Books with author Vera B. Williams

Rosa's grandma is sick and must stay upstairs in bed. And so the big chair in the living room is often empty. And the money jar--in which the family saved their change to buy the big red chair and Rosa's accordion--is empty too. All extra money must be used to take care of Grandma. After school Rosa and her friends Leora, Mae, and Jenny often make music for Grandma. She says their playing makes her feel like a girl again, dancing at a party. And that is the beginning of Rosa's wonderful idea. A kaleidoscope of emotions--joy, sadness, merriment, and love--bursts from the pages of this exuberant book.

There are some things that Rosa just knows. She knows that she can't wait to meet her new baby cousin, due to be born at any minute right upstairs. She knows that she will grow up and move away and maybe go to college, and perhaps even become the president of the United States. And she knows that the chair—that wonderful, beautiful, beloved chair, the chair for her mother—will always be there. Always. Just the way it is. Covered in velvet with roses all over it, ready for who-knows-what new adventure . . .

The drama continues at Bell Bottom High as Reecy Jones turns fifteen years old and enters her sophomore studies in the fall of 1974. This year, Reecy is struggling with her own family situation. In addition, she’s trying to help her best friend, Joyce Campbell, deal with an abusive home life combined with personal news that has rocked her world. The story, set in the fictional town of Clifton, Arkansas, follows the lives of two teenage girls who both have a lot of growing up to do.When Joyce finally exposes the truth about herself and her family, will Reecy be able to help her best friend cope with the pressures of life? Will Reecy be able to cope with her own family drama?

Another drama unfolds at Bell Bottom High as Reecy Jones turns sixteen years old during the 1975-76 school year and is allowed to start dating. However, her life gets turned upside down after going out on a group date with her classmates. What happens next could change her life forever. Reecy is struggling to maintain her dignity with a little help from her friends. Always known as a good girl, can Reecy save her tainted reputation and finish up the school year with her head held high?