The setting of 1959 in a Texas town in the United States provides the backdrop for this emotionally charged book. Dr. Lucy lives outside of town with animals she has rescued. She lives on her own and has a wall built up against others. When Pete, a neglected 12-year-old boy, shows up at her door wanting help for a wolf-dog hybrid* he found hurt along the side of the road, she can’t turn him away. Pete has such a kind heart and sees so much good in the world. On the day he finds the hurt animal, he meets Justin, an African American boy who is new in town. He walks with him down the street for a bit, not understanding the repercussions* this will have. In 1959, things are still very much segregated*. Justin ends up needing Dr. Lucy’s care. When his father, Calvin, rushes to Dr. Lucy’s house, a spark is ignited* that just won’t dim. But these four people aren’t allowed to be friends, much less a family, when the whole town turns violently against them. With heavy hearts, Dr. Lucy and Pete say goodbye to Calvin and Justin. But through the years they keep hope alive … waiting for the world to catch up with them. Pete develops a special relationship with Prince, as he calls the wolf-dog hybrid. Though it seems like he can’t be tamed, he is not vicious* with Pete. Prince becomes somewhat of a bodyguard for Pete. Their relationship is special and spans time and boundaries. “Say Goodbye for Now” by Catherine Ryan Hyde is at turns heart-breaking and fulfilling. This poignant* tale proves that love can prevail even segregation. (SD-Agencies) |