BUSING BREWSTER

Brewster is nervous and excited about starting first grade at Franklin, but, shortly before the big day, he and his brother Bryan find out they are to be bused to Central, the white school. Though Bryan is unhappy about waking up at six o’clock for the long bus ride, his mother is enthusiastic about the indoor swimming pool, special art and music rooms and well-stocked library. A less-than-warm welcome by the adults in the white community confuses Brewster, but Mrs. O’Grady, the white librarian, saves the day. Roth’s collage and mixed media work together to create a modern-but-retro feel that clearly shows emotions from fear and anger to pride and hope. The story of busing in the 1970s will likely be a new one for most young readers, and this story provides nothing in the way of context to separate it from the more familiar accounts of the integration of Southern schools; this tale, according to the CIP, is set in Boston. Well-meaning but incomplete. (author’s note) (Picture book. 6-10)