Historical Fiction Pick: A Friendship for Today

School's back in -- and for many girls that means finding books of different genres as specified by their teacher.

This can be a difficult choice -- my own 4th grader has to read one realistic fiction book and one biography this month. Already she's stressing about possible book selections. So for my own peace of mind and yours -- in the next few weeks, I'll be recommending books from many genres that your girls should enjoy. AND hopefully these recommendations will help them fulfill classroom reading requirements with no stress.

Let's start with A Friendship For Today, by Patricia McKissack. This book would qualify as either realistic fiction or historical fiction, and is a fast-paced, thoughtful story recommended for 9 year olds through middle school age.

The setting is 1954, in the St. Louis suburb of Kirkland. Young Rosemary has always attended a "colored" school in her neighborhood. But as she prepares to enter 6th grade she finds herself affected by the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that will desegregate public schools. Her school will be closed down and she will be sent to one of the traditionally white public schools.

In the midst of this turmoil in her life, she must deal with her parent's crumbling marriage, her best friend J.J. being stricken with polio, and racist white neighbors, especially her arch-nemesis, Grace.

When Rosemary finds herself the lone African-American in her new classroom, readers can feel her alienation. When she is seated next to Grace, her frustration and anger boil over.

McKissack weaves a fine story here -- one where we see that not every situation in life is ideal or fair. Rosemary's parents do split up, and J.J. returns from the hospital in a leg brace, but through it all, she perseveres, holds her head high and convincingly forms a true friendship with Grace.

This book addresses many important issues from the 50s that are still relevant today. The fight for civil rights, medical advances to eradicate disease, divorce, and growing pains are all aspects of life that kids face on a daily basis.

This story is a great book for girls -- entertaining, realistic, a real joy to read-- and they will learn about a part of American history that should never be forgotten.

Have a great weekend!