I recently read a fiction book by Danielle Stewart called Flowers in the Snow, I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more in the series.
As the story begins, the main character Betty receives a letter from a childhood friend and this sets in motion the retelling of her childhood to her family.
She grew up in a time when black people were not welcome among white people. She struggles with this because she believes everyone should be treated equal.
Then by chance, she makes friends with a young black girl, Alma, and her family. She soon learns of all the hardships and abuse the blacks have endured. She visits with them as often as she can. They become like family to her, more so than her own.
As the schools start to allow black people, Alma’s mother becomes a teacher at the school where Betty attends, and of course is treated unfairly.
A few years later, there is trouble at a school dance. It involves the Klan, and several people were killed, black and white people alike. Some who were close to Betty.
Eventually Alma and her family move away, but they keep in touch through letter writing. As the years go by they continue to write and in one of the letters that is written to Betty, she finds out some news that is shocking and wonderful all at the same time. It involves the night of the dance many years ago.
Sorry, no spoilers!!
-Wendy Contini, Technical Services Manager