Glory Be

Glory Bea Hemphil is about to turn twelve in the summer of 1964 in Hanging Moss, Mississippi, where she's always spent her days swimming at the community pool. This year brings unexpected changes when the pool closes suddenly, and Glory starts noticing tensions in her previously familiar small town. Glory's sister Jesslyn is acting strange, more interested in boys than spending time with her younger sister. The arrival of Laura Lampert from up North stirs things up further, challenging Glory's understanding of friendship and community. The story takes place against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement as it reaches Hanging Moss. Through Glory's eyes, readers witness how segregation and social change affect daily life in a Southern town. This middle-grade novel explores themes of growing up, standing up for what's right, and learning to see beyond surface-level differences. The narrative captures a pivotal moment in American history while remaining centered on one girl's personal journey toward understanding.

Readers describe Glory Be as an accessible introduction to civil rights themes for middle-grade students. Parents and teachers report it prompts discussions about segregation while remaining age-appropriate. Readers highlight: - Authentic 1960s Southern setting and dialogue - Relatable 11-year-old protagonist - Historical context woven naturally into the story - Strong family relationships - Character growth and moral development Common criticisms: - Some find the plot predictable - A few readers note historical details that seem anachronistic - Some wanted deeper exploration of racial tensions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Multiple teachers mention using it successfully in 4th-6th grade classrooms. One librarian wrote: "Students connect with Glory's perspective as she learns about injustice in her own community." Parents frequently note it led to meaningful conversations with their children about discrimination and standing up for what's right.

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🌟 Augusta Scattergood based many elements of "Glory Be" on her own childhood experiences growing up in Mississippi during the Civil Rights era 🌟 The book's swimming pool integration storyline was inspired by actual events that occurred in several Southern towns during the 1960s, including in Mississippi and Florida 🌟 The author worked as a school librarian for over 20 years before becoming a children's book writer 🌟 "Glory Be" received the 2013 Crystal Kite Member Choice Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators 🌟 The book's main character, Glory, shares her birthday with Babe Ruth - a detail that plays into her love of baseball and helps establish the summer of 1964 setting