History in a "new" light in New Boy by Julian Houston

Not to judge books by covers, New Boy by Julian Houston may be overlooked by its cover. Rob Garrett is one of the new students at Draper, a boarding school in Connecticut. Up from Virginia, Rob is also the first African-American student to attend. Jim Crow laws are still in effect in the South, yet the rumblings of change and action are starting.

Rob experiences racism and prejudice between all races and ethnic groups, and realizes that he isn't the only one that has such experiences. Yet, he also discovers that maybe he should have done more to help a friend.
Rob's friendship with Gordie brings to light not only the fact that he can be friends with someone who "seems" different from himself, but that prejudice can occur within his own race; a hard reality, but one that lights a fire within Rob. He is motivated to make change for his generation, and becomes involved in a student group to organize a sit-in at his local Woolworth's restaurant.

Not held down in details, Houston writes a realistic tale of a young boy experiences personal motivation for change, love, freedom, and self-reliance. A bit of U.S. history in an easy-to-read and engaging format. A lesson for us all.