Name: Ruth and the Green Book
ISBN: 9780761352556

Gwen Strauss

Calvin A. Ramsey

Ruth and the Green Book is the story of one black family's trip from Chicago to Alabama by car in the late 1940s. Along the way they encounter prejudice, but they also discover The Green Book, a real guide to accommodations which was published for decades to aid African-American travelers as they faced prejudice on the roads across the country.

Ruth and the Green Book

This is a wonderfully illustrated book that highlights a common problem for African-Americans traveling under Jim Crow. Ruth and her family are driving from Chicago to Alabama to visit Ruth's grandmother. Along the way, she learns that there are many gas stations, restaurants, and hotels that won't serve black people, meaning she and her parents have to eat picnic lunches and sleep in their car unless they know of a friend they can stay with along the way. A gas station attendant at the one chain that always serves African Americans (Esso) tells them about The Green Book, which lists safe places for African Americans to stop/shop at in every state in the country. Ruth becomes their navigator, finding hotels, car repair shops, and restaurants where her family can stop at on their trip.

It's common knowledge that African Americans were routinely denied service, but I don't think most people think about what that means for someone who was traveling in an unknown place. At home, they would know of businesses or friends that they could turn to for help, but when they're away from the area they're familiar with, finding a place to stop or fill up on gas was like playing Russian roulette. This book highlighted that fear and uncertainty well, both through the simple, emotional prose and through the gorgeous illustrations. Just as affecting was Ruth's relief and happiness at meeting people from The Green Book who provided safe places to stop and other travelers who made use of their services. The camaraderie and strength displayed was beautiful. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Caroline Lewicki

The Green Book, Jim Crow, and discrimination are difficult topics to explain to young readers; however, Ruth and the Green Book does this so gracefully. I think it would be easy for most young readers to understand how horrible conditions were for people of color in the not so distant past. If you're looking for a book to talk with your kids about segregation and discrimination, this is a perfect picture book!

Ruth and the Green Book

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