Between Us Baxters

This story is not only about the friendship of a young white girl and young black girl growing up in the south in 1959, but it's about family (not just by blood) and deals with the injustice that is racism. As Penny realizes that the friendship with her best friend Timbre Ann may be ending she also has to deal with the issues of her family, which her parents had tried to always hide from her in the past. She also has to come to some harsh social realizations. This book was so touching. I felt everything Penny was going through. While I'm not naive enough to believe that racism doesn't exist anymore, I'm glad our country has made the progress that it has. I can't even begin to imagine what living in the south as an African American must have been like when this book took place. I think that Bethany Hegedus did a great job with this story, keeping it accurate from a 12-year-old's point of view. This story is touching, heartfelt, compassionate and emotional.

BETWEEN US BAXTERS is a touching tale of friendship, family, and loyalty told by debut author Bethany Hegedus. The characterization is full and detailed, the dialogue rings true, and the plot will keep you turning the pages -- a lovely story all around. This book is as rich as a slice of Henri's pineapple upside-down cake.

BETWEEN US BAXTERS is a work of extraordinary sensitivity. The dynamics of small-town racism, family secrets, and most movingly, the bond between two girls whom no one wants to be friends are all portrayed with great honesty and attention to detail. A beautifully written and tensely plotted work -- readers will still be thinking about Polly, Timbre Ann, and the choices they face long after the last page.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from up-and-coming writer Bethany Hegedus. The topics covered (racism, alcoholism, segregation, hate crimes, family politics) are very weighty for a young adult book but the author handles them with such truth, respect and honesty. The characters are well defined and real and the story sucks you in and keeps you interested from beginning to end. This needs to be standard reading for all kids in school. It is a great tool for educators to use to create a dialogue with students regarding race relations in America. Between Us Baxters bridges the gap between then and now, young and old, and creates a safe space to talk about these issues and find a new understanding and a space to heal. I highly recommend it for all to read.

This book is ambitious. It tackles the issue of racial bigotry but within a perspective accessible to children, black or white. Preachiness could have sunk it. But no, it skirts the issues subletly. Not only that, it reads with a saturated vividness and depth of character that develops itself without fanfare. Well-written! Good for reading with you kid!