Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood

Glory was used to her life in the small town of Hanging Moss, Mississippi.  She loved swimming in the town pool, visiting the library, and hanging out in the kitchen with Emma, her maid.  But it was the summer of 1964 and things were going to change.

One day Glory discovers the pool is closing for an indefinite time and she is beside herself, not only is it unbearably hot, but she usually celebrates her birthday at the pool.  All kinds of rumors are going around town, but when Glory discovers they closed the pool because they didn't want blacks swimming in it, she is furious.  During the turbulent times of 1964, with the Freedom people trying to help blacks establish equality, Mississippi is right in the middle of the battle.  Glory, innocent to most of the hatred, knows she loves Emma and her town pool.  Can Emma make a difference or is she going to get into a whole mess of trouble?  A story about race, family and growing up.  (Think The Help for 5th graders.)