For a young boy growing up in the segregated south, a town drinking
fountain becomes the source of an epiphany.
It's a scorching hot day, and going into town with Grandma is one of
Michael's favorite things. When the bus pulls up, they climb in and pay
their fare, get out, walk to the back door, and climb in again. By the
time they arrive in town, Michael's throat is as dry as a bone, so he
runs to the water fountain. But after a few sips, the warm, rusty water
tastes bad. Why is the kid at the "Whites Only" fountain still drinking?
Is his water clear and refreshingly cool? No matter how much trouble
Michael might get into, he's determined to find out for himself. Based
on a transformative experience co-author Michael Bandy had as a boy,
this compelling story sheds light on the reality of segregation through
a child's eyes, while showing the powerful awareness that comes from
daring to question the way things are.