A true story of how racism nearly destroyed a small Southern community. Based on historical events that happened between 1958 and 1960 in Front Royal, Virginia, this autobiographical work of creative non-fiction follows the lives of two boys -- one white and one black.The two are caught up in the calamity when their small, Southern community becomes the first place in the nation where the public high school is closed to avoid being integrated. Their town is divided between hard-line, old South segregationists and those who support integration. Although the boys' experiences are very different, their dreams and aspirations are similar. Both Davey and Jackie find themselves on perilous paths where they have little control over what will happen to them. This story reveals:The depth and complexities of the human side of this civil rights story. Multiple plot lines with memorable characters. Psychological tension, conflict, and suspense. Humor.1950s nostalgia.And even a murder mystery.
