About the Book
After the Supreme Court’s 1954 ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, Dawnie Rae Johnson’s world turns upside down when she learns that she will be attending a previously all-white school. Dawnie must endure the harsh realities of racism firsthand while continuing to work hard and prove she deserves the opportunity.
Discussion Questions
- Dawnie’s diary is a special gift from her brother. Why do you think she writes in it so frequently?
- Dawnie’s dad says that smart children need books all around them. Why are books so important to Dawnie and her family? Are they important to you too?
- Yolanda laughed at Dawnie’s dream of being a doctor. Think of a time someone told you that you could not do something. How did it make you feel? What did you do?
- Name some similarities between Gertie and Dawnie. Name some differences.
- The reverend says, “This is a time of hope for our children. The best way to make that hope into something real is to rise and meet it.” What do you think this means?
- Dawnie decides that the best way to get back at the mean teachers and students is to be successful. Do you think this is a good plan? Why or why not?
- How do you think you would feel toward Yolanda after she explains why she has been mean?
- Mr. Dunphy says that change starts with one person. Do you believe this is true? What things do you want to change? How could you start?
- If you were in Dawnie’s class, how could you have made her feel welcome? How could you welcome a new student to your class today?
- Why do you think Gertie lets Dawnie ring the bell? Would you do the same?
