1996 Notable Book for Children, Smithsonian Magazine
Pick of the Lists, American Bookseller
In the segregated south, a young girl thinks that she can drink from a fountain marked "Whites Only" because she is wearing her white socks.
When Grandma was a little girl in Mississippi, she sneaked into town one day. It was a hot day―the kind of hot where a firecracker might light up by itself. But when this little girl saw the "Whites Only" sign on the water fountain, she had no idea what she would spark when she took off her shoes and―wearing her clean white socks―stepped up to drink. Bravery, defiance, and a touch of magic win out over hatred in this acclaimed story by Elevelyn Coleman. Tyrone Geter's paintings richly evoke its heat, mood, and legendary spirit.
Evelyn Coleman is a published author of children's books and young adult books. Some of the published credits of Evelyn Coleman include Freedom Train, Edgar Nominated, Shadows on Society Hill (An Addy Mystery), award winning White Socks Only and To Be a Drum.
Tyrone Geter is a published illustrator of children's books. Some of the published credits of Tyrone Geter include Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Intermediate Grades), Irene and the Big, Fine Nickel.