Rhode Island Children's Book Award
2015 · Grades 3-6 · Nominee
About This Book
"We are a family on a journey to a place called wonderful" is the motto of Deza Malone's family. Deza is the smartest girl in her class in Gary, Indiana, singled out by teachers for a special path in life. But the Great Depression hit Gary hard, and there are no jobs for black men. When her beloved father leaves to find work, Deza, Mother, and her older brother Jimmie go in search of him, and end up in a Hooverville outside Flint, Michigan. Jimmie's beautiful voice inspires him to leave the camp to be a performer, while Deza and Mother find a new home, and cling to the hope that they will find Father. The twists and turns of their story reveal the devastation of the Depression and prove that Deza truly is the Mighty Miss Malone.
Awards
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award
2014 · Grades 4-6 · Nominee
Charlotte Award
2014 · Middle School/Grades 6-8 · Nominee
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award
2014 · Children's · Nominee
Mark Twain Readers Award
2014 · Grades 4-6 · Nominee
Alabama Camellia Award
2013 · Grades 4-5 · Nominee
Black-Eyed Susan Award
2013 · Grades 4-6 · Nominee
Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens
2013 · Audiobook · Recommended
Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens
2013 · Ten to Fourteen · Recommended
Massachusetts Children's Book Award
2013 · Children's Book · Nominee
Michigan Notable Books
2013 · Notable Book · Winner
South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award
2013 · Children's · Nominee
Volunteer State Book Award
2013 · Middle School · Nominee
NAPPA Gold Award
2012 · Ages 6 & Up · Winner
