Glory Be

About this book

As much as Gloriana June Hemphill, or Glory as everyone knows her, wants to turn twelve, there are times when Glory wishes she could turn back the clock a year. Jesslyn, her sister and former confidante, no longer has the time of day for her now that she'll be entering high school. Then there's her best friend, Frankie. Things have always been so easy with Frankie, and now suddenly they aren't. Maybe it's the new girl from the North that's got everyone out of sorts. Or maybe it's the debate about whether or not the town should keep the segregated public pool open.

Augusta Scattergood has drawn on real-life events to create a memorable novel about family, friendship, and choices that aren't always easy.

Reviews

Praise and Accolades for GLORY BE

A NPR "Backseat Book Club" selection

Featured on NPR's "Weekend Edition"with Scott Simon

A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

"There's a whiff of Carson McCullers in Augusta Scattergood's story of a sultry Southern summer long ago when the outside world moved all the markers of Glorianna Hemphill's growing up. It's a summer of bigotry and behive hairdoos, of sit-ins and dangerous boys. All mixed together and beautifully recalled."--Richard Peck, Newbery Award-winning author of A YEAR DOWN YONDER

"GLORY BE is a lovely debut novel for younger readers, akin to Kathryn Stockett's THE HELP--an important read that raises powerful racial issues of the 1960s American South."--Kathryn Erskine, National Book Award-winning author of MOCKINGBIRD

GLORY BE weaves a seamless story of sisterly love, broken friendships, and the strength that it takes to stand up for the right thing. Augusta Scattergood is at the top of my debut-authors-to-watch list."--Barbara O'Connor, Parents' Choice Award-winning author of HOW TO STEAL A DOG

"In Glory herself, tilting on the threshold of adolescence, Scattergood paints a balanced portrait of childlike selfinterest and awakening integrity. This moving, intimate look at America's struggle for civil rights, as seen through the narrow lens of one growing girl, will spark interesting discussion."--BOOKLIST

"This debut offers a vivid glimpse of the 1960s South through the eyes of a spirited girl who takes a stand."--KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Scattergood's effective snapshot of the fight against segregation, one town at a time, makes personal the tumultuous atmosphere of the times."--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Glory is an appealing, authentic character whose unflinching convictions, missteps, and reflections will captivate readers."--SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL