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Ruth and the Green Book Kindle Edition

4.7 out of 5 stars 432

The picture book inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film The Green Book


Ruth was so excited to take a trip in her family's new car! In the early 1950s, few African Americans could afford to buy cars, so this would be an adventure. But she soon found out that Black travelers weren't treated very well in some towns. Many hotels and gas stations refused service to Black people. Daddy was upset about something called Jim Crow laws . . .



Finally, a friendly attendant at a gas station showed Ruth's family
The Green Book. It listed all of the places that would welcome Black travelers. With this guidebook—and the kindness of strangers—Ruth could finally make a safe journey from Chicago to her grandma's house in Alabama.



Ruth's story is fiction, but
The Green Book and its role in helping a generation of African American travelers avoid some of the indignities of Jim Crow are historical fact.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-4–Ruth's father just bought a beautiful new 1952 Buick, making it a big day for this African-American family. They are going from Chicago to Alabama to visit Grandma. Ruth is very excited to be traveling, but the family encounters “whites only” restrooms, hotels, and restaurants along the way. It's very discouraging and sometimes scary, but they learn that some friendly faces may be found at local Esso stations, which are among the few franchises open to black businessmen. At a station near the Georgia border, they are introduced to Victor H. Green's The Negro Motorist Green Book, an early AAA guidebook of sorts that listed establishments or homes that would serve African Americans–be it for general services, housing, or meals. Ruth eventually becomes the Green Book specialist in the family, helping to guide them to an auto-repair shop or an inn that would welcome them. But, the best part of the trip is finally arriving at Grandma's, as illustrated by the loving expressions on all faces. A one-page concluding summary discusses the importance of The Green Book, which was in use from 1936-1964, when the Civil Rights Act was finally signed, banning racial discrimination. The realistic illustrations are done in oil wash on board, a self-described “subtractive process.” The picture is painted, then erased to “paint” the final product. Overall, there is a sepialike quality to the art, giving the impression of gazing at old color photos. This is an important addition to picture book collections, useful as a discussion-starter on Civil Rights or as a stand-alone story.–Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CAα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

In this powerful picture book, Atlanta playwright Ramsey tells a 1950s story from “unknown pages in African American history.” Cooper’s glowing, unframed, sepia-toned artwork delivers a strong sense of the period from a child’s viewpoint. Driving with her parents from Chicago to Grandma’s house in Alabama, Ruth is excited until the family is refused access to the restroom at a service station. They face more bitter realities of segregation when they sleep in the car because they are turned away from hotels. The double-page spreads show the hurt, anger, and scariness of the “No Vacancy” signs, but words and images also capture moments of peace, as Ruth sings and feels safe with her loving parents as they drive across the country. Then they are welcomed at an Esso station, where they get a copy of the pamphlet called The Negro Motorist Green Book, which lists places where black people are welcome. A joyful reunion with Grandma brings the book to a warm close. With a long final note about The Green Book, this is a compelling addition to U.S. history offerings. Grades 2-5. --Hazel Rochman

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00GIRTWNA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Carolrhoda Books ®; Illustrated edition (November 1, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 54222 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0761352554
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 432

