Frank, Steven B. Armstrong & Charlie.

Frank, Steven B.  Armstrong & Charlie. Houghton Mifflin     2017  298p  $16.99      ISBN 978-0-544-82608-3  elem/ms      Historical Fiction  VG-BN

In 1970's Los Angeles, Charlie is not looking forward to 6th grade, because when he graduates he will be older than his older brother (who has died) ever was. Armstrong is not looking forward to 6th grade either, because as an African American he’ll be participating in Opportunity Busing and attending an all-white school (Charlie's school) in Hollywood, away from his neighborhood friends. While the boys do not initially get along well, an unlikely friendship develops as the story progresses. Filled with typical adolescent antics and development, this book is hilarious as well as emotional.

Steven B. Frank has written a fantastic story about desegregation and how it affects entire communities in very different ways. It is very powerful because the main characters, all adolescents, see through the color issue and could teach some of the adults and other students a few things. Carefully and sensitively written, the novel accurately depicts aspects of this issue and the era in a novel that will entertain and educate young readers.

Summary: In 1970's Los Angeles, Charlie is not looking forward to 6th grade, because when he graduates he will be older than his older brother (who has died) ever was.  Meanwhile, Armstrong is not looking forward to 6th grade either, because as an African American, he’ll be participating in Opportunity Busing and attending an all-white school in Hollywood, Charlie’s school.    

Desegregation-Fiction                                             --Virginia McGarvey