White Lilacs by Carolyn Meyer tells the story of 12-year-old Rose Lee Jefferson, an African American girl living in 1921 Freedomtown, Texas, a thriving Black community. When the white residents of the surrounding town of Dillon plan to displace Freedomtown to build a park, Rose Lee witnesses her community's fight to preserve their homes and heritage against systemic racism and class prejudice. This novel contains themes of racial violence and discrimination.

Carolyn Meyer’s White Lilacs presents a poignant depiction of racial tensions in 1920s Texas through engaging storytelling and well-developed characters. Reviewers praise its historical accuracy and emotional depth but note that the pacing can be uneven. Despite this, the novel’s exploration of resilience and community garners overall positive reception.

The ideal reader for White Lilacs by Carolyn Meyer would enjoy historical fiction that delves into African American experiences, particularly in the early 20th century. Fans of Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry or Lois Lowry's Number the Stars will appreciate the book's rich narrative and strong, resilient characters dealing with societal challenges.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Dark / Emotional / Inspirational

- White Lilacs by Carolyn Meyer is based on real historical events that took place in the early 1920s in the African American community of Quakertown, Texas.
- Carolyn Meyer was inspired to write White Lilacs after visiting McKinney, Texas, where she learned about the history of Quakertown through local historians and community stories.

**Rose Lee Jefferson**  
A 12-year-old Black girl serving as the first-person narrator, who lives in Freedom, Texas. She helps in her family’s garden and kitchen, and loves drawing.

**Henry Jefferson**  
Rose Lee’s 21-year-old brother, who returned from fighting in World War I. He is passionate about resisting the planned forced relocation of their community.

**Aunt Susannah**  
Rose Lee’s well-educated aunt from St. Louis who moves to Freedom. She works as a schoolteacher and provides guidance to the community.

**Catherine Jane Bell**  
The 14-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bell. She used to be friends with Rose Lee and still sympathizes with her despite their families' differences.

**Emily Firth**  
A schoolteacher at the white school in Dillon. She encourages Rose Lee's artistic talents and supports the Black community through education.

**Mr. Thomas Bell**  
An employer of Rose Lee’s family and a key figure in the white society of Dillon. His actions secretly drive the decision to force the Black citizens out of Freedom.

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