I Want to Go!

by Denise Montgomery, Kristina Brown (Illustrator)

"I think I told you no gal! Now you get yourself on out of here before I call the police."

Thelma was frozen in that spot. I do not think I have ever seen her this angry.  That had to be why she took the cup of black cherry soda and dashed it in the white man's face.

Before either of us could flinch, the man was over the counter. He grabbed Thelma by the arm. "You are one crazy Nigg---,You will be sorry you ever stepped foot in this fair."

I Want to Go is a look at the turbulent times of the 60's through the eyes of Rene Thompson, who's only desire is to attend the State Fair of Texas. 

112 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2019

About the author

Denise Montgomery is an educator, writer, and public speaker. Her love for reading and writing began at an early age. In 2012 she published her first fiction novel, The Blessing, an intriguing story of suspense and love gone wrong. She is also the author of two children’s books, Farmer Brown and Lady Madelyn the Children’s Story, and her most recent book, I Want to Go, based on a true-life experience. Her second fiction novel, The Setup, was published in 2015. Her most recent book, The Blind Spot, was published in 2022.
Denise works in the community as an advocate for domestic violence and homeless individuals.
Denise Montgomery is a Texas native. She grew up in a large family. Her mother, a single parent, worked as a nurse. Denise was educated in Dallas Public Schools. After graduating, she obtained a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and a Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met the author at a book fair and found her to be a delightful person. When she was telling me about her experience as a young girl wanting to go to Negro Achievement Day at the Texas State Fair, I was shocked. Shocked because I never realized that there was a time when the State Fair was segregated. I bought her book and was disturbed to read about incidents she had as a ten-year-old. This story has made me more aware of the injustices of racism. I also think it would be a good book to read with children growing up today who have no idea what it was like to live in the South during segregation.

[Marjorie McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://artandseek.org/2021/10/15/why...

I purchased this book after hearing it reviewed on KERA, the Dallas NPR station. It’s importance in history is profound.

[AndrewQHolzschuh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very important story to know, especially if you grew up in Texas.

[Denise Montgomery]

I Want to Go is a joy and a thrill ride. The main character, Rene is a genuine, lovable character with a spirit of determination and perseverance. The story was realistic and enjoyable to the very end.