Kizzy Ann Stamps, by Jeri Watts

Summer is coming to a close and Kizzy Ann Stamps is getting ready to start a new school year, but there are more difficulties on the horizon for her than getting school supplies and waking up early, she is going to a new school due to integration. Her former teacher, Mrs. Warren, challenged the students to write to their new teacher, Miss Anderson, so Kizzy Ann writes the first letter that leads to many more leading up to the start of school when her new teacher gives her a journal to continue to record her thoughts. 

Another constant in Kizzy Ann's life is her border collie, Shag, who doesn't look at her differently due to a scar on her cheek; a result of a farming accident involving a neighbor boy, Frank Charles. He and his father are nothing but mean to Kizzy Ann, which makes it all the more surprising when Frank Charles begins to follow her around to see her training Shag with the help of Mr. McKenna. The training is in preparation for a sheep herding competition that there is no certainty she will be allowed to enter due to the color of her skin.

The training provides a much needed distraction from the uncertainty among the students, despite having such a wonderful teacher. Kizzy Ann's brother is in High School and is not so lucky. He has to deal with teachers who refuse to teach the students of color, claiming that just because they were forced to take black students doesn't mean they have to teach them. He's also frustrated with being forced, along with the other black boys, to be on the JV team without the chance to make Varsity. 

Watts does a remarkable job of combining historical events with the endearing tale of a girl trying to get her footing in a world that is constantly shifting underfoot and a dog that she can always steady in her love and dedication.