Book Write Up #3: Picture Book #9

Author: Calvin Alexander Ramsey

Title: Ruth and the Green Book

Illustrator: Floyd Cooper

Genre: Fictional History

Subgenre: Children's book

Theme: Segregation in 1952.

Primary and secondary characters: Ruth, her mom, dad, and grandma.

Date of Publication: 2010

Publishing Company: Carolrhoda Books

Ruth's daddy brings home their first car. It is a 1952 Buick that is sea mist green. The family is so excited, and the next day they are going to travel cross country to see their grandma in Alabama. As they drive out of Chicago, Ruth and her family are very excited. Ruth loves to see the green grass and the scenery. However, eventually Ruth has to use the bathroom. The man working at the service station did not let Ruth use his bathrooms. Ruth uses the bathroom in the woods, she is very embarrassed. Her dad explains to her about the Jim Crow Laws, and that these laws are to keep white and black people separated. They continue the drive, but they all become real tired. her father walks into an Inn to get them a place to sleep, but they did not let them stay there. When the father gets back in the car, her mother decides they need to sing to keep their moods high. When they reached Tennessee they stayed at a friend's house. Ruth is so happy she is able to finally sleep on a bed. The next day they stop at an Esso service station. A man sells them a Green Book. This Green Book has a list of places that African American travelers can use. this book helps them get to Alabama. The trip becomes a lot easier with this book.

This book is a good book to read to students to explain to them how the world was segregated in the 1950s. This book is a good book to read during African American month, or any day.