For Lilly Belle, 'the capital of Black America' is about as far from her hometown of Smyrna, Tennessee, as a twelve-year-old can get-maybe not in miles but certainly in mindset. Then a summer program for gifted young writers opens a whole new world for Lilly Belle. Jazz music in the street lulls her to sleep, her classroom is in a mansion, and the author Zora Neale Hurston is her teacher, helping her understand the power of words, especially her own. Once again, award-winning author Patricia C. McKissack builds an involving story around real events and famous figures.

Age Range:   8 - 12      Grade: 3 - 5       Guided Reading: Q

Lexile level: 510L