In 2005, Barbara Hathaway won the Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Talent for her novel Missy Violet & Me. As the library highlights Black History Month with an exhibit of titles about the African-American experience, this is an excellent time to draw people's attention to Ms. Hathaway's book. Read on to learn more about the book and how you can access a copy of it.
Missy Violet and Me by Barbara Hathaway
Don’t let the size of this book fool you. It is compact, but full of energy. In her award-winning novel, Barbara Hathaway tells about a young girl named Viney who apprentices with a midwife over the summer in order to pay off a family debt. The author sets the story in a rural community in the early part of the 20th century, and, through her descriptive language, readers get a feel for Viney’s world and the role of a midwife. Despite the short length of the novel, Ms. Hathaway ably conveys the African-American culture, the role of midwifes and medicine in a rural community, and the fears and joys of a little girl. I enjoyed Viney’s spunkiness and reading about ‘catchin’ babies,’ and those who are interested in medicine, midwifery, and/or African-American culture will likely enjoy the book too. Reviewed by Hilary Writt
The book can be found in the juvenile fiction section of the library, with the call number JF F, and if you need assistance in finding it, please don't hesitate to ask one of the librarians. We will be glad to assist you.
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