GLORY BE by Augusta Scattergood

 A few years ago I threw out an invitation (see sidebar) for my readers, to guest blog for me occasionally.   Augusta Scattergood took me up on the offer. 

As a former librarian, Augusta knows books. I quickly learned that she would point me to some great reads.

But all the while, she was also working on a book of her own - a story born out of her love for the south and inspired by memories of life in Mississippi. And just look at that cover!

Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood is thick with the humidity and history of Mississippi  in the summer of 1964 (also known as Freedom Summer).  Gloriana Hemphill (Glory) is about to turn 12.  Which means, of course, that she intends to have her birthday party at the local swimming pool. As usual.

But "as usual" doesn't exist in Hanging Moss, Mississippi.   Freedom workers (known to some as "outside agitators") have come from up north, intent on changing the status quo.  Their mission is to urge racial equality in public spaces - such as the library and the swimming pool.

Certain locals, (like Glory's best friend's father) do not intend to let that happen.  So the swimming pool closes on the pretense of needing repairs.  Uh-oh!  Birthday disaster on the horizon! Not to mention, a little strain on Glory's best friendship.

To make matters worse - Jesslyn, Glory's sister has outgrown her - a change which Glory refuses to take sitting down. (If there's action, Glory is one of those characters who will get in on it.)  While spying on Jessalyn and her boyfriend, Glory discovers information which leads eventually to a dangerous situation.  She doesn't handle everything perfectly but she does form strong opinions, learns to speak up  for civil rights,  and intercedes for one threatened individual.

Scattergood, who originally hailed from Mississippi, is clearly writing her native tongue as she gives voice to Glory.  The reader gets a vivid sense of time and place as well as a look at one important summer in American history.  There are plenty of sobering reminders here but the story is also chocked full of nostalgia and childhood pleasures.

Congratulations to Augusta on a story that introduces young readers to the historic  events of 1964  while giving the rest of us a reason to look back!

Augusta's blog is a potpourri of books, food, quotes, and  author updates.  Her website provides you with resources, Q & A, and author info.