Overground railroad The Green Book and the roots of Black travel in America

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.

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.