Overview

Kenda, a naïve teacher from upstate New York, journeys to Mississippi in 1970 on a quest to change the world and escape an abusive fiancé. When she starts working at a newly integrated junior high school, Kenda is greeted with a Confederate flag and a ""Yankee Go Home"" sign. She quickly learns that, even when equality becomes the law, culture prevails--a culture she knows little about. Her challenges go beyond the classroom. Her teacher's salary isn't enough to pay the rent; she moonlights in a hospital lab. Over time, Kenda learns the ways of the segregated South through friendships she creates in unlikely places. Kenda's persistence sees her through challenges and even a lawsuit, and her new friends offer unexpected wisdom and understanding. She makes a difference in her students' lives, and they change her. Even though magnolias don't bloom in September, they do blossom in their own season, just as Kenda and her students do.

Full Product Details

9781733690607

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Reviews

. . . reflects life as a teacher in the South at a turbulent time in American history. [The author] weaves the narrative with authenticity and you can feel the pain and frustration comingling with the courage and dedication of the lead character, Kenda. This is relatable today as a novel that takes you back, with characters who jump off the page. Josh Brogadir, Newscaster and former middle school teacher . . . a remarkable glimpse into a time and part of our country that needs to be told. . . The wonderful way that Miss Kirkenbaum (aka Miz Lady) met her students where they were, and brought them along is the big takeaway for me. In addition to the Educational lessons are some gripping subplots that kept me from putting the book down. As I say - a must read! David Driscoll, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education This story quickly envelops you in the sweet and sticky humidity of life through the eyes of a young Yankee Girl whose teaching journey brings new texture to the history of school integration -and life itself- in the Deep South. ''Honey Chil - grab u a sweet tea; take a load off- and enjoy this great summer read! Michelle Ferre

""One of those small, quiet books that can make a big difference."" Diane Skelton, retired teacher from Mississippi ""One of the best 'teacher books' I have ever read."" Reader's Favorites "". . . reflects life as a teacher in the South at a turbulent time in American history. [The author] weaves the narrative with authenticity and you can feel the pain and frustration comingling with the courage and dedication of the lead character, Kenda. This is relatable today as a novel that takes you back, with characters who jump off the page."" Josh Brogadir, Newscaster and former middle school teacher "". . . a remarkable glimpse into a time and part of our country that needs to be told. . . The wonderful way that Miss Kirkenbaum (aka Miz Lady) met her students where they were, and brought them along is the big takeaway for me. In addition to the Educational lessons are some gripping subplots that kept me from putting the book down. As I say - a must read!"" David Driscoll, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education "" This story quickly envelops you in the sweet and sticky humidity of life through the eyes of a young ""Yankee Girl"" whose teaching journey brings new texture to the history of school integration -and life itself- in the Deep South. ''Honey Chil""- grab u a sweet tea; take a load off- and enjoy this great summer read!"" Michelle Ferre

Author Information

Carol Lynn Luck taught in New York, Mississippi, and Massachusetts; worked in cancer research; and managed federal education grants. She has a keen interest in cultural issues in history. Her first novel, Heroines of the Kitchen Table, tells the stories of four women who defied Hitler and struggled to save their loved ones. Gym Class Klutz deals with high school life in the 1960s. Carol writes to promote understanding among cultures, striving to make the world a kinder place. She and her husband have two grown children and live in Framingham, Massachusetts.

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