Addy's Summer Place

Addy's Summer Place is part of the Short Stories collections.

Facts

 * Author: Connie Porter
 * Illustrators: Melodye Rosales, Dahl Taylor
 * First Published: 2003

Characters

 * Addy Walker
 * Ben Walker
 * Ruth Walker
 * Esther Walker

Story Summary
Addy's mother takes Esther and Addy to Cape Town, New Jersey, where her father is working on the railroad; he was able to obtain passes for them to visit for three days. Addy's hair is rolled in curlers in a grown up style. Addy's father takes them to eat ice cream at the Banneker house, and they camp at this work site.

Addy and Poppa check the rabbit traps set. Poppa finds some traps sprung, and is sure his traps are being stolen from. Addy and Esther go to the stream to fetch water and run into a white girl and a little boy about Esther's age. The little boy is kind to Esther and asks her name, but the girl comes over and snatches him away and spanks him, angry that he's speaking to colored people. Addy protests, and the girl spits at Addy that she had better mind her place and go back where she came from. Addy takes Esther home quickly.

Addy is upset at the event and asks Momma that night why the white girl was mean and treated her like that. Momma explains that now that Addy's growing up, she must learn to stay in her place and not offend whites. Addy isn't sure if she's ready to grow up, as it's too much to remember and do.

Addy goes out to check Poppa's traps and finds the same white girl tripping the trap to take the rabbit caught. Addy startles her and the girl runs home. Addy chases her and arrives outside a cabin where the two children live. She sees that the family is poor and, feeling sorry for them, leaves the rabbit on a tree stump before heading back.

Addy, Momma, and Esther go to the sea to bathe (swim). Esther and Momma don't go out far, but Addy goes out deeper and ruins her curls. She thinks to herself that she's not ready yet to be a young lady.

Meet The Author
Connie Porter discusses briefly when her mother grew up in Alabama in the 30s and how things began to change and blacks could have a "place" they chose to be in.

Looking Back
Discusses Cape Island in the 1860s.

Make Homemade Cream
This is included in the individual short story as a craft to do.

Outfit
This book has Addy's Cape Island Dress.