![]() Patricia McKissack reveals that A Friendship for Today is autobiographical in many respects. The Author's Note is the true gem of the book. An intimate look into the early years of an educational system our students now take for granted. Discussion topics abound-bullies, racism, prejudice, treatment of African Americans before Civil Rights, polio. This historical fiction is a great opportunity to let kids know about the years of early school integration. Wonderful story, great messages to be the best you can be, don't give up, and find friendship in unexpected ways. ![]() ![]() Rosemary is also nursing an injured cat, Rags, who refuses to give up and die despite her run-in with a train. Rosemary's parents' marriage is floundering. But to make matters worse, her worst enemy-Grace "the Tasteless" Hamilton-is seated right next to her, and the teacher won't change their seats. ![]() should have been in her class, but he was stricken with polio on Labor Day and will be out all year. This book is set in Kirkland, MO, during the 1954-1955 school year, when Rosemary Patterson finds herself at a brand-new school, in the first year of integration, as the only African-American student in her 6th grade class. It looks contemporary, and that might help to get more kids (girls?) to read it. Looking at the cover, you'd never guess that Friendship for Today is historical fiction. ![]()
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