Kizzy Ann Stamps

Watts, author of the picture book Keepers, displays sure footing in this strong foray into middle-grade fiction, about a 12-year-old black girl from Virginia navigating significant life changes. Set over the course of a year starting in the summer of 1963, Watts's epistolary novel consists of candid letters Kizzy writes to Miss Anderson, her soon-to-be teacher at a newly integrated public school, and journal entries addressed to her teacher during the school year. Kizzy is apprehensive about sharing a classroom with white students: she wears the hand-me-down dresses of one white girl, and another classmate is responsible for the accident that left her with a prominent facial scar. Prevalent racism threatens Kizzy's aspirations, as well as those of her athletic older brother, but with help from within and without--as well as the support of her beloved border collie, Shag--Kizzy prevails, and does so triumphantly. Watts offers an evenhanded, insightful evocation of a turbulent time and of a girl's perseverance, with Kizzy's writing exposing both widespread prejudice and the determination and will that countered it. Ages 9-12. (Aug.)

Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5-8--During the summer of 1963,12-year-old Kizzy Ann Stamps writes letters to the teacher who will instruct her at the new, integrated school. Kizzy is forthright in her first letter; she does not want to go to a school with white children. Miss Anderson is understanding, and as Kizzy begins to trust her, she shares stories about Shag, the stray border collie her family adopted. Through her love of Shag, Kizzy reveals what she understands about integrated life. When classmates tell her that blacks can't participate in dog shows, she writes, "I made a mistake and let down my guard. I let them in, and now I feel a fool." Kizzy is sensitive yet sassy, and she bounces back with fierce determination. Her brother, on the other hand, suffers from discrimination at the upper school. When he causes trouble, a neighboring white boy fixes the problem, and Kizzy learns to see each person as an individual. Yes, there are whites who hate her, but she learns to trust herself and her feelings. Some passages go on about border collie herding, but they don't overwhelm the novel. This is a touching story with a sharp and insightful protagonist. One hopes that it will find its way into the hands of feisty girls looking for a strong role model.--Pamela Schembri, Newburgh Enlarged City Schools, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Hurray for Kizzy Ann! This funny, no-bow, dirt-on-her-hands, dog-with-her girl will lead you through her unforgettable experience as one of the first black students at the integrated school in her Virginia town. Combining humor, modern history, and heart, Jeri Watts has created a lovely novel that is gentle, honest, and full of hope.
—Meg Medina, Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author

KIZZY ANN STAMPS is a tender and captivating story set in rural Virginia in the early 1960s that speaks of courage, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dream. I wept good and grateful tears throughout. Thank you, Jeri Watts.
—Gigi Amateau, author of "Come August, Come Freedom"

Through epistolary fiction, Jeri Watts conjures a reluctant yet headstrong heroine who has been scarred by racism. With her devoted dog, Shag, Kizzy Ann navigates the color line, confronts her nemesis, and conquers her own doubts. This child's-eye view of 1960s school desegregation resonates with warmth and humanity.
—Carole Boston Weatherford, author of the NAACP Image Award winner "Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom"

This is a touching story with a sharp and insightful protagonist. One hopes that it will find its way into the hands of feisty girls looking for a strong role model.
—School Library Journal

Watts offers an evenhanded, insightful evocation of a turbulent time and of a girl's perseverance, with Kizzy's writing exposing both widespread prejudice and the determination and will that countered it.
—Publishers Weekly

Through Kizzy Ann's letters to her teacher (from July 1963 to May 1964), Watts weaves a powerful story of strength and self-acceptance in the face of injustice... The vivid historical setting of this short and satisfying read will leave readers feeling they have experienced life in Kizzy Ann's world.
—Kirkus Reviews

The novel is particularly strong at demonstrating how complicated the start of integration was for young people; while the schools were officially integrated, there were huge divides among the students, and tremendous inequality continued to permeate their school experience. The omnipresence of racism is also vividly depicted.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

In her first offering for middle school, Watts has written a compelling tale that will educate young readers about this period of American history.
—Library Media Connection

A story full of adventure and laughs for anyone who has ever had to face down tough times.
—Discovery Girls