Legend of Buddy Bush

Legend of Buddy Bush
By Shelia P. Moses
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004. 216 pgs. Young Adult

Twelve-year-old Pattie Mae can't wait to go north to visit her older sister and to get away from Rehobeth Road in North Carolina. Although she has loving grandparents and a mother who is strict but caring, Pattie Mae is eager to go to Harlem. In the meantime, though, she's enjoying spending time with her uncle Buddy, who even takes her to see her very first movie. However, Buddy is accused of attacking a white woman, and in the 1947 South, just being black is enough to convict Buddy of a crime he didn't commit. As the family tries to help Buddy, they must also deal with Grandpa's failing health.

Pattie Mae is absolutely delightful; her story is one that will have readers laughing and crying on the same page. The rich setting, excellent character development, and interesting storyline provide something for just about everyone. This great work of historical fiction is a National Book Award finalist and a Coretta Scott King honor book, and I am delighted to know that there's a sequel, The Return of Buddy Bush, which I'm checking out immediately.

AE