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
432 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
This book is a gem and a must-read for ALL children. The creation of The Green Book by Mr. Victor H. Green was not only ingenious, but, a GOD-send for African Americans.
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2022
Reading this story should be a must in every school. After I married my husband I discovered that not everyone was as friendly to mixed marriages as where we lived. I was shocked to discover how much is still separate and yes I fear for my children. If we would read books like this to our young ones I believe we could make real changes by teaching them we are all a family. I would give this book 10 stars if possible.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2016
As a former children's librarian EONS ago I was glad to procure this for my personal collection (children's books are often great art and literature).
But as a Caucasian dude I wouldn't have likely discovered this book if The Seattle Times' weekly "Autos" advertising feature hadn't highlighted a syndicated piece about the late Victor Green's 3-decade serial (updated regularly btwn. 1936-66) "The Negro Motorist Green Book."
No, this ISN'T a child's book about S&H Green Stamps (Google it!) nor a book about "how to be more 'earth-friendly.'"
Short of being able to procure my own copy of Green's guide (which I'd ultimately donate to my local public library or an appropriate history museum) I couldn't find additional information about the guide.
Since I already have a tiny collection of "kiddy lit," I added "Ruth and the Green Book" to that collection. It's received great reviews from the top children's literature review sources, eg School Library Journal, the American Library Assn.
Great historical fiction and truly good illustrations.
14 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2017
What is so important to the study of history - even, or perhaps especially, for young people - is the ability to feel the past. It is very difficult to acheive this, as sensitive topics are most often presented in a "now we know better" kind of way, as if to circumvent human compassion and make us glad we live here now and not back then.

In Ruth and the Green Book, we have the opportunity to view a very real and common situation through the eyes of a child. We feel the hurt of prejudice with her - the shame, the fear, and the confusion that comes with having to face reality as it is. We learn through her experience about the history of the United States. But her triumph, at the end, is personal. It does not belong to a nation.
8 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2018
A poignant and beautiful book based on the travel experiences of African Americans travelling in the 50s using the Green Book to locate restaurants, gas stations and bed and breakfasts in the US. I never knew about the Green Book (1930-60s) and this book is a wonderful introduction about the history behind the purpose. The illustrations are gorgeous and support the storyline perfectly. This book should be included as part of the social studies curriculum for elementary aged children.
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2017
The content is very good. The writing is just not appealing. Mostly narrative and not enough conversation. This turned the book into more of a documentary than a children's book.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2010
For me, the illustrations in this book almost steal the show... they are magnificent and evocative!

Because it is not very long, at first I thought that the story would not be adequate to the task of exploring the "Green Book" theme.

But after reading it through, I realized that the story does touch on all the important points, and the author is simply using a judicious economy of words.

The story is all it needs to be, and strikes just the right tone, demonstrating how wrong segregation was from the level of basic humanity.

The book ends up packing quite a powerful punch, but in an understated way.

I'm looking forward to sharing this book with friends, both the old ones and the young ones, and recommending it to others.
36 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2011
I bought this book for my grandchildren.....actually, because it was picked by the American Library Association as one of their favorite children's books, I sent them three copies, the other two for them to give as gifts. Gwen Strauss is a very talented person in her narative and writing skill. Not only do my grandchildren love the book, they want to keep all three copies! Equally important, their parents are very impressed with the book as well. This is a family that watches no television, reading is their favorite pass time. So to find a book that they don't have and is new for them is an extra plus. Very impressive!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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West Mountain
5.0 out of 5 stars As the continent was transformed by highways and the personal automobile, other things were slower to change ....
Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2018
Thoughtful look at a sad time in North American history -- how people of African descent co-operated to find a way around the restrictions they faced when trying to travel. I bought the Kindle edition and the only drawback was not being able to see the beautiful illustrations in as much detail as I'd hoped.
K. Waechtler
3.0 out of 5 stars Un bon livre éducatif, l’histoire est moins entrainante...
Reviewed in France on July 12, 2018
J’ai pris ce livre pour enseigner le thème de la segration autrement en anglais au collège. Je pense que c’est plutot réussi comme livre eductive sur cette période. On voit les souffrances de sa famille qui vient d’obtenir une voiture, mais qui est la bienvenue nul part.
L’histoire en tant que telle, est peu naturelle ayant clairement un but histoirique clair. Je suis contente de mon achat, mais d’autres, ceux qui l’acheterai juste pour lire avec leurs enfants, risque d’être plus déçu
Happy shopper
5.0 out of 5 stars Happy shopper
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2012
A well presented storyline, a piece of history accessible to young inexperienced readers curious to know more about how others live their lives. A topic sensitive to many but sensitively written.
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