From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
What Members Thought

Feb 11, 2018
Mary Lee
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
race,
family,
2018,
social-action,
historical-fiction,
women-s-history,
adoption,
african-american
An important story that shows how the seeds of the Civil Rights Movement were planted in the 1940's.
Side note -- I'm currently listening to Their Eyes Were Watching God, (MASTERFULLY) read by Ruby Dee, so I was especially interested to note the connections between her and the adult Betty. ...more
Side note -- I'm currently listening to Their Eyes Were Watching God, (MASTERFULLY) read by Ruby Dee, so I was especially interested to note the connections between her and the adult Betty. ...more

I really enjoyed this book. There were a few places where it was weak, where either the plot or characters could have used a bit more development. However the creation of the setting was superb. It did amazing at showing how it is to grow up under Jim Crow, even in the North. It made me want to learn more about Betty Shabazz.
Best of all, I booktalked this to a kid who immediately read it and loved it.
Best of all, I booktalked this to a kid who immediately read it and loved it.

This book has an old fashioned, well manned protagonist that feels refreshing and simple and good. Were it not for the descriptions of lynchings and police murders, this book would be easy to fit on a list of books for sheltered children. It is full of the religious optimism of its adolescent main character Betty. the writing was very good, full of rich descriptive passages.

April Read for Mock Newbery 2019.
Found I was quickly engaged and wanted to know more about young Betty, who later became the wife of Malcolm X. Her story follows her young life as she witnesses some dreadful events as well as many normal little girl things. Struck with admiration for this soon to be a woman, I would encourage this book to be on reading lists.
Found I was quickly engaged and wanted to know more about young Betty, who later became the wife of Malcolm X. Her story follows her young life as she witnesses some dreadful events as well as many normal little girl things. Struck with admiration for this soon to be a woman, I would encourage this book to be on reading lists.

Aug 15, 2017
Rachel
marked it as to-read

Nov 20, 2017
Sara
marked it as to-read

Dec 21, 2017
J.j.
marked it as to-read

Jan 01, 2018
Kathy
marked it as to-read

Jan 14, 2018
Dan
marked it as to-read

Jan 23, 2018
Parry Rigney
marked it as to-read

Jan 25, 2018
Maggi Rohde
marked it as to-read

Feb 28, 2018
Ruie
marked it as to-read


Jun 08, 2018
Celeste
marked it as to-read

Jun 26, 2018
Emily
marked it as to-read