Kizzy Ann Stamps
Kizzy Ann Stamps, by Jeri Watts; Candlewick Press: New York, 2012; $15.99 Kizzy Ann Stamps is a normal girl. She has a dog named Shag. She lives on a farm with her mother, father, and...
Issue: <span>March/April 2014</span>
View:
Kizzy Ann Stamps, by Jeri Watts;
Candlewick Press: New York, 2012; $15.99
Kizzy Ann Stamps is a normal girl. She has a dog named Shag. She lives on a farm with her mother, father, and brother. But there’s one catch to this whole “normal girl” business: Kizzy Ann is black.
Today, that wouldn’t be a problem. However, in Kizzy’s time of 1963, being black would have been a huge deal.
Our memories define who we are. They are the things that tie us to meaningful places as well as to the people we have loved. Memories are a part of us.
So who are we without them?
Who are we with nothing but lost, scattered memories?
Who is my grandma?
* * *
The car ride to the retirement home is short.
By Siena DeBenedittis, 13
Illustrated by Montanna Harling, 13
Eleven-thirty, says my watch. I slide out of bed and begin to get dressed. Pajamas on, bathing suit on. I creep out of my room and peek into my parents’, my sister’s, and my brother’s rooms. They are all fast asleep. Putting on a thin sweater, I slip out the door. Eleven-thirty-five, says the clock on the stove.