Calvin Alexander Ramsey

Ruth and her parents are driving south in the 1950s to visit her grandma in Alabama. She learns that black people are not welcome in many places and her family struggles to find somewhere to stay, get gas, and eat. At a gas station, they are introduced to a the green book which shows friendly places black people can go throughout the south. After that, they are able to stay in safe, welcoming places and meet others on the way to her grandma's.

This book is excellent at explaining what Jim Crow and segregation was like in the 1950s from the view of a child. It goes through what Ruth is thinking and feeling during their journey. The book is both sad and heartwarming; it makes you glad there were and are still kind people.… (mere)

Ruth and the Green Book is a wonderful multicultural children's book that follows Ruth and her family as they travel across the United States to visit Ruth's grandmother in Alabama. Ruth and her family encounter discrimination along their journey until they reach an Esso gas station and learn of The Negro Motorist Green Book. Guided by the Green Book, Ruth is able to help her family find establishments welcoming black people. Ramsey and Strauss tackle the realities of segregation in a very thoughtful, yet informative way for children. The illustrations are warm and calming which work as a very nice juxtaposition with the content. This book will make a great addition to my classroom library and I will definitely be using it during our Famous Americans unit.… (mere)