Betsey Brown
By Ntozake Shange (2005 Selection)
Reader's guide to Betsey Brown
Set against the backdrop of the first attempts to desegregate American schools in the 1950s, Ntozake Shange’s novel, Betsey Brown, tells the story of a St. Louis family faced with changes in their home, in the city where they live, and in the nation at large.
Missourians of all ages prepared to read and discuss Betsey Brown. The St. Louis City and County Library Systems, along with dozens of other library systems across the state, took part in 2005, organizing more than forty programs, including discussions of the book and other programs looking at the history of desegregation.
The National Park Service celebrated ReadMOre 2005 with scheduled talks, discussions and music throughout the month of April at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at the Old Courthouse. They also hosted an exhibit on Brown vs. Board of Education, featuring interpretative text and photographs.
Public and private schools incorporated Betsey Brown into their classes. Many reading groups and book clubs, both public and private, are undertook book discussions. Adult literacy organizations, including Literacy Investment for Tomorrow (LIFT), held discussion programs for adult literacy students.
