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DARBY
(young adult novel, published by Candlewick Press, spring 2002, published by Walker Books of London, spring 2003)
Darby Carmichael thinks her best friend is probably the smartest person she knows, even though, as Mama says, Evette's school uses worn-out books and crumbly chalk. Whenever they can, Darby and Evette shoot off into the woods beyond the farm to play at being fancy ladies and schoolteachers. One thing Darby has never dreamed of being - not until Evette suggests it - is a newspaper girl who writes down the truth for all to read. In no time, and with more than a little assistance from Evette, Darby and her column in the Bennettsville Times are famous in town and beyond. But is Marlboro County, South Carolina, circa 1926, ready for the racial firestorm its youngest reporter unintentionally creates?
(ages 9 and up)
Awards and notices
·Recommended read on the Today Show, summer 2002
·Book Sense Top Five, summer 2002
·Girl's Life Magazine Top Ten, summer 2002
·Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner, 2002
·Zinger's Booklist for Best of 2002 Intermediate Grades
·Baltimore Magazine, Best of Baltimore Award, 2002
·Library Talk starred review 2002
·PBS, Teachersource Recommended Book
·2003 Notable Social Studies Book for Young People
·International Reading Association Award Notable Book, 2003
·Read Across America Selection
·Children's Literature Choice List, 2003
·Governor Hodges's 2002-2003 Middle School Reading Challenge selection (South Carolina)
·Alberta (Canada) Human Rights Citizenship Commission bibliography selection, "Exploring Human Rights with Children and Teens"
·William Allen White Children's Book Award Master List, 2004-2005, winner to be announced
·Mark Twain Award Finalist, 2004-2005, winner to be announced
·Chinaberry Catalogue Selection, Winter 2004
·Brodart's TOP Young Adult Titles
·Joan Sugarman Award honorable mention, one of four best children's books in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, 2003-04
·Iowa's Children's Choice Award Finalist, 2005-2006, winner to be announced
Representative reviews
"... this book is the just reward of a good ear and hard work."
- The Philadelphia Inquirer
"This story of racism in a small Southern town is powerful and beautifully written. Little Darby is unforgettable and an inspiration to all. I highly recommend this book."
- Children's Book Sense 76 (Linda Johnson)
"The root of this work stems from a series of oral history interviews the author conducted - and that's what makes it ring with truth. Darby symbolizes how one person, even a child, can make a difference."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Although the power of the 'out of the mouths of babes' article seems simplistic, Darby's character is not...her voice, rich with Southern idiom, rings true."
- The Horn Book
"Darby is a sweet, engaging character, full of spunk and a sense of fairness. Fuqua's writing style is equally engaging, with just the right balance of humor and serious intensity."
- VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
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