Ruth and the Green Book

Ramsey, C.A. (2010). Ruth and the green book. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. 

Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2012 - 2013

Ruth and the Green Book is the story of Ruth and her family as they travel to Alabama to visit Grandma. It is set during the early 1950s when African American travelers were not treated very well. Along the way, a friend tells them to look for Esso Stations because the people there would be nice to them.  When they finally find a station, an attendant gives them the Negro Motorist Green Book, which listed places they would be welcome on their journey. They use the book to help them as they finish their trip and arrive safely in Alabama.  At the end, Ruth recounts how she is thankful that all black people across the country had pitched in to help each other.  

This is a beautifully illustrated book with soft colored, almost faded paintings, and something green is evident on every page.  I loved that even though the story is fiction, it teaches children about a time with which they may be unfamiliar.  I myself learned a great deal reading this book and was inspired afterward to do some research on the Green Book and the Jim Crow laws.