Magnolias Don't Bloom in September, by Carol Lynn Luck, will have teachers thanking God they don't have classes like Kendra's. Kendra, the main character wants to make a difference. Her parents forbid her to join the peace corps. Vista, for some reason, didn't accept her, but they gave her a few suggestions for areas that needed teachers. Kendra chose Mississippi. The year is 1970 and it is the first year of forced integration. Kendra is teaching middle school-aged children who are grades lower scholastically. Some can't even read! She is innovative and comes up with methods, techniques, rewards, and finds success. She also becomes entangled with the politics of 1970 problems in the south.
Somehow, she survives the year. The class not only has learned academic subjects but also respect, acceptance, cooperation, and pride in achievement.
