Emma Turner loves to read, but her parents are migrant workers, and they cannot afford to buy books.Author: Ethel Footman Smothers
Illustrator: John Holyfield
Format: Hardcover
Published: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003

Emma Turner loves to read, but her parents are migrant workers, and they cannot afford to buy books. So Emma must be content to write her own stories and make her own books. When she starts school, she is uncomfortable being the only chocolate-brown child in her class, but a gentle teacher and an entire classroom library filled with books soon win her over. School books are not to be taken home, but the temptation proves too strong, and Emma takes two to read over the weekend. As much as she loves the books, she is disappointed in herself for breaking her teacher's trust. Luckily, her teacher is firm but understanding, and Emma's mother has a wonderful surprise for her.