Kizzy Ann Stamps

Gr 5–8—During the summer of 1963, 12-year-old Kizzy Ann begins a correspondence with the woman who will be her teacher at the newly integrated school in rural Virginia. The first-person narrative is told in the form of letters and later classroom journal entries directed towards Miss Anderson. Kizzy Ann, who has attended a one-room all black school, writes about her fear of integration and her frustrations as the year progresses. She also shares her tender feelings towards her beloved border collie, Shag. When some of the girls in her class inform her that blacks will never be allowed to enter a dog show, Kizzy is disheartened. However, she connects with a neighbor who helps her to take Shag's training to a whole new level and introduces her to the world of dog trials. Kizzy Ann is a sympathetic, sometimes humorous, hopeful girl who demonstrates courage and determination. Her voice is somewhat inconsistent, sometimes feeling much older than her 12 years. Quincy Tyler Bernstine convincingly voices Kizzy, adeptly capturing both the hope and fear she feels during her first year at the integrated school. She also provides unique voices for the other leading characters. While the telling takes on the feel of an adult reminiscing at times, that may be more a function of the story rather than the narrator. Fans of historical fiction or dogs will enjoy Watts's touching story (Candlewick, 2012).—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT