More
than anything, Virgie wants to go to school like her five older
brothers do. But like lots of people at the time, Virgie's brothers
think it's a waste of time for girls to go to school. And besides
that, Virgie's brothers don't believe that she can make the
seven-mile walk to school, either. But Virgie proves them wrong on
all counts as she bravely stands up for herself. Lewis's airy
portraits capture the look and rhythm of African American life just
after the Civil War.