Description
Book SynopsisIn the desegregation era of the 1970s, a first grader copes with being bused to a white school in this story for young children about racism and an essential time of change. “One of the Ten Best Books of the Year,” The New York Times.
Brewster is excited about starting first grade . . . until Mama announces that he'll be attending Central, a school in the white part of town. Mama says they have art and music and a library bursting with books, but Brewster isn’t so sure he’ll fit in.
And he’s right. Being black at a white school isn't easy. Brewster winds up spending his first day in detention at the library. But there he meets a very special person: Miss O’Grady. The librarian sees into Brewster’s heart and gives him not only the gift of books but also encourages Brewster to believe in himself.
This is an invaluable, unique, view into a tumultous time and the good that came into the lives of school children.
Trade ReviewPraise for Busing Brewster “I loved its understated honesty, the way it introduces violence without melodrama, and avoids the easy ending. Busing is an opportunity. It is also a pain. No one is immediately converted away from racism and prejudice, but the book does not reject the possibility of redemption …Recent news accounts suggest that some parents have lost faith in the picture book…Busing Brewster could change their minds.”—New York Times “Though broaching the idea of segregation with young children is a sensitive proposition, Busing Brewster helps put a human face on an important issue and shows what ‘forced busing’ felt like to those on the inside.”—San Francisco Book Review “This memorable book looks at what it was like to be a part of the desegregation of schools in America. In addition, it shows readers how books can open up doors in the minds of children; books can help children to see that they do have the power to change their world if they want to.”—Through The Looking Glass Review “This powerful and tender story of desegregation busing in the 1970s introduces readers to the brave young heroes who helped to build a new world.”—Powell’s Books “Richard Michelson, has succeeded, again, in writing an engaging picture book about tough race relations with great sympathy and interest.”—The Odyssey Bookshop “While many teachers cover desegregation in their curriculum, they haven’t had as fine a resource as Busing Brewster. This is definitely a title to add to your classroom collection.”—Picture Book Review
