Children's Literature
- Children's Literature
This excellent middle-grade novel shows Cass Bodine spying on the new neighbors through a knothole. She hears the mother say, "I'm sorry. I can't love a bunch of crackers who put up a fence as soon as they hear a black family is moving in next door." But Cass and Jemmie soon meet. Even better, they discover they're the same age, twelve, and both are 'way better than average runners.' They keep reading Jane Eyre together and running track in the early mornings, meetings that must be kept secret, except from Nana Grace, Jemmie's grandmother. She tells them about the Civil Rights movement, lets them know "crossing Jordan" was code in slave times for reaching freedom. Adrian Fogelin's characters are spunky and competitive, and her portraits of the prejudiced families are drawn with a loving hand--they're good folks who accept equal rights in theory without knowing how to put them into practice. The incidents chosen to illustrate prejudice's myriad subtleties may evoke a jolt of recognition. Compliments to Fogelin for a smoothly written story that will keep kids good company as they struggle to excel as runners or make friends across racial lines. 2000, Peachtree Publishers, Ages 9 to 13, $14.95. Reviewer: Nancy Tilly
ALAN Review
In her first novel for young readers, Fogelin writes a moving story of two adolescents females, Cassie, who is white, and Jemmie, who is African American. Through their common interest in running, and because they are neighbors (whose yard are separated by a fence through which they talk) the girls develop a friendship that even their parents' racist traditions and attitudes cannot prevent. Inspired by her actual experience in a mixed race neighborhood in Tallahassee, Florida, Fogelin gently shows the reader that negative attitudes can be absorbed by children and teenagers, and that sometimes, it is through the innocence of children that adults can learn about tolerance and appreciation for those who are racially or otherwise different. Fogelin does not paint either family as more at fault than the other; both Cassie's and Jemmie's families believ the girls should avoid contact with a person who has a different skin color. Cassie and Jemmie are talented runners who challenge each other on the track, but they are also thoughtful adolescents who support each other when their families try to keep fence between them. At no point in the book does Fogelin preach to her readers, yet her message about the negative potential for prejudices to be inherited, and the strength of teens to transcend long-established prejudices, is clear and inspiring. Genre: Overcoming racism/Young female athletes. 2000, Peachtree, Ages 9 to 12, $10.97. Reviewer: Sissi Carroll
School Library Journal
Gr 5–8—In Adrian Fogelin's contemporary novel (Peachtree, 2000), set in Tallahassee, Florida, 12-year-old Cass Bodine's racist father erects a fence between his house and the house of their new next door neighbors, who are black. "If they stay out of our business and we stay out of theirs, we'll get along fine," he informs his daughter. Despite the racial prejudice on both sides of the fence, Cass and Jemmie, the girl next door, become best friends through a mutual love of running and the trials and tribulations of reading Jane Eyre. When the parents discover the girls' secretive relationship, they forbid them to see each other. But events continue to evolve, and the hearts of both families are tested. The rationale behind bigotry is well fleshed out and delicately examined, but sometimes feels a little over done. Nevertheless, the characters are believable and the story line is sensitive and honest. Fogelin's narration reflects her intricate knowledge of the characters, and she brings the emotional depth of each scene to life. Southern life resonates as the author expertly defines each character's unique traits and dialect. An engrossing, evenhanded look at prejudice and interracial friendship.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-A contemporary story set in Tallahassee, FL, of interracial friendship despite parental opposition, with a clear purpose and predictable outcome. Twelve-year-old Cass befriends African-American Jemmie when her family moves into the house next door. The girls both love to run and become instant friends, racing each morning. They also read Jane Eyre together, analyzing and alternating chapters. Calling themselves "Chocolate Milk," the girls derive inspiration from Jemmie's wise, gospel-singing grandmother and set an example of understanding for both families. Cass, however, must keep their friendship a secret from her racist father until her baby sister's heatstroke compels Jemmie's indignant mother to volunteer her nursing skills. From then on, Cass's grateful parents are solicitous of their new neighbors and both families cheer the girls to a dramatic finish in a fund-raiser race. Jemmie is wisecracking and confident, challenging her responsible and reflective friend to be the first in her family to aspire to a college degree. Some of the parental reasons for racial mistrust are exposed, civil rights history is touched on, and an upbeat ending results. Although several clich d remarks and reactions seem contrived, Jemmie and Cass are likable, lively characters, and readers will enjoy the repartee between them.-Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|
