White Socks Only

White Socks Only is a multicultural children’s book intended for young readers, ages 5-8 years old. It ws written by Evelyn Coleman and illustrated by Tyrone Geter in 1996. The book was about when a grandma was a little girl in Mississippi, she sneaked into town one hot summer day. She saw the "Whites Only" sign on the water fountain, she had no idea what she would happen when she took off her shoes and wearing her clean white socks.

The genre of this book is historical fiction.  Judging people by skin color is as thoughtless as judging people by the color of their socks because the little girl misinterpreted the “Whites Only” sign at the water fountain. She thought the sign meant that a person could only drink out of the fountain when wearing white and no other color. Back in the day, segregation was enforced and blacks and white were not allowed in the same area. The illustration of the book was very beautiful water color that made the story very engaging. Tyrone Geter’s paintings richly evoke its heat, mood, and legendary spirit.

Questions:

1. Why did the old black woman take off her shoes and drink from the fountain?
2. What did the little girl show the grown-ups that day in town? Why was it important?
3. What part did the Chicken Man play at the end of the story?
4. Why did the little girl take her shoes off to drink from the water fountain?

Motivational Activities!

• This book could generate great discussion on American views on segregation during the mid-1900s as well as the laws that stifled African Americans during that same time frame. Although the story was set during the 19^thcentury. You could have a class discussion about segregation and its contribution.
•  Review the history of Civil Rights with the class.

Key Topics: 

·   Pro-Social Behaviors

·   Civil Rights

·   Equal Rights

·   Segregation

·   Inclusion

·   Diversity

·   Citizenship

·   Superstition

If you enjoyed this book written by Evelyn Coleman you may also enjoy some of her other children’s books. A few examples for you are:

• Freedom Train
• Shadows on Society Hill
• Circle of Fire
• Born in Sin

Also what I really like about this author is that her novels are  for young readers, which have thoughtfully explored issues of race in ways that allow children to see realities without sugar-coating or bitterness!

Coleman, E., & Geter, T. (1996). White socks only. Morton Grove, Ill.: A. Whitman.