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Lois Lenski’s regional story series grew out of a doctor’s order for her to travel during the cold Connecticut winters to more temperate climes. She and her husband started by heading south but eventually accepted invitations from young readers all over the country to produce such books as Blue Ridge Billy, Cotton in My Sack, and San Francisco Boy. The second book in the series was Strawberry Girl and was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1946. Set in rural Florida, Birdie Boyer’s family raises strawberries for a living, but she dreams of attaining an education. Set at a time that Florida was changing both socially and economically, Lenski’s sharp eye for detail makes both the land and characters come alive. A first edition, first printing in Fine condition (with great endpapers!) in a VG+ dust jacket with some color touch-up. As an added bonus (!), an authentic period photograph of Lenski reading Strawberry Girl to children.