about the book
The Klan hasn’t bothered Bumblebee, North Carolina, for years. Sure, there are still some stores that young Stella cannot go into, but there are some she can. Some people are really unpleasant to her just because of her skin, but there are plenty of people who are downright genial. Stella enjoys family backyard cookouts, listening to stories and tall tales, and dreams of being a writer so she can tell stories herself, a dream which parallels her father’s dream of registering to vote.
However, one night Stella and her brother are up a lot later than they ever should have been, and they certainly should not have been wandering around outside. They accidentally witness Klan activity, and the rumor and fear of it spreads throughout their town. It is the first flicker of change to come. Soon, the nice people become fewer and fewer, and the unpleasant people become downright scary…
Now Stella’s dream of being a writer seems even further away than such dreams seem on their own. Her father’s dream to vote seems distant, too, but that doesn’t stop her community from rallying together, being brave, and fighting for their rights.
about the author
Sharon M. Draper thinks of herself as a visionary, creator, and poet. She likes to think she has the eyes of an artist who loves visiting museums; the ears of a musician who loves classical music; and the spirit of a writer—all of which she combines to write her stories and inspire others. She looks for rainbows in the rain, and possibilities where most only see problems. She loves all seasons, except for winter. She often smiles, laughs easily and often, and hates pain and cruelty.
Sharon has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Today she lives with her husband and Honey, their golden retriever, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English, as well as the International Reading Association and the Top Ladies of Distinction.
Source:
Author website
Also by Sharon M. Draper:
Stars and Sparks on Stage (Clubhouse Mysteries, Book 6). Aladdin. 2012.
The Backyard Animal Show (Clubhouse Mysteries, Book 5). Aladdin. 2012.
The Space Mission Adventure (Clubhouse Mysteries, Book 4). Aladdin. 2012.
Shadows of Caesar’s Creek (Clubhouse Mysteries, Book 3). Aladdin. 2011.
Lost in the Tunnel of Time (Clubhouse Mysteries, Book 2). Aladdin. 2011.
The Buried Bones Mystery (Clubhouse Mysteries, Book 1). Aladdin. 2011.
Out of My Mind. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 2010.
The Birthday Storm (Sassy, Book 2). Scholastic. 2009.
Little Sister Is Not My Name! (Sassy, Book 1). Scholastic. 2009.
read more!
The Buried Bones Mystery (Clubhouse Mysteries, Book 1) by Sharon M. Draper
While building a clubhouse in Ziggy’s backyard, Ziggy, Rico, Rashawn, and Jerome—who call themselves the Black Dinosaurs—uncover a box of bones. Trying to hide their treasures, the boys are swept away into an intriguing, frightening mystery as they attempt to figure out whose bones they have found and why someone buried them in the first place.
Mississippi Morning by Ruth Vander Zee
James William is white. LeRoy is black. The two boys are friends, even though James’ father would not approve of their friendship. James does not know how far his father and his “associates” are willing to go, though, to keep their community white. When LeRoy finds a KKK hanging tree, James is forced to make a choice.
The Well : David’s Story by Mildred D. Taylor
When a terrible drought hits their community, the Logan family agrees to share their well water with their neighbors—no matter the color of their skin. However, for David and Hammer Logan, it is hard to share their water with Charlie Simms, a white boy who torments them. Hammer has too much pride, Charlie is mean, and tension builds to the breaking point…


