"Tricia Ann is going to her favorite place in the world today. It's the first time she's been allowed to go there all by herself. In a lovely dress that looks like spring, she leaves the house. Her grandmother cautions her to 'hold yo' head up and act like you b'long to somebody.'"
The book opens with a sense of wonder. Tricia Ann is excited to step into her new independence by visiting the library alone. Because of the racial prejudice in her town, however, she has to be careful. As her grandmother implies, she needs to demonstrate a sense of responsibility or she may run into trouble.
"Don't let those signs steal yo' happiness."
On her way to the library, Tricia Ann meets a random stranger. He observes her downtrodden expression after reading a segregation sign on the street. He offers this advice as encouragement. While Tricia Ann cannot control the rules of her society, she can decide to be optimistic and hopeful nonetheless, almost as an act of defiance against the injustice of segregation.
"All are welcome here"
This is the sign that Tricia Ann discovers at the library. She's received an invitation into learning, regardless of her skin color. Just witnessing this invitation transforms Tricia Ann's world, as if the library is a special place made only for her, a sanctuary from her town's harsh expectations.
"You are somebody, a human being -- no better, no worse than anybody else in this world. Gettin' someplace special is not an easy route. But don't study on quittin', just keep walking straight ahead -- and you'll make it."
Again, Tricia Ann is stopped by a random stranger on her way to the library. This time it's a kind black woman who comforts her when the girl is rudely banished from the hotel by the management because of her skin color. Noting the girl's distress, this sweet woman cuts straight to the dilemma she senses Tricia Ann experiencing -- self-worth. Yes, Tricia Ann can be successful so long as she continues to set her mind on success. Additionally, the woman tells Tricia Ann that her value doesn't derive from any social standard; rather, she is a human and that makes her meaningful.
