"Mama cleaned houses,
and Papa got a weekend job.
We became members of a co-op,
Hamer's Building and Loans,
and others shared with us.
They taught us how to save and
help each other. And our
thrift manager approved our
application for a loan. That's
how we got our home."
I don't know nearly enough about some things, and I'm always impressed and happy to learn something new from a book for kids. So, when I started reading this book, I knew very little about how redlining impacts community. Alison's birthday party is coming to an end, when Olivia (who has really enjoyed the party atmosphere) invites the other kids in attendance to come to the annual block party on her street. Alison's response is a huge surprise when she tells Olivia she can't be there because her mom says Main Street isn't safe.
"My stomach aches.
My face is hot.
My eyes fill with water.
I can't wait to leave."
She cries as she tells her mama what Alison said about Main Street where they live. Mama doesn't have a response. The ride home makes clear to Olivia the differences as they move from Alison's neighborhood to her own. Ms. Effie is outside when they get home. Olivia needs a chat. As she expresses her sadness over what Alison said, Ms. Effie relates a story from her childhood when she heard the same thing.
The bank wouldn't lend her family money for a house, citing the thought that Main Street was not a good neighborhood. Her family knew it was perfect for them, and still is for many reasons. Neighbors on Main Street help each other, and work together to provide the money needed for a new home. Ms. Effie also worried about what people were saying. To help Olivia understand, she goes inside to get a map, and brings it back outside to help her explain just exactly how redlining was used to separate 'Black, Brown, and Jewish people' from others by calling where they lived 'hazardous' places.
People began to believe it to be true. Though others abandoned those who lived on Main Street, friends and neighbors did not abandon each other. Olivia feels better after their talk, and realizes that Main Street is a wonderful place to be. Off the two go to join their neighbors for the 62nd Annual Block Party - a time of happy celebration.
An author's note adds further information about redlining, including the fact that it was outlawed in 1968, but such feelings still exist and the effects of it continue to be felt in many such communities. A list of ways to care within neighborhoods is appended. Historically accurate and easy to understand, with digital art that mirrors the tone and welcoming nature of the Main Street community, this is an ode to the human spirit.
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