Busing Brewster

Written by Richard Michelson · Illustrated by R.G. Roth

A boy's first day at a new school challenges his courage and self-belief.

3.9 Goodreads · 257 ratings

32 pages· 1,470 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud· ~600L

$16.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Brewster's excitement for first grade fades when he learns he'll attend a school in a white neighborhood. Facing racial challenges, his first day lands him in detention, where he meets Miss O'Grady, a librarian who opens his heart to the power of books and self-belief. Set in the 1970s, this story of desegregation reveals the courage of young heroes shaping a new world. Will Brewster find his place and voice in this unfamiliar environment?

From the publisher

Brewster is excited about starting first grade . . . until Mama announces that he’ll be attending Central—a school in the white part of town. Mama says they have art and music and a library bursting with books, but Brewster isn’t so sure he’ll fit in.

Being black at a white school isn’t easy, and Brewster winds up spending his first day in detention at the library. But there he meets a very special person: Miss O’Grady. The librarian sees into Brewster’s heart and gives him not only the gift of books but also the ability to believe in himself.

This powerful and tender story of desegregation in the 1970s introduces readers to the brave young heroes who helped to build a new world.