Iggie's House

New Friends 2010-06-10

Reviewer: Kerri Busteed

When Iggie moves out of her house Winnie is heartbroken, that is until the new family moves in. There is a younger girl and two boys her age. Winnie is so excited she runs all the way home to tell her mom. The most exciting part to Winnie is that they are a black family. She has never really had any black friends and can't wait to get to know them. Winnie's enthusiasm however is not shared by everyone in her community. As the book is written in 1970, there were still many neighborhoods that were all white and "those kind" were not wanted. Some people feared they would bring about others of their kind and gangs, riots and bad things would follow. Winnie strives not only to become good friends with the family, but to help the neighbors see that they are just like everyone else.

The book is in fact written forty years ago, so why review it now? I think it is a classic book that is a great reminder to all. We may not have as much of the racism toward African American people today, but whether people want to admit it or not it still exists. It may be that people don't want a gay couple in their neighborhood, Latino Family, poor people or whatever. Unfortunately, racism still exists and I believe this is still a very good book for young readers.

By Kerri J. Busteed
Author of Will's First Hunt Will's First Hunt

All in all it was very good !!! 2010-03-26

Reviewer: Ava A. Boone

We recieved the book pretty fast which made my daughter happy. It was alittle old but in good shape and the price was RIGHT for her since she paid for it with her allowance. Overall WE were pleased.

I learned a lot from this book. 2009-12-08

Reviewer: J. DONNELLY

I read this book when I was in the 5th grade. I am from a place where racism can be a huge factor at times. I have always looked back at what I learned in this book to guide me in how I act and react to situations where racism or different cultures are involved. My parents taught me well on racial issues, but sometimes learning things on your own at a young age sticks with you longer. I think every kid should read this book.

Blume the dyed-in-the-wool liberal 2008-12-28

Reviewer: Alexandra Spears

While I found the book entertaining, Blume comes across as preachy.

Everyone has the right to like/not like someone for ANY reason, race included. HOWEVER--it doesn't give anyone the right to harass anyone else.

If someone prefers to be around others of their own race, that is their right.

She mentions the Detroit race riots in the book. My dad was living in Detroit at the time and saw it first-hand--he could not go home from work for three days, it was that bad.

a book of reality 2006-11-10

Reviewer:

This book is short and you can read it in a couple of days or if you love to read it may only take you a couple of hours. The book is about a girl named Winnie whose best friend moves away and her best friends house is sold to a black family named the Gerbers. Know one in the neighborhood likes them. Every one in their neighborhood is white.
This book teaches a valuable lesson that color of skin does not matter. You can hang out with who ever you want no matter what your nationality . Some people think skin color matters and that black people and white people shouldn't hang out together. This book teaches you that it's okay to.