Darby by Jonathon Scott Fuqua - 2002-04-01

Here is a rather riveting read for young juveniles. Jonathon Scott Fuqua vividly evokes life in a small Southern town in this powerful story of friendship, race, and learning to trust your own voice in a world that doesn't always welcome what you have to say. "From my back porch, I can see where my best friend lives. Evette's tenant house sits on my daddy's property . . . but on account of her being black and me being white, she hardly ever comes in my house, and I don't go in hers. My daddy says that's just the way it is." Darby Carmichael thinks her best friend is probably the smartest person she knows, even though, as Mama says, Evette's school uses worn-out books and crumbly chalk. Whenever they can, Darby and Evette shoot off into the woods beyond the farm to play at being fancy ladies and schoolteachers. One thing Darby has never dreamed of being - not until Evette suggests it - is a newspaper girl who writes down the truth for all to read. In no time, and with more than a little assistance from Evette, Darby and her column in the Bennettsville Times are famous in town and beyond. But is Marlboro County, South Carolina, circa 1926, ready for the truth its youngest reporter has to tell?

This revealing review states: "Wasn't really expecting much when I picked this up, but I was pleasantly surprised! Think "To Kill a Mockingbird," but for a younger set. The main character is 8, turning 9 in 1920's South Carolina. I liked the way Darby and other children are portrayed, as well as the changing southern community. This would be a nice choice for a kid who has to read a historical fiction book."

Hardcover. 1st edition & stated 1st printing. New! NO MARKS! Opens as never read. Not read! All pages are intact, not marred by any notes, underlining, or highlighting. NO highlighting! NOT ex-Library. NO name and NO nameplate inside. The spine is excellent, and the binding is tight, with no creases. Bright, brilliant orange textured boards with bold gilt lettering on spine; no stains, rips, or corner bumps. Perfect DJ. The pictures depict the actual book you will receive. Generally, ships on the same business day! Ships with Tracking Number! Countries other than the USA will require an additional shipping cost.