Dear Diary,

We made another new friend! Added to our collection of National Parks Service Ranger guests is Ranger Sam Mischke from the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Sam told us the fascinating history of Beaufort's role as a hub for the Union Army and freed African Americans beginning in 1861. We talk about different ideas about how best to bring the country back together after the war and what people groups those plans benefitted most. Ranger Sam also tells us about the community of Beaufort and what it is like being a ranger in the area she grew up in. Tune in for a great conversation!

Yours Truly,

Cate and Jen

RibbonBookClubPod.com

@RibbonBookPod on Facebook and Instagram

Edited by Danny Heck

Theme music by Ericka Page @theerickapage

Cover art by Chelsea Tanis @TheTrumpetClub

Research help by Callie Cherry @_likethefruit

Dear Diary,

Today we accomplished a true feat by charging through the rest of Patsy's story! Join us as we power through to find out what happens to Patsy and the rest of the freed folk of Davis plantation.

Will they ever get a teacher? Will Patsy choose her new name?

Yours Truly,

Cate and Jen

RibbonBookClubPod.com

@RibbonBookPod on Facebook and Instagram

Edited by Danny Heck

Theme music by Ericka Page @theerickapage

Cover art by Chelsea Tanis @TheTrumpetClub

Research help by Callie Cherry @_likethefruit

Dear Diary,

This week we are cracking open a new book! I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl was written by Joyce Hansen and published in 1997. It was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award in 1998, which recognizes "outstanding books for young adults and children by African Americans that reflect the African American experience."

In this book, we meet Patsy, a 12-year-old girl who uses others' tendency to underestimate her to her advantage. Now that the Civil War has ended, Patsy wonders what freedom means when she still lives and works on a plantation in South Carolina. Does she still have to hide the fact that she can read? Will she and her fellow freed folk get what has been promised?

Join us as we delve into the history of Reconstruction and discuss this remarkable book.

Yours Truly,

Cate and Jen

RibbonBookClubPod.com

@RibbonBookPod on Facebook and Instagram

Edited by Danny Heck

Theme music by Ericka Page @theerickapage

Cover art by Chelsea Tanis @TheTrumpetClub

Research help by Callie Cherry @_likethefruit