"River, Cross My Heart" by Breena Clarke is a heart warming and sweet read. But it is also a tale of courage and strength in the face of adversity. It's a story that says, believe in yourself, even if you feel that no one else does.

Johnnie Mae,is a pre-teen on the brink of womanhood in the 1920's. The neighborhood of Georgetown, just outside of Washington, D.C. seems to be a place where blacks could go and be accepted by their white neighbors. In realty, although outwardly, the white population sees themselves as progressive and 'tolerant', they will not even allow the black population to swim in the neighborhood swimming pool.It is as though they really tolerate the black people so they will have good workers!

To Johnnie Mae, it is incomprehensible, and what's more she can't help but to be drawn to the beautiful pool, even picturing herself being the best swimmer they ever saw there.She's a born swimmer ,and loves the water. She and her friends, are forced to do their cooling off and swimming in the murky river nearby. It is there, during a fun-filled day of diving and splashing around, that her little sister Clara, while under the charge of Johnnie Mae, is lost to the flow of the river.

It is the next year in the life of Johnnie Mae,her family, and the neighborhood characters we follow, from grief to recovery. The trials they must face, and the guilt Johnnie feels deep down. In her we see the strength that a young Rosa Parks may have possessed, as she defies the rules,her parents,and discrimination, and fulfills her dreams of swimming in the 'white pool'. In the trouble that follows, we get a glimpse of where her inner strength has come from. And, personally I thought it ended just right.

It's a wonderfully charming story, with exceptionally interesting characters. A good look at what life must have been like, for people who were not too far descended from slavery, and a taste of the beliefs and superstitions of the era. A good one time read, a feel good story, and one I would highly recommend especially to teenage girls, who may be inspired by Johnnie Mae's tenacity.

Enjoy the read....Laurie