From: Ginny Moore Kruse <gmkruse>
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 15:47:49 -0600

Have you had a chance to read the novel "Francie" written by Karen English?

This exceptionally fine story set in rural Alabama during the 1930's features 13-year-old Francie. Readers meet Francie first when she's helping her mother with domestic work for one of the white folks in town. Francie is a most memorable character. Although Francie is a fully original character, her pluck and righteous indignation reminded me of Mildred Taylor's Cassie Logan. Both young girls respond with action when injustices directly affect them and others around them in communities where elements of racial segregation were strictly enforced.

If you've read "Francie" or if you know of any young readers who've read it, please share some of your thoughts about this Honor Book within the Coretta Scott King Award process.

Ginny Moore Kruse (gmkruse at education.wisc.edu) Cooperative Children's Book Center - CCBC
(www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/) University of Wisconsin - Madison
Received on Sat 12 Feb 2000 03:47:49 PM CST