Fiction based on truth. Grandmother's memories of the civil rights movement in Nashville, Tennesee. Followedcby a timeline of civil rights events in 1960 and "The Rules for the Nashville Sit-ins.

I

Great book to use as an example of standing up for what you believe is right- Abby stands up for African American civil rights.

Another in the Scraps of Time series written for young adults as an introduction to a history lesson. The time frame is 1928. Abby and her mother are free to visit the "colored stores", but they cannot sit at the luncheon counter of those stores. They must stand in the back, while the white people are given service.

The author tells a tale of Abby who frequently accompanied her mother to Harvey's store. When she tried to have service at the restaurant of the store that had a children-friendly theme, she was scorned and made to feel like dirt.

Soon, she and her mother joined her cousin in attending rallies advocating sit ins. The book depicts a time in history when blacks stood for their rights by sitting down at luncheon counters.

While the book seemed trite and not well written, hopefully it opens the door for young adults to learn more about civil rights.

Recommended Ages: Gr. 3-5

Plot Summary: Abby and Patsy are best friends and are not looking forward to being apart for the summer. Before Patsy leaves, they shop at Mr. Ford's store for school supplies, really hoping to find the Big Blue binder. Mr. Ford doesn't have it, and promised to try to get it. Patsy heads out promising to write even though nothing exciting ever happens. Abby and her mom get dressed up and go to town wearing nice clothes, sitting in the back of the bus along the way. Abby hopes to get Big Blue at Harveys Department Store, but before she looks a man dressed up as an animal hands her a flier and she gets in line for the merry-go-round. To her surprise, blacks are not allowed on the merry-go-round and one of the parents in line causes a ruckus. Embarrassed, Abby is forced to leave the line and doesn't even want to look for Big Blue anymore. They head home empty handed.

John tells Abby and her mom about some protests that are being planned and they eagerly help. Her mom helps with the food and Abby helps make posters about the peaceful sit-ins. She doesn't realize just how dangerous they are until Patsy returns and they sneak to Harveys to see the sit-in for themselves. The police are there and some protesters are being arrested! Will John be hurt or arrested? Will things ever change?

Setting: Nashville, TN, 1960

Characters:
Mattie Rae - first chapter only
Gee - Mattie Rae's grandma
Aggie and Trey - Mattie Rae's cousins
Abby - AKA Gee,
Patsy - Abby's best friend, have a secret handshake that changes depending on the date
Mr. Ford - owner of a shop that sold everything except the Big Blue binder
Uncle Big John and Aunt Mitty - Abby's aunt and uncle, Mitty is Abby's mom's sister
John - 18 y/o, Abby's cousin

Recurring Themes: segregation, civil rights, friendship, protesting, sit-ins,

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: Not very memorable but I enjoyed it when I read it. Looking back at it, I liked the amount of character development was in this book, especially at the beginning.

Genre: historical fiction

Pacing: medium-fast, large top and bottom margins, big font, decent amount of action
Characters: good character development
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity:

Illustrations: one illustration every 2ish chapters, sometimes more frequently, sometimes less frequent, busy pencil illustrations with lots of pencil lines as shading ( )