Overview

"Eleven-year-old Olivia ""Oli"" Jones lives in the backwoods of rural Alabama. Her best friend, Bartholomew ""Mo"" Wright, helps her make sense of her uncommon life. After all, they both share the same tragic history. Both their fathers enlisted in the Army. Both their fathers fought in Vietnam. Both their fathers never came back. This deeply wounding sadness is something they bear together as only best friends can. However, they want nothing more than a semblance of a ""normal"" childhood, and when the opportunity comes to have that, they chase it with reckless abandon. One day, Oli and Mo discover that his father is alive and living in a city a couple of towns over. The two friends devise a plan to find him without telling their mothers. In finding Mo's dad, Oli believes she'll find answers to her own father's whereabouts. This harrowing tale is told through a series of flashbacks and backstory, narrated by the brave and determined Olivia. Over a summer, Olivia's journey spans the state of Alabama, and in the process retraces historic steps across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. She is forced to grow up quickly, as she uncovers dark secrets she wasn't supposed to find out and learns details about her father's angst-filled life. The story unfolds through more inspired events, including a widely publicized court case. We eventually come to understand how powerfully lives can be transformed when people join forces for good."

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9781088001868

Table of Contents

Reviews

A compelling, riveting read. I couldn't put it down. This story grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I wanted to know what happened, but I also didn't want it to end. I was inspired by the important history and moved by the powerful story. Ben Daley, President, High Tech High Graduate School of Education I'm barely halfway through and I can already see the movie: 'To Kill A Mockingbird meets Selma.' A Black girl and her dog on a journey to meet her best friend's dad in hopes of saving him. John-Arthur Ingram, Writer and Filmmaker Phil Brown, author, delivered a beautiful fictional story filled with diversity, cultures, friendships, children's hopes and dreams, adults living with faith and tragedy. I could not put it down and completed reading it in one sitting. This is American history, that as many as possible should have the opportunity to read, share and see on the movie screen. These writings are what I believe are the autobiographies of families that are never told... History is powerful. Diana Love, Political and Community Activist Wow, what a fantastic story. I fell in love with Oli and was completely carried along by the storyline and the strength of Oli's voice. Your ability to weave in the history of the period without the story becoming pedantic and losing its authenticity was really impressive. I found the way you ended the story especially powerful-a coalition of like-minded people, fighting on behalf of Oli's dad. Sheri Bernstein, Museum Director, Skirball Cultural Center I can't get Olivia Jones out of my mind; she reminded me of my childhood growing up in Selma. Olivia's village was filled with love and compassion the same as my village. The writer demonstrated Olivia's passion, energy and determination to help a dear friend. It was filled with suspense and anticipation to the very end, which ended in triumph! This is a must read! Cynthia Perkins, First Lady of Selma, Alabama Phil Brown balances the views of White southerners who were conflicted and committed by segregation, as well as the Black people who are the central figures. The book is easily a movie waiting to happen or a three-part miniseries with the ability to take us on a roller coaster ride of human emotions that comes from love, law, patriotism, duty, racism, friendship and all the challenges they create. Arnold Gordon-Bray, Ret., U.S. Army Brigadier General Not since the films, To Kill a Mockingbird and Stand by Me, have I been so moved and compelled (or riveted) by a story about a child's desire to embark upon an adventure to uncover truths that turns into life lessons. Oli's story is gripping and timeless while providing generous moments of levity, reflection and great storytelling. Christine Swanson, Director, Writer, Filmmaker I've never been someone who likes to read; my mama would tell you this. When Mr. Phillip asked me to read the Olivia Jones manuscript I was hesitant-but I finally started reading. I remember stopping to get something to drink and some popcorn. Suddenly I thought, oh shoot, let me get back to the movie I was watching. I opened my computer only to realize that I wasn't watching a movie-I was reading Olivia Jones! I love this story! Wynter Floyd (18 years old), Stunt Woman, College Student I read the story about Olivia Jones and was totally captivated. The author makes Olivia Jones so intimate with rich details that it will draw in the reader, as it did me, to join Oli on her journey in this beautiful story. Olivia Jones is very well crafted and rich with historical events woven throughout so stunningly it prompts the question, is it a true story? It is not. Jaki Brown, Hollywood Writer, Producer and three-time Emmy-nominated Prime-time Casting Director

Author Information

"Phillip (also known as Phil) A. Brown grew up a second-generation San Diego, California native. For more than four decades Phil has used his gifts, talents and skills to create a positive economic difference in urban underserved communities like the one in which he grew up. He focuses on creating self-empowerment and community empowerment through sports, entrepreneurship, economic development and by producing inspirational methods and tools to facilitate learning about African American history. This historical fiction, ""Olivia Jones,"" (Phil's first foray into authorship), centers Selma, Alabama's rich voting rights history. Jan Carpenter Tucker is a graphic designer, creative director, digital solutions specialist, editor, and publisher serving a wide array of clients. Her signatures are bright, bold, colorful design and carefully crafted strategic communication. Jan guides authors to self-publish beautiful and exquisitely edited, designed, and printed books through her company, Night Star Publisher. Wendell Wiggins began his education as a visual artist in his hometown, Washington, DC. He attended the Cleveland Institute of Art and pursued his postgraduate studies at the California Institute of Art. His career began in Los Angeles. As a graphic designer, illustrator, fine artist, photographer and visual effects director his career spans the film, television, advertising and entertainment arts industries, as well as commissions for murals and private paintings for a wide variety of clients from individuals to companies and businesses. His fine art has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States and abroad."

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