Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

They do things differently in Phippsburg, Maine as Turner Buckminster is finding out. Turner's family just moved to Maine where his father has taken a new position as the minister. The story takes place in 1911 and the people in this little town have no respect for the community of former slaves living on an island very close to the coast, visible to the town of Phippsburg. In fact the young people in town seem to have no respect for Turner either. He doesn't feel welcome and the kids make fun of him while playing baseball and even swimming. Turner discovers Lizzie (an islander) one day when he has isolated himself from the others. Turner and Lizzie secretly become friends. As the story moves along I was amazed how steady Turner is in his resolve to do what is right. I highly recommend this book for older readers such as 5th grade and up because of the emotional content and a devastating part of our nation's history. This Newbery Honor and Michael Prinz Honor Book Award winner is based on a true event.