Making Friends with Billy Wong

About this book

A powerful story set in small-town Arkansas in 1955 that illuminates the unrest surrounding the arrival of Chinese immigrants in the segregated south.

Azalea is not happy about being dropped off to care for Grandmother Clark. Paris Junction is nothing like her Texas hometown. And now she’s been thrown together with troubled Willis DeLoach, gossipy Melinda Bowman, and Billy Wong, a Chinese-American boy who has his own troubles. Billy’s parents own the Lucky Foods grocery store, where days are long, and folks aren’t always friendly.

Inspired by the true stories of Chinese immigrants who came to the American south during the civil rights era, this poignant story reminds us all that home is where our hearts reside, and that friends can come to us in the most unexpected ways.

Told from two points of view, this brilliantly nuanced novel delivers two unique perspectives: Billy Wong’s, rendered in clipped verse narratives, interspersed with Azalea’s emotionally expressive prose.

Reviews

Praise for Making Friends with Billy Wong:

“Scattergood paints an honest portrait of two young characters dealing with quick judgments, prejudice, and racism . . . A refreshing novel inspired by real-life Chinese-American communities not often seen in stories.” --Kirkus Reviews

“In a quiet story set in 1952, Scattergood shines a light on a rarely told bit of history . . . Azalea's narration is interspersed with occasional entries from Billy's perspective, written in verse, that show his strength of character and desire to succeed, despite facing clear challenges in the segregated South.” --Publishers Weekly

“The characters are finely drawn, and the period elements are smoothly incorporated into the narrative. The author's extensive research on the time and place comes through in the details.” --School Library Journal


Praise for The Way to Stay in Destiny:

“A well-crafted novel that explores such challenging themes as enduring the impact of war on families, establishing a new life, and understanding what love truly means, this will connect well with middle school readers.” --Booklist

“With an eye and ear for period details and dialogue, Scattergood (Glory Be) builds a cast of memorable, realistically flawed characters in an affecting story about holding on to one's dreams.” --Publishers Weekly

“A heartwarming story of friendship, family, and finding one's place in the world despite hardship and heartache.” --School Library Journal


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 beehive hairdos, 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 self-interest 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.” --Sch