Black History Month

This book belongs to the "things I didn't know" about African American History list.  It is another picture book that could be used in Middle School and High School to introduce a discussion or study of Black History. 

From Ruth and the Green Book , by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, this book quote:  "Daddy came back out and slammed the car door.  He never slammed the door before, so I knew he was mad.  I wondered what happened, but I knew somehow it wasn't a good time to ask him.  Mama gave me a look that said, "Ruth, Just keep quiet."  So that's what I did. "

The year is 1952 and Ruth’s dad has just purchased a new Buick.   She and her parents are off to visit Grandma in Alabama.  As they travel further away from Chicago the trip becomes frightening for Ruth and her family.  They encounter “white only” signs at restaurants, gas stations and hotels along the way but are eventually introduced to Victor H. Green’s The Negro Motorist Green Book, listing businesses that would serve African Americans.   The summary of its usage follows the end of the story where Ruth and her family are lovingly greeted by Grandma.