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Betsey Brown

by  Ntozake Shange

The 2005 ReadMOre selection

"This novel, which describes the effects of desegregation on a St. Louis family in the late 1950s, fits well with the Missouri Humanities Council theme for 2005, "America the Bountiful." Dr. Brown's commitment to teaching his children African-American culture every day reminds us that America is so rich in its diversity, and that our differences should be appreciated and celebrated as enrichments to our lives.

We hope many communities throughout Missouri will participate in ReadMOre, the statewide reading program, in 2005. The MHC has helped to make communications easier through their newsletters and website listing local and state events. We encourage all communities to inform the council of their local events so this will truly be a statewide reading club."

--Dr. Kathleen Butterly Nigro

"Ms. Shange is a superb storyteller. After you've read Betsey Brown to yourself, you can read it to a friend."

The New York Times Book Review

"It's the truth; Betsey Brown is a beautiful, beautiful piece of writing."

Houston Post

"Shange has re-created a humorous, charming and heartbreaking vision of St. Louis and the Brown family that will delight young and old. She can conjure, as if by magic. Betsey Brown is like and enchanting melody."

St. Louis Post Dispatch

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updated 03/30/05