February 26: Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood

In Glory Be, a book by Augusta Scattergood for readers in grades five to seven, changes and difficult choices abound. It's an incisive portrait of a girl trying to make sense of the tumultuous era of the Civil Rights Movement.

It's the summer of 1964 in a small Mississippi town, and Glory, who's about to turn 12, wishes she could turn back the clock a year.

Glory's sister Jesslyn is entering high school and no longer has any time, and things have suddenly gotten awkward with Glory's best friend, Frankie. Plus, a new girl from the North has arrived, and everyone is riled up about what to do about the town's segregated pool.

Whether she wants to or not, Glory has to make some big decisions.

Former librarian and children's book reviewer Augusta Scattergood has devoted her life and career to getting books into the hands of young readers. Her reviews and articles have appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, Delta Magazine, the St. Petersburg Times and other publications. Additionally, Augusta is an avid blogger (http://ascattergood.blogspot.com). She lives in St. Petersburg, Florida and Madison, New Jersey.

Located in Hunt Valley, Maryland and part of Baltimore County, Greetings & Readings of Hunt Valley is the premier independent gift store in Maryland. Fiction, fashion and fun.

February 27: Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood

A Mississippi town in 1964 gets riled when tempers flare at the segregated public pool.

As much as Gloriana June Hemphill, or Glory as everyone knows her, wants to turn twelve, there are times when Glory wishes she could turn back the clock a year.

Jesslyn, her sister and former confidante, no longer has the time of day for her now that she'll be entering high school. Then there's her best friend, Frankie. Things have always been so easy with Frankie, and now suddenly they aren't. Maybe it's the new girl from the North that's got everyone out of sorts. Or maybe it's the debate about whether or not the town should keep the segregated public pool open. Glory's town of Hanging Moss, Mississippi, is beset by racial tension when town leaders close her beloved public pool rather than desegregating it.

Author Augusta Scattergood has drawn on real-life events to create Glory Be, a memorable high school-level novel about family, friendship, and choices that aren't always easy.

Located in Hunt Valley, Maryland and part of Baltimore County, Greetings & Readings of Hunt Valley is the premier independent bookstore in Maryland.