Glory Be

October 24, 2011
The hot summer of 1964 in Hanging Moss, Miss., is the setting for Scattergood’s modest debut, featuring high-spirited Glory, who is looking forward to celebrating her 12th birthday on the Fourth of July with her traditional party at the town pool. But the civil rights movement is sprouting throughout the South, and a group of Freedom Workers has arrived in Hanging Moss, causing consternation among many townspeople and resulting in actions that dismay Glory—like the closing of the segregated pool. Scatter-good divides the characters a little too neatly into the good guys (Glory’s preacher father and her sister, Jesslyn; their loyal housekeeper, Emma; and the town librarian) and the bad guys (the high school football star; his town councilman father; and prejudiced busybody Mrs. Simpson), but she aptly portrays Glory’s emotional confusion as she struggles to understand and cope with the turmoil. Also well done is the changing relationship between Glory and Jesslyn, as well as her roller-coaster friendship with her best buddy, Frankie. Scattergood’s effective snapshot of the fight against segregation, one town at a time, makes personal the tumultuous atmosphere of the times. Ages 9–12.

Cassandra Morris's youthful voice is perfect for spunky Gloriana. Glory is looking forward to summer days of swimming in the community pool and celebrating her twelfth birthday. But the year is 1964, and the place is Hanging Moss, Mississippi. With the arrival of Northerners who plan to run a clinic, friendships, politics, and values are about to change. In a slight Southern accent, Morris makes Glory sound believably indignant when her sister chooses her cosmetics over a game of "junk" poker. Morris also captures Glory's mixed emotions as she looks back on her decision to share secrets. Supporting characters, especially thoughtful housekeeper Emma and spiteful Mrs. Simpson, are memorable, with Morris's portrayals adding to the story's verisimilitude. An afterword by the author completes the production. A.R. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine