Dear Diary, 

This week we are cracking open a new book! I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl was written by Joyce Hansen and published in 1997. It was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award in 1998, which recognizes "outstanding books for young adults and children by African Americans that reflect the African American experience."

In this book, we meet Patsy, a 12-year-old girl who uses others' tendency to underestimate her to her advantage. Now that the Civil War has ended, Patsy wonders what freedom means when she still lives and works on a plantation in South Carolina. Does she still have to hide the fact that she can read? Will she and her fellow freed folk get what has been promised? 

Join us as we delve into the history of Reconstruction and discuss this remarkable book. 

Yours Truly,

Cate and Jen 

RibbonBookClubPod.com

@RibbonBookPod on Facebook and Instagram

Edited by Danny Heck  

Theme music by Ericka Page @theerickapage 

Cover art by Chelsea Tanis @TheTrumpetClub

Research help by Callie Cherry  @_likethefruit