The Babbs Switch Story

About this book

A novel told in a strong Southern voice Ruth Ann Tillman loves to sing especially the solo in the annual Babbs Switch Oklahoma Christmas Tree Celebration. And no matter what Elden Larrs says teasingly shes good. But this year 1924 Mom and Pop wont let Ruthie perform. The problem is Daphne her sister. At sixteen four years older than Ruthie Daphne still carries her one-armed bald-headed doll for comfort and reaches out to stroke anything soft and soothing. When she almost smothers Mrs. Larrss baby this way Mom and Pop know theyre in trouble and that Ruthie had better not appear on the schoolhouse stage. Ruthie is indignant. Why does she have to share her life with such an oddball sister? Christmas Eve arrives and Ruthie goes to the celebration even though she cant participate and even though daffy Daphne is at her side. At least she can see Elden. Then the schoolhouse catches fire as it really did on that night in Babbs Switch and Ruthie discovers what her sister means to her. Inspired by a tragedy Darleen Bailey Beards tribute to Babbs Switch is nonetheless filled with humor and warmth and the charm of first romance.