Ruth and the Green Book -- Gwen Strauss, Hardcover

The picture book inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film The Green Book

Ruth was so excited to take a trip in her family's new car In the early 1950s, few African Americans could afford to buy cars, so this would be an adventure. But she soon found out that black travelers weren't treated very well in some towns. Many hotels and gas stations refused service to black people. Daddy was upset about something called Jim Crow laws . . .

Finally, a friendly attendant at a gas station showed Ruth's family The Green Book. It listed all of the places that would welcome black travelers. With this guidebook--and the kindness of strangers--Ruth could finally make a safe journey from Chicago to her grandma's house in Alabama.

Ruth's story is fiction, but The Green Book and its role in helping a generation of African American travelers avoid some of the indignities of Jim Crow are historical fact.

Author: Gwen Strauss, Calvin Alexander Ramsey
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (R)
Published: 08/01/2010
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.96lbs
Size: 9.20h x 11.00w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780761352556
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 138160 / Ruth and the Green Book

Award: North Carolina Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: IndieFab awards - Bronze Medal Winner
Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended
Award: Jane Addams Children's Book Award - Honor Book
Award: Jefferson Cup - Honor Book
Award: Delaware Diamonds Award - Nominee
Award: Independent Publisher Book Awards - Gold Medal Winner
Award: Sequoyah Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Bluebonnet Awards - Nominee

Review Citation(s):
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2011 pg. 43
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2010
Publishers Weekly 10/11/2010 pg. 44
Booklist 11/01/2010 pg. 68
School Library Journal 11/01/2010 pg. 79
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2010