What a delightful book! The disaster mentioned is sad and shocking, but it enhances the story and the characters in a positive way. I do love Leah Jean Hopper. ( )

It is so amazing and interesting and so lively and entertaining one of the best books I have ever read

I would use this book to introduce segregation and the things African Americans endured during the time of segregation. I would use this book in 4th and 5th grade levels. I would have them write a letter to someone they would like to speak to.

I would use this book in middle school as an independent read, and as an extended activity within the book, I would review how to write letters, formal language, letter format, and have the students write their own letters to their make believe lost love or heart break, like the one written by Leah in the novel. I could also use this book as a read aloud in a fourth or fifth grade class during a unit on Civil Rights and post-slavery. I would use this book as a read aloud to help the students with the larger vocabulary and content.

Good book ( )