MORE BOOKS (Scroll down to see all four books)

These books are out of print but can be bought new and used over the internet. The Glass Bottle Tree is sometimes sold at Scholastic Book Fairs. Even if you don't want to buy them, you might be able to read them in your local library. I hope you will be intrigued by the descriptions.

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The Glass Bottle Tree

(Available throught Scholastic)

This story is about a little girl who has been taught by her grandmother who is raising her that the spirits of her ancestors live in a tree in the yard. The spirits are contained by glass bottles until some mean old states folk come to take the little girl away. This is a story about non-traditional families. Click the picture to see a larger view. And go here to see some photos of real "glass bottle trees." Selected "Parents Choice Honor Book"  and "Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies"

The Riches of Osceola McCarty

Winner of "Carter G. Woodson Honor Book" and "Society of School Librarians International Honor Book." Chosen for "Children's Literature Top Choice List," "Texas Blue Bonnet List," "Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List," Smithsonian Notable Children's Book.

The story of the washer woman who gave her life savings to the University of Southern Mississippi and has received top honors all over the world. This book also contains a savings diary and resources for young children to learn to save. In addition apart of the proceeds of this book goes to Miss McCarty's endowment at the University to aid students in their pursuit of education. *Another one of Daniel Minter's masterpieces.

Born in Sin

Gr 8 Up-In gritty vernacular, Keisha Wright narrates a testimonial depicting the racial stereotypes and socioeconomic hardships that many urban African-American teens struggle to overcome. A good student with ambitions to become a doctor, she learns that she has been transferred out of the college-prep curriculum by a guidance counselor who considers her to be at-risk. Shocked and angry, the 14-year-old is bolstered by the stalwart affection and support of her hardworking single mother, her intuitive unwed older sister who has a two-year-old, and her loyal younger brother. Attending a white-run teen-rescue program, Keisha discovers her swimming ability and is groomed for Olympic trials by an admiring coach. Her resurrected hopes for success beyond her poor neighborhood seem shattered when a local drug dealer shoots her pregnant best friend and then attacks Keisha. However, through a series of revelations-her mother's additional source of income, the reappearance of her absentee father, and the admiration of her best friend's sensitive brother-Keisha's aspirations revive and she realizes she can create her own future. The protagonist is a determined, observant teen who values family and lives by her grandma and mama's adages, including the one that says, "just `cause we poor, don't mean we born in sin." An assortment of white and African-American characters populate the story, reflecting a variety of backgrounds in education, tolerance, motivation, and influence. Although the happy ending may rattle cynics, teenage readers will find promise, hope, and satisfaction in Keisha's prospects.-Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

*Disney at one time considered Born in Sin for movie.

The Foot Warmer and the Crow

A story of an enslaved man who tricks the slave master in order to gain his freedom. BOO HOO This book is going out of print so if you see a copy I suggest you get it. Daniel Minter's art work is worth a mint in this book. Ask Bill Gates! Chosen "Children's Book of the Year" and "Notable Children's Book in the Field of Social Studies"