(Kids Like You Series Book 1)

• Autographed Copy

• Customized Inscription with an instruction you leave in the notes section during checkout

• Makes a great gift

BETWEEN THE LINES tells the story of three girls who become friends during the racially-charged aftermath of the 1967 Detroit Riots.

Honorable Mention Winner in the 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Awards.

Hattie Percha is crushed when the riots start on her tenth birthday, and when she must move away from her treasured childhood home and friends, attending public school for the first time, she’s afraid her life is over. Then, she meets Beverly Jo Nichols, her first black friend, and Crackers, a fearless tomboy. Despite opposition from Hattie’s mother and a racist teacher, the unlikely friends join forces. As the self-proclaimed Dream Girls, they challenge bigotry and intolerance, willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto what’s most precious to them all, their friendship.

I fell in love with this story of three unique fifth graders, Crackers, Beverley and Hattie, who met at a public school in the 1960s and became close friends in a time when their friendship would have noble overtones. The voice of protagonist Hattie (Hedwig Percha) could not be more charming and likeable. The best part about these three little girls is that their individual circumstances and talents will resonate with a vast sector of readers. Many a female will either recognize herself or a friend in one of these girls. Having been born in the same year as the protagonist, I easily saw myself in Hattie and recognized many of the issues and social difficulties she described, yet I could also see how fifth (and fourth, etc.) graders today will thrill to recognized perspectives, situations and challenges. What a cornucopia of memories, emotions and historical information Claudia Whitsitt has so beautifully arranged! Young readers will learn about the 60s and what their grandparents experienced in that changing era. Whitsitt eloquently evokes the single underlying desire of children everywhere—to make and keep friends. The letter from Martin Luther King, Jr. was a brilliant ending, as was Hattie’s observation that her tenth year was her best year ever. Considering how it started, how could she have ever guessed? This book should be in every school library in the USA. ~Writer’s Digest Judge’s Commentary

Claudia Whitsitt was a teacher before she became an author. She loves children and smiles every time someone reads one of her books.

IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to include instructions in the “Notes” field of the checkout page. For example, indicate who you’d like the inscription made out to, where you will pick up the book, i.e. at Launch Party, your child’s school, or if you would like it mailed to you. Please include YOUR CHILD’S NAME AS WELL AS YOUR CHILD’S TEACER’S NAME IN THE ORDER “NOTES” field.