Book Central: Belle Teal, by Ann M. Martin

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Belle Teal
by Ann M. Martin
Ten-year-old Belle Teal Harper lives with her mother and grandmother on the wrong side of the tracks, in a small rural community during the early 1960's. They don't have much, but they have each other, and Belle Teal feels rich with love and loyalty to her family and her best friends, Clarice and Little Boss.

Although she is excited about the new school year, Belle Teal finds herself beginning to worry about other parts of her life. Her Gran's memory isn't what it used to be. Her mother seems more and more distracted by having to work two jobs to support the family. Little Boss' secret — the bruises and strap marks inflicted by his father, a mean-spirited drinker known as Big Boss — is finally pushing the boy toward losing what's left of his control. And there are two new students in her class, a shy African American boy who finds himself in the center of the town's resistance to integration, and a beautiful girl who craves popularity, seems hell-bent on making life miserable for Belle Teal, and is harboring a secret of her own.

In her most moving work to date, Ann M. Martin captures the powerful voice of a girl discovering the cost of keeping secrets, and the strength and healing power of friendship and family.

Excerpt:
On the way to school the next morning, I make up my mind. I am going to say something to Little Boss about the spitting. Big Boss can be as mean as he wants, but if Little Boss is going to follow in his daddy's footsteps, then he is going to have to deal with me.

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Belle Teal accepts people for who they are. She tries to take care of Darryl why dealing with school and problems at home.
Karley Y. Age 10

I think Belle Teal is one of Ann M. Martin's best books! It is great how she tells about justice and fairness with a story to go with it! There has to be a sequel! I would rate it a 9 or 10!
Lindsey T. Age 9

I really loved this book. Belle Teal, the girl in this book, is so realistic and people can really relate to her. I learned a lot about prejudice, and friendship. It is very well done and I wish there was a sequel or a continuation. After you read it, it will make you look inside people more. Ann M. Martin wrote this book wonderfully.
Courtney T. Age 12

I think this book is a book that people should learn from.
Mary G. Age 10

This is my absolute favorite book by Ann Martin. I liked it because it was about an everyday ordinary girl, in the midst of her friends' and family's problems.
Ecarg Z. Age 12

I think this book is one of the best and most interesting books I've ever read! OUTSTANDING!
Katie W. Age 12

I think this is a great book, because it shows kids you shouldn't judge people because of their skin color. Ann Martin is a wonderful author, which is one more reason why this book rocks.
A. Age 11

I think this book was great and that is why I am using it for a project.
Kareema S. Age 11

Belle Teal was a strong spirit. She made efforts to be friends with a student of a different race. She is a great role model.
Alexandria B. Age 11

A good read. Down to earth, a jewel that shows a difficult yet simple life of a normal, average girl in a changing world.
Jessica L Age 13

Overall I really like this book. It has really showed me how life was back then. I think that this book teaches you that just because some ones skin color is not like yours does not mean they are different. I also think it teaches you that you should talk to some one before you judge them.
Chelsey M. Age 12

Overall this was a good book. It shows about how mean people can be. Also it makes you think about how great it is that people of all sizes and colors can play together.
Cara L. Age 12

I really like Ann Martin, and this book is one of her best.
Stephanie M. Age 14

This is an absolutely wonderful book or people of all ages. It gives you a point of view that you usually don't see. And to see that someone can have that much compassion for someone else and can stand up for what they believe in is unbelievable. It just gives you a warm feeling inside.
Brean M. Age 17

This is by far the one of the best books I have ever read!
Danny F. Age 10

Belle Teal, I think is a very good example of how hard it was just years ago for an African American kid to be accepted as an equal!!! Belle Teal is one of the only book characters that I really admire!!! I have read it 3 times and still do not get bored of it!!! I would recommend this book to anyone!!!
Diamond M. Age 12

I love this book. It taught me not to judge a book by its cover or a person by how they look.
Megan L. Age 10

This is an awesome book. I could never put it down. I would suggest reading this book to anyone. This book also shows the true meaning of friendship and that it does not matter what someone looks like on the outside it is what is inside that counts.
Malie C. Age 12

This book is awesome! If there were more people like Belle Teal, I think this world would be much better. I'm glad I didn't have to live in those days because I probably would have fought more people than she did. Belle Teal seemed like a real person and you could really feel how she was feeling. This book is FANTASTIC!
Sabrina G. Age 10

I just got done reading this book. I am even doing a book talk on it. I loved it! It's a good book if you like to put yourself into the characters shoes. I would recommend this to anyone!!
Stephanie L. Age 12

I loved this book! It was my favorite book of the year! I could read it over and over again and not get bored of it!
Sagari R. Age 11

I really liked this book. I thought it was sad but it also told of how hard Belle fought to make the boys and girls in her class see how nice
Darryl really is.
Heather H. Age 12

Belle Teal is one of Ann Martins best books yet. It is a heartwarming story about friendship, family, and racial equality.
Caitlin M. Age 11

I loved Belle Teal. She seemed so real. When I write stories I sometimes have a hard time getting the characters to come to life, but it really feels like Belle Teal is sitting next to me telling her story.
Melanie L Age 15

I read one sentence and I already knew I loved it. So I read the rest. I wasn't really surprised because Ms. Martin writes #1 books, and this one's no exception!
Alex D. Age 9