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When Hester Merriweather first lays eyes on the brown rag doll her Grandmama has sent her, she knows she is special. Hester has never had a doll that actually looks like her; it's love at first sight. The doll's outfit is made from Hester's father's boyhood clothes, and her soft brown skin was made from the dress worn by Hester's great-great grandmother when she was stolen from her village in... More

When Hester Merriweather first lays eyes on the brown rag doll her Grandmama has sent her, she knows she is special. Hester has never had a doll that actually looks like her; it's love at first sight. The doll's outfit is made from Hester's father's boyhood clothes, and her soft brown skin was made from the dress worn by Hester's great-great grandmother when she was stolen from her village in Africa and brought to America. Neither Hester nor Minnie the doll has any idea what adventures are in store for them, until the love of "really-for-real folks" brings out the magic in Minnie. Late at night she learns the rules and lessons of the make-believe world from such characters as Scruffy the rhyming rabbit, Waddle Waddle the wooden duck, and Prima Donna, the snooty but lovely "looking" (not "playing") doll. It's not long before Minnie finds her voice and her place among the others--as well as a way to save the day for Hester and her family!

Set in Chicago's Bronzeville community in the 1930s, Melodye Benson Rosales's tale incorporates historical elements that will intrigue readers young and old. She also includes a section called "Chocolate-Covered Memories: A Snapshot of Chicago's African-American History," with photos and carefully researched details from the era, as well as a recipe for Mama's butter pound cake. Rosales's colorful illustrations feature 1930's fashions, Ivory Snowflakes soap, and the ever-cheerful face of Minnie. More Adventures of Minnie to come... (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

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