Leaving Gee’s Bend by Irene Latham tells the story of a ten year old girl who leaves her home town of Gee’s Bend to seek medical help for her very ill mother. The year is 1932, when Ludelphia Bennett, an African American girl, sallies forth on her mission, hoping that her mother will not die before she can be seen by a doctor. The book, although geared toward ages 8-12, is a very enjoyable read for adults. The young girl faces obstacles along the way but she overcomes them all. This is a fictional work, 240 pages, and is published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons: ISBN 978-0-399-25179-5
I read this book, cover to cover, and enjoyed it last summer when it was sent to me in an advance uncorrected galley form. The first date of publication was January 7, 2010, so you see, I had to wait all this time to tell you about it. I hope that Irene Latham has more books “in the works.” This one is certainly worthwhile.
From the back cover:
… “Ludelphia weathers each challenge in a way that would make mama proud, including documenting her journey-her story- in a new quilt for Mama as she goes along. In the end, Ludelphia’s courageous adventure saves the day for Mama and all of Gee’s Bend.”
