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A historical fiction novel set in Mississippi in 1964 about the challenges of desegregating a small town. Glory is 11, soon to be 12, and her favorite thing about summer is hanging out at the community pool. When it closes down due to racial tension brought on by civil rights workers visiting from Ohio she writes a strongly worded letter to the editor of the local newspaper.
Glory stands up for what she believes is right and grows up a lot during the summer of 1964. She befriends a girl who's mo ...more
Glory stands up for what she believes is right and grows up a lot during the summer of 1964. She befriends a girl who's mo ...more
Glory's plans for summer fun in 1964 have gone down the drain now that the Hanging Moss Community Pool is closed by the town leaders and Glory doesn't know the real reason why. She thinks it has something to do with the Northeners who are staying with the Negroes or at least helping them at the new Freedom Clinic. The possiblity that Glory won't be able to celebrate her twelfth birthday at the pool causes her to sit down and write a letter to the editor, but it doesn't get published. There are
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It is 1964 in Hanging Moss, Mississippi, but this summer things are very different for 11-year-old Gloriana June Hemphill. Change is coming to the South, and Glory struggles to understand why this has so many people upset. I really liked the way this story was told, with Glory's own life being a microcosm for the town. Change has also come to Glory's life. Her much-loved older sister has changed. She doesn't want Glory around any more. The town pool where Glory has her birthday party every year
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This author is from a city near and dear to my heart... St. Petersburg FL. Sadly, I wish I had liked this book better. This is a MG novel set during a time in the south when the integrationists where fighting the segregationists. This seems to be an ever popular theme in MG/YA recently. Just like the last one I read with this same theme, THE LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK, this felt a little preachy. It was heavy on the issue and light on character development and plot. Again I think this is one that teac
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Gloriana, aka Glory, is on the verge of her 12th birthday in small town Mississippi in the 1960's when life takes a dramatic turn. Her sister is keeping secrets, her best friend no longer wants to be her friend, and the newcomers in town are all anyone can talk about. Glory just wants everyone to be friendly and to have her traditional birthday party at the pool, which is closed to avoid integration. A great book to use to teach about the civil rights movement.
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Glory always has her birthday party at the public pool- but this year the pool won't open and the town of Hanging Moss, Mississippi will never be the same.
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As an addition to your collection for studying civil rights I'd say go ahead and include this. But you may need to find the right audience because it didn't always hold my attention. It was one of those books that I would start, leave, come back to in two weeks, and not be driven at all to be concerned about finishing. The topic was about a town struggling with influential townspeople who don't want to see change come to their southern community, especially when it means sharing things with the
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I can't get enough of the summer of 1964. This is a great addition.
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A good read for 3-5 graders. I liked how the main character, Glory, stand up for what it right during a difficult time in history. Love stories with strong female characters.
Wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste but still a strong book for younger readers on a hard topic like the civil rights movement.
Jun 18, 2012
Caroline Rose
added it
A realistic look at the Civil Rights Movement coming to a small Mississippi town, told through the pitch-perfect voice of an everyday girl navigating the ways inequality impacts her world and her entire community.
So far - very 60's like.....
Probably a book that 5th grade would enjoy. ...more
Probably a book that 5th grade would enjoy. ...more
Feb 27, 2012
Marianne
marked it as to-read
Feb 29, 2012
Lana Krumwiede
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Feb 29, 2012
Jennifer
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Feb 29, 2012
The Reading Countess
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May 13, 2012
Natasha (Vasilly)
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Aug 08, 2012
Chantelle
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Feb 23, 2013
Liz
marked it as to-read-for-blog
Jun 24, 2013
Nate Balcom
marked it as to-read
