About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to notice social injustices or is struggling with the emotional weight of a loved one's illness. Set in the rural South during the early 1960s, it follows Belle Teal as she navigates the complexities of poverty, the integration of her school, and her grandmother's declining memory. It is a poignant choice for children ages 9 to 12 who are developing a more nuanced sense of empathy and moral courage. Through Belle Teal's eyes, readers witness the quiet strength required to stand up for others even when it is unpopular. The story beautifully balances historical lessons on desegregation with universal themes of family loyalty and growing up. It provides a safe space to discuss how external social changes and internal family struggles often happen at the same time, helping children understand that they can be both vulnerable and brave.
