Ruby Lee and Me

About this book

When a segregated North Carolina town gets its first black teacher two girls--one black one white--come face-to-face with how prejudice affects their friendship. Everythings changing for Sarah Beth Willis. After Robins tragic accident everyone seems different somehow. Days on the farm arent the same and the simple fun of riding a bike or playing outside can be scary. And theres talk in town about the new sixth-grade teacher at Shady Creek. Word is spreading quickly--Mrs. Smyre is like no other teacher anyone has ever seen around these parts. Shes the first African American teacher. Its 1969 and while black folks and white folks are cordial having a black teacher at an all-white school is a strange new happening. For Sarah Beth there are so many unanswered questions. What is all this talk about Freedom Riders and school integration? Why cant she and Ruby become best friends? And who says school isnt for anybody who wants to learn--or teach? In a world filled with uncertainty one very special teacher shows her young students and the adults in their lives that change invites unexpected possibilities.