Overground railroad The Green Book and the roots of Black travel in America : the young adult adaptation

Candacy A. Taylor

Book - 2022

"A young reader's edition of Candacy Taylor's acclaimed book about the history of the Green Book, the guide for Black travelers Overground Railroad chronicles the history of the Green Book, which was published from 1936 to 1966 and was the "Black travel guide to America." For years, it was dangerous for African Americans to travel in the United States. Because of segregation, Black travelers couldn't eat, sleep, or even get gas at most white-owned businesses. The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, department stores, gas stations, recreational destinations, and other businesses that were safe for Black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem. It took courage to be listed... in the Green Book, and the stories from those who took a stand against racial segregation are recorded and celebrated. This young reader's edition of Candacy Taylor's critically acclaimed adult book Overground Railroad includes her own photographs of Green Book sites, as well as archival photographs and interviews with people who owned and used these facilities. The book also includes an author's note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index"--

Saved in:

2nd Floor Show me where

973.00496/Taylor
1 / 1 copies available
Location Call Number   Status
2nd Floor 973.00496/Taylor Checked In
Subjects
Published
New York : Amulet Books [2022]
Language
English
Main Author
Candacy A. Taylor (author, -)
Item Description
Maps on endpapers.
"The New York Times notable book adapted for young adults"--Cover.
Adapted for young adults from the book Overground railroad : the Green Book and the roots of Black travel in America. Originally published: New York : Abrams Press, 2020.
Physical Description
254 pages : illustrations (some color), color maps ; 23 cm
Audience
Ages 12 and Up
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 227-246) and index.
ISBN
9781419749490
  • Introduction: Are we there yet?
  • The business of the Green Book
  • Driving while Black
  • The fight
  • A license to leave
  • All aboard
  • Vacation
  • Music venues
  • The roots of Route 66
  • Women and the Green Book
  • A change is gonna come
  • Integration and the double-edged sword of progress
  • Epilogue: America after the Green Book.
Review by Booklist Review

The rise of the automobile gave Americans freedom on the open road--but not all Americans. To help Black travelers navigate stores, gas stations, hotels, and other businesses, Harlem postal carrier Victor Hugo Green created the Green Book in 1936. In this young adult adaptation of her New York Times Notable Book, Taylor goes beyond the history of the Green Book to place it within the context of the country's struggles with race and social mobility. While the author gives a chronological progression of the Green Book, from a short, New York City--based guide to an international one, thematic chapters address Jim Crow laws and dangers to Black drivers, businesses one would encounter in this guide, and Black Americans' burgeoning freedom to travel and vacation. Additional chapters show the influence the Green Book had on the Great Migration, Black women business owners, and Black-owned music venues. Enhancing the impeccable writing is an attractive design with Green Book covers, images of the guide's sites, and other period photographs. The final chapter highlights the "double-edged sword of progress" as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ceased the need for the Green Book but also closed many of its Black-owned businesses. Taylor concludes with a look at modern Black travel. An impressive insight into Black history that still resonates today.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

The history of a travel guide for African Americans that reflected far more than just issues of mobility for its users. From 1936 to 1966, the Green Book was a successful guide supporting Black people traveling during a time of segregation. Its creator, letter carrier Victor Green, creatively developed his publication into a wide-ranging product that stood out from similar guides of the era. As the automobile became ubiquitous, African Americans sought guidance about establishments that would accept their business and where they could be safe. Discriminatory practices were common around the U.S., so Green expanded his coverage to include most of the country. The Green Book also served as a way to promote Black businesses. Following World War II, it highlighted historically Black colleges where returning veterans, denied admission to predominantly White institutions, could use the GI Bill for education. From 1949 to 1957, Green's Reservation Bureau initiative supported customers with navigating international travel. Taylor has skillfully adapted her acclaimed 2020 adult title for teens into a smooth, readable volume that provides context for the rise of Black travel guides and the societal changes that Green and his wife, Alma, responded to. Her insights into the significance of the Green Book for women are fascinating, as is the compelling look at the costs and benefits of integration for Black Americans. Numerous images greatly enhance the text. Meticulous research and lively anecdotes combine to provide a powerful volume of social history. (notes, bibliography, image credits, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.