Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League

In "Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League," Jonathan Odell masterfully revives his debut novel to explore the depths of racial, economic, and gender injustices in pre-Civil Rights Mississippi. Inspired by his own Southern upbringing, Odell weaves a poignant tale of Hazel and Vida—two mothers from starkly different socio-economic backgrounds