213 Valentines

Wade is NOT excited about going to a fancy school out of the neighborhood for a gifted program. But his family insists that he go, so each morning he and a girl from his school are taken across town to attend the gifted program. They are not given a royal welcome, but they are also both a bit reluctant to reach out. The realities of such a situation are clearly described. Thankfully, there is little attempt to preach a solution. Wade's uncle does mention prejudice against blacks and people from their neighborhood, but he doesn't leave out other factors. Wade does manage to reconcile himself to the circumstances and even to begin to feel more comfortable. Although he does get some support from his family, he and Dink do most of the work themselves. Good enough and real enough to hold kids' attention, but there is also enough food for thought, too.