreboding suspense and addresses difficult subject matters (i.e. peer pressure, racism, bullying, bigotry, discrimination, etc.) in a practical and sensible way. Everything from the characters, to the plot, to the dialogue is spot on, and the message is clear!
+ Between the Lines has a fantastic ensemble of characters which were all carved with eloquent precision. Each one is amusing and charming in their own way, and each character contributes that something special to the development of the plot, but the one character that really had me and my little girl riveted was Crackers. Perhaps it was her back story, or the way she managed to see the positive end of things despite her qualms, or perhaps it was her audacious valor and spirit that captured us. Still and all, you find yourself cheering along side her all the way to the very end
+ I truly appreciated how the story was not overly-sentimental or cloying in its message. In fact, the opposition these three admirable friends had to endure cleverly served as a bridge between the realms of innocence and the real world; thus, making this story the perfect blend I would want my children exposed to
+ Between the Lines is voiced in a first person narration through our plucky 10-year-old protagonist Hattie. To much regret, Hattie is caught in the middle of a racial uproar, and in the innocence of her troubled world, she vividly brings every scene, every emotion, her despair and deep-seeded fears to life through the pages; so much so, that you find yourself emotionally attached with her arc and longing to extend your arms through the pages just so you can give her a hug
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKED:
– There were a few instances where my little girl and I both clashed with Hattie’s personality and remarks. Perhaps it was her pompous demeanor, or her precocious aptitude for writing and making things right? I’m not sure, but this minor flaw was easily overlooked in light of Beverly and Crackers, whom we absolutely adored
– One more cavil I had with the story was with the cluster of products and merchandising (i.e. Singer sewing machines, The Supremes, General Hospital, 1964 Comet, Joan Baez to name a few) which yes, made a connection with me, but utterly distracted my little girl. Again though, a minor speck in what is an inspiring narrative
AFTERTHOUGHTS:
I cannot laud Between the Lines enough, and I cannot think of any other words that can express how much I deeply enjoyed it (such is my qualm when I aim to give a great book the praise it duly deserves); thus, I leave you with this: Share this story with every child you know, and read it for yourself. It is a wonderful testament of the strength and courage we all have hidden within ourselves, and a bittersweet reminder on how the joys and struggles in life aid in making us stronger. Yet in spite of it all, at the very end, love wins. Always.
Full review @ My Soul Called Life | Sparrow's Reading Corner
May 5, 2015
I SAY SIX STAR! I wish I could make the rating with more stars for this one!
I cannot even tell you how much I loved this book. I think I cried like a little girl while reading this book. Prejudice is something I don't think I will ever be able to wrap my head around. Ever. I never want to. I will never understand why people can treat others different, or with disrespect no matter who they are. Everyone in this world is created equal. Regardless of race, religion or color!! I wish I could say I never judge, but that just isn't the case. I dislike all stupid people. Notice that did not have a race, religion, or color attached to it. Nope...just stupid people.
Hattie, Crackers, and Beverly are my heroes. I loved this book. I loved the three little girls. I have a 10 year old son and I can only hope and pray that he stands up for everyone. I hope he is an advocate for all things good in this world.
When Hattie has to move into a new house and a new school district, she is forced to go to public school she doesn't think she will ever be able to make friends again. She is pleasantly surprised. Her first friend is the sweet Beverly. The only black girl in the school. Hattie doesn't see her that way though. Beverly was the first one to be nice to Hattie, and that is what she liked the most about her. Hattie had no idea how hard it would be for her to have a friend that is colored. Crackers comes into play, and she is the wild child of the group. Always stepping out and making scenes. Making people laugh, making teachers crazy :). She cracks me up. The three of them quickly become the three musketeers.
When Hattie invites the girls over to her house for lunch one day, Hattie's world is turned upside down. Hatties mother tells her she cannot be friends with Beverly. She said being friends with her would cause Beverly and her mother problems, along with them. People looked down on others if they accepted black people as equal.
The kids at school were exactly the same. The teacher of their class, and other students are horrible to Beverly. They treat her badly, while Crackers, and Hattie try hard to stand up for her in all cases. When the girls are beat up by some other kids in their class, the Principal and cops step in. They give the three girls a project. They have to write up a project on how to make things better. They do, and it is powerful, and amazing.
Hattie had chosen to write a letter to Martin Luther King Jr. for another project they had in class, that were submitted for an award in the school. Hattie had a hard time dealing with her mother who seemed to have the same prejudices as so many others. Hattie was torn between following her mothers rules, and standing up for what she believed in.
Crackers, Hattie, and Beverly came up with a project that involved the class, and Hattie writes her letter. The experiment is touching. So powerful. Amazing.
Whitsitt's writing is beyond amazing. The story is so beautiful, and touching. This is such a great book for kids to read. I am going to read this one with my children. I hope they get the same message I got from this book. It's powerful. It's just plain amazing. I have read a few books lately that have just been so powerful. This one is no exception.
Children have a wonderful way of teaching us what is important in life. They love more easily. They trust more easily. Children are kind unless they have been taught not to be. They are innocent, and seek the good out of others. This book is a real testament of that.
Pick this book up, I don't think you will regret it. It's so great!
I cannot even tell you how much I loved this book. I think I cried like a little girl while reading this book. Prejudice is something I don't think I will ever be able to wrap my head around. Ever. I never want to. I will never understand why people can treat others different, or with disrespect no matter who they are. Everyone in this world is created equal. Regardless of race, religion or color!! I wish I could say I never judge, but that just isn't the case. I dislike all stupid people. Notice that did not have a race, religion, or color attached to it. Nope...just stupid people.
Hattie, Crackers, and Beverly are my heroes. I loved this book. I loved the three little girls. I have a 10 year old son and I can only hope and pray that he stands up for everyone. I hope he is an advocate for all things good in this world.
When Hattie has to move into a new house and a new school district, she is forced to go to public school she doesn't think she will ever be able to make friends again. She is pleasantly surprised. Her first friend is the sweet Beverly. The only black girl in the school. Hattie doesn't see her that way though. Beverly was the first one to be nice to Hattie, and that is what she liked the most about her. Hattie had no idea how hard it would be for her to have a friend that is colored. Crackers comes into play, and she is the wild child of the group. Always stepping out and making scenes. Making people laugh, making teachers crazy :). She cracks me up. The three of them quickly become the three musketeers.
When Hattie invites the girls over to her house for lunch one day, Hattie's world is turned upside down. Hatties mother tells her she cannot be friends with Beverly. She said being friends with her would cause Beverly and her mother problems, along with them. People looked down on others if they accepted black people as equal.
The kids at school were exactly the same. The teacher of their class, and other students are horrible to Beverly. They treat her badly, while Crackers, and Hattie try hard to stand up for her in all cases. When the girls are beat up by some other kids in their class, the Principal and cops step in. They give the three girls a project. They have to write up a project on how to make things better. They do, and it is powerful, and amazing.
Hattie had chosen to write a letter to Martin Luther King Jr. for another project they had in class, that were submitted for an award in the school. Hattie had a hard time dealing with her mother who seemed to have the same prejudices as so many others. Hattie was torn between following her mothers rules, and standing up for what she believed in.
Crackers, Hattie, and Beverly came up with a project that involved the class, and Hattie writes her letter. The experiment is touching. So powerful. Amazing.
Whitsitt's writing is beyond amazing. The story is so beautiful, and touching. This is such a great book for kids to read. I am going to read this one with my children. I hope they get the same message I got from this book. It's powerful. It's just plain amazing. I have read a few books lately that have just been so powerful. This one is no exception.
Children have a wonderful way of teaching us what is important in life. They love more easily. They trust more easily. Children are kind unless they have been taught not to be. They are innocent, and seek the good out of others. This book is a real testament of that.
Pick this book up, I don't think you will regret it. It's so great!
February 21, 2015
Between the Lines is a powerful piece of historical fiction that must be added to the reading list of every middle grades student. Set in Detroit, Michigan on the heels of the race riots of 1967, it captures the reader immediately with the innocence of a young girl waking on the morning of her tenth birthday. Within hours, harsh reality sets in and Hattie is distraught over the situation forced upon her. Hattie’s luck and her perception of the world around her change when she meets Crackers and Beverly. The three girls form a bond that cannot be broken. They exhibit unusual courage and prove to be wise beyond their years as they demonstrate the 4 Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity throughout their battle with bigotry.
This book includes the topics of friendship, family relationships, acceptance and change—all themes any quality historical fiction must display. These fifth graders are caught up in coming of age changes and events but rise to the challenges with support of their family and the bond of a true friendship. The courage and compassion our favorite new characters embody show today’s young readers that they can have a hand in changing the views of society. I cannot wait to share this novel with my fifth graders and look forward to the rich discussions we will have and the changes I will witness in each of them.
Mrs. Whitsitt visits our classroom regularly and has introduced us to the three main characters in Between the Lines. My 5th graders were enthralled with the relationships formed by the unlikely friends. They dream with Hattie, chuckle at Crackers’ charisma, and are saddened by the racism Beverly experiences, but most of all, they are hopeful that their new favorite characters will overcome the hatred and bigotry surrounding them and the Dream Girls will triumph. My students cannot wait to get their hands on this new piece of historical fiction.
This book includes the topics of friendship, family relationships, acceptance and change—all themes any quality historical fiction must display. These fifth graders are caught up in coming of age changes and events but rise to the challenges with support of their family and the bond of a true friendship. The courage and compassion our favorite new characters embody show today’s young readers that they can have a hand in changing the views of society. I cannot wait to share this novel with my fifth graders and look forward to the rich discussions we will have and the changes I will witness in each of them.
Mrs. Whitsitt visits our classroom regularly and has introduced us to the three main characters in Between the Lines. My 5th graders were enthralled with the relationships formed by the unlikely friends. They dream with Hattie, chuckle at Crackers’ charisma, and are saddened by the racism Beverly experiences, but most of all, they are hopeful that their new favorite characters will overcome the hatred and bigotry surrounding them and the Dream Girls will triumph. My students cannot wait to get their hands on this new piece of historical fiction.
February 21, 2015
In this 5 star read Ms. Whitsitt introduces us to an unlikely trio that will embed themselves in your heart and never leave. This is a story of love and friendship that I would highly recommend to young and old.
When shots are fired and riots break out in Hattie's Detroit neighborhood her parents make the decision to move to a safer area. Hattie is saddened when she finds out she has to leave her friends and school behind. In the new neighborhood she will attend public school where she meets two strong amazing girls a-lot like herself. This trio will form a friendship we all wish we were lucky enough to be part of.
My daughter and I read this book together and loved it. It is a story that will stay with both of us for many years to come!
When shots are fired and riots break out in Hattie's Detroit neighborhood her parents make the decision to move to a safer area. Hattie is saddened when she finds out she has to leave her friends and school behind. In the new neighborhood she will attend public school where she meets two strong amazing girls a-lot like herself. This trio will form a friendship we all wish we were lucky enough to be part of.
My daughter and I read this book together and loved it. It is a story that will stay with both of us for many years to come!
April 27, 2015
Between the Lines is a really great book. Though, I was born long after the Civil Rights movement, I can still relate because this book is not about blacks and whites, it's about the importance of tolerance and shows that not just superheroes can make a difference. Besides the amazing theme, the writing is incredible along with the plot. I hope when kids read Between the Lines they can connect this racial discrimination with bigotry in their own lives.
This is one of those books that makes you think and I recommend it to anyone, not just elementary school children.
This is one of those books that makes you think and I recommend it to anyone, not just elementary school children.
May 29, 2015
A wonderful read for all ages. Friendship, courage, and a little bit of history, a perfect combination for young and old.
October 5, 2018
What an important book! Yes, this book is intended for a young audience, but the message is so vivid and important that I was drawn into the story, wanting to turn each page faster than the last. We need to shed light on the racism from our past because it is still a part of our present. Doing so from the vantage point of a fifth grader and her two friends is a brilliant entry point into this challenging topic. Whitsitt does the world a service by illuminating the beauty in people and how we can overcome our differences and see that indeed we are all the same in our hearts and that we can change the world.
February 12, 2022
The cover says it’s a story based on true friendship, and I wanted to know much more about the real people. Also, the last bit where the girls did the class project was just really derivative of the study from decades ago where the woman did the brown eye/blue eye thing in her classroom. I wish it had been something more original. I think the main character was like-able and believable throughout. I liked reading through her perspective. I just got a little disappointed toward the end when it was clear that their project was something most of us have already seen, especially if you’re in the education field.
May 26, 2015
More and more books are being placed on the banned list, but why? Children, teens, YA are still growing up seeing and I will not call it a war but the complete unfairness in racial ethnicities and profiling, the discrimination between classes and races and religion. To ban a book because it discusses any theses issues just shows how unwilling we are to accept the truth. Now why do I bring up the banned list, because this book goes over so many issues as books before it. I do hope it has the fortune to be spread wide across the country in many schools, because I'm a firm believer we cannot evolve or learn from our mistakes without making them and learning from the ones are ancestors may have or may have not made.
Now this story reminds me about a movie based on true events, at the time would be two unlikely friends to make a change how big or small does not matter. They would become best friends as these young girls would become as well. Between The Lines by Claudia Whitsitt is set in 1967, Detroit story of a young girl pulled away from her childhood home because of bigotry and riots afoot, thrown into a public school facing on the adults at 10.... But as hard as times get friends make us stronger, for the better. Children inspire adults, growing up faster than normal, in a sense not knowing when the bigotry, the hatred will end. Asking why can't the happy times come back but at the same being the inspiration for the adults. And what one may of thought as happy times leading up to something bigger the ones we love are trying to protect us from but they cannot shield one from of it all. A bond between friends, the strength and the will to move forward and allies created in unlikely places.
Welcome it into your home. Sit with your children and read it with them or give it to them create a discussion, do a compare and contrast through the times.
Now this story reminds me about a movie based on true events, at the time would be two unlikely friends to make a change how big or small does not matter. They would become best friends as these young girls would become as well. Between The Lines by Claudia Whitsitt is set in 1967, Detroit story of a young girl pulled away from her childhood home because of bigotry and riots afoot, thrown into a public school facing on the adults at 10.... But as hard as times get friends make us stronger, for the better. Children inspire adults, growing up faster than normal, in a sense not knowing when the bigotry, the hatred will end. Asking why can't the happy times come back but at the same being the inspiration for the adults. And what one may of thought as happy times leading up to something bigger the ones we love are trying to protect us from but they cannot shield one from of it all. A bond between friends, the strength and the will to move forward and allies created in unlikely places.
Welcome it into your home. Sit with your children and read it with them or give it to them create a discussion, do a compare and contrast through the times.
June 2, 2015
I very much enjoy historical fiction, stories set in times gone by especially if it is during a time of great social and political upheaval. And what a time to set a story in! Detroit, Michigan in the USA during the 1960s was rife with racial oppression, discrimination and intolerance. I appreciated the wide divergence of Hattie’s family with respect to how they viewed the issue, with some perpetuating the negative racial status quo, while others took a more progressive, inclusive, and tolerant view.
While this story takes place decades ago, it is still a relevant concept today. It is one that I have discussed with my older adult daughter, who is dating an African American male. She has encountered odd looks and feels judged for her choice in a mate, though she has not been confronted with actual conflict about it at this time. I absolutely adore her boyfriend and think they are so great together, the racial difference is a non-issue for me, always has been. I just try to fill her in about our country’s history of racial conflict and reinforce that all people are valuable and deserve to be treated fairly and with respect, no matter what their race.
This book is one I plan on reading with my two younger children (who are 12 and 15) as a supplement to discussions we have already had regarding race relations as well as to perhaps deepen their knowledge of the subject.
Between The Lines is an absolutely wonderful book and is one I would argue would be a great asset to middle school educational curriculums and for family reading and discussion. If I have to place a rating on it, I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t find anything about it that I didn’t like.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this ebook for purposes of review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
While this story takes place decades ago, it is still a relevant concept today. It is one that I have discussed with my older adult daughter, who is dating an African American male. She has encountered odd looks and feels judged for her choice in a mate, though she has not been confronted with actual conflict about it at this time. I absolutely adore her boyfriend and think they are so great together, the racial difference is a non-issue for me, always has been. I just try to fill her in about our country’s history of racial conflict and reinforce that all people are valuable and deserve to be treated fairly and with respect, no matter what their race.
This book is one I plan on reading with my two younger children (who are 12 and 15) as a supplement to discussions we have already had regarding race relations as well as to perhaps deepen their knowledge of the subject.
Between The Lines is an absolutely wonderful book and is one I would argue would be a great asset to middle school educational curriculums and for family reading and discussion. If I have to place a rating on it, I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t find anything about it that I didn’t like.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this ebook for purposes of review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
May 31, 2015
Loved this book! A little on the emotional side for me but it was great non the less! The story is heart felt and the characters you will fall in love with! It's a great book for any and all to read if you haven't yet! The time frame that you are taken back to is unbelievable! Especially to be able to get the feel of what it was like then.
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
March 11, 2016
This book is a great historical fiction book about three girls who live in Detroit during the riots. This book has a lot of adventure and suspense. This is a great book for teens who enjoy a great historical book. Between the Lines in my opinions is aimed more towards the female gender but is still a g eat read for males. I really enjoyed this book and I totally recommend this book.!
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