Junebug

A fictionalized account of Wilson Edward Reed, PhDs experience growing up Black in the South during the 1950s and 60s, Junebug is a middle-grade novel that shows how to move beyond hardships, like those many faced while living under Jim Crow. Full of humor and heartache, Junebug depicts a young persons journey to find self-worth despite American societys onslaught of negative messaging determined to define ones identity and futurethe kind that can come from any side. The story follows Junebugs exploits with his friends, the loss of his mother, and his struggles with racial discrimination, before he sets his sights beyond Mississippi. After taking the 2,600 mile bus journey to Seattle, Junebug is encouraged by his three aunts to earn a college degree, all while his spiritual and emotional growth is on display. Like the Sankofa bird, Junebug is able to make peace with his past and use that knowledge to move forward as he takes responsibility for his mistakes and forgives those who hurt him. Junebug shows how familial support and community involvement can help motivated individuals rise above anger and discrimination and discover the life of their dreams.