A Friendship for Today by Patricia C. McKissack.

This novel is based on McKissack’s own experience in the 50s as one of the only African-American children at her elementary school.  It is her obvious appreciation for the era that makes this book shine.  Rosemary can run faster than anyone in her school, she gets good grades and has a lot of friends.  The town is going to close the colored school and integrate the children in a new school.  Rosemary’s year is filled with the worry of a new school, prejudice and bullying, family difficulties and a friend getting polio.  It is a vivid snapshot of a year where Rosemary manages to stay true to herself and build a new community.

McKissack’s writing is accessible and friendly.  I appreciated a story featuring an African-American family better off than the white families around them.  The strength of people in the community, their values and the way they are instilled in  Rosemary really resonates throughout the novel.  Rosemary is a girl with spunk, plenty of spirit and a drive to excel.  At the same time, the novel does not shirk away from describing the era, the prejudice and the lack of tolerance.  The opinions of white people in the community are painted with complexity as are the reactions of the children of both races. 

In such a slim volume, it is a treat to find a complex yet warm look at this difficult period in our history.  Very accessible for children, I could see this book being used to start discussions on tolerance and prejudice in schools.