Belle Teale
About this book
Belle Teal's life isn't easy, but she gets by. She lives with her mother and grandmother far out in the country. They don't have much money, but Belle Teal feels rich with their love. As school begins, Belle Teal faces unexpected challenges. Her best friends are up against some big problems. And there are two new students in Belle Teal's class: a shy boy caught in the town's furor over desegregation, and a snob who has problems of her own. As her world falls apart, Belle Teal discovers the importance of sticking together.Reviews
“A genuinely moving tale about the necessity to reach out to others, even when it's difficult” – Kirkus Reviews* “Honest and moving . . . Preteens will relate to Belle Teal, whose observations provide an eye-popping introduction to social and personal injustice.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“You will love Belle, her mom, and Gran. This family of women knows how to raise a young one to stand up for what's right.” – Book Sense Children's 76 Picks
“Considerable child appeal and heart . . . a solid piece of work with an absorbing plot.” – SLJ
“With the same sincere and empathetic handling of grade-school life that made her Baby-sitters Club books so popular, Martin here deftly draws a more complicated portrait of a racially integrating fifth-grade class . . . The writing is graceful and easy, with Belle Teal's narration distinctly and convincingly evoked.” – The Horn Book
