Ruth and the Green Book Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Ruth was so excited to take a trip in her family’s new car! In the 1940s, few African Americans could afford to buy cars, so this would be an adventure. But she soon found out that black travelers weren’t treated very well in some towns. Many hotels and gas stations refused service to black people. Daddy was upset about something called Jim Crow laws…. Finally, a friendly attendant at an Esso station showed Ruth’s family The Green Book. It listed all of the places that would welcome black travelers. With this guidebook—and the kindness of strangers—Ruth could finally make a safe journey from Chicago to her grandma’s house in rural Alabama.

Carolrhoda Books, $16.95, November 2010, ISBN#: 978-0-7613-5255-6

This podcast was recorded at BookExpo America 2010 in New York City.