Charlotte Bakeman Has Her Say

Charlotte Bakeman is growing up in Green Glen in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire. It's 1936 and times are hard. Lots of families can't pay their bills and French Canadian mill workers are losing their jobs. But Charlotte's family is doing okay and Charlotte is a mostly happy 11 year old.Except for her shyness.She can't speak up in class and she can't deal with the class bullies. Charlotte embarrasses herself by running away from school during recess. It's in the woods that she meets and befriends Armand, the tramp, and gets to know Leona,the pest. They're both French Canadian.Charlotte learns that a lot of her neighbors don't like French Canadians, the people they call "Canucks". Even Charlotte's best friend, Francie.Charlotte believes everyone should be treated the same way,with respect and she's a loyal friend. But can she conquer her shyness, stand up for her friend and finally have her say?

MARY E. FINGER grew up in a small town in New Hampshire during the Depression of the 1930s. She currently lives in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. This is her first novel for children.