The Laura Line

A touching and funny story of one girl's journey to discover where she came from and the unlimited possibilities of who she can become, from Crystal Allen, the acclaimed author of How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy and The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown.

Laura Dyson wants two things in life: to be accepted by her classmates and to be noticed by ultracute baseball star Troy Bailey. But everyone at school teases her for being overweight, and Troy won't give her a second glance. Until one day, their history teacher announces a field trip to the run-down slave shack on her grandmother's property. Heck to the power of no way!

Her grandmother insists that it's more than just an old shack; it's a monument to the strong women in their family-the Laura Line. But Laura knows better: her classmates will never accept her once they see the shack. So she comes up with the perfect plan to get the trip canceled . . . but when a careless mistake puts the shack-and the Laura Line-in jeopardy, Laura must decide what's truly important to her. Can Laura figure out how to get what she wants at school while also honoring her family's past?

• Identity & Self-Discovery: More than just a school story, Laura must connect with the powerful line of ancestors who came before her to find the strength she needs today.
• Uncovering Family Secrets: An old slave shack holds more than just painful memories. It holds the key to the Laura Line, a legacy of strong women that will change everything Laura believes about herself.
• A Sweet First Crush: Navigating seventh grade is hard enough without crushing on Troy Bailey, the cutest baseball player in school. But will her family's past ruin her future chance with him?
• Black History for Kids: A perfect read for classrooms and families, this novel tackles the legacy of slavery with honesty, humor, and heart, making history accessible and deeply personal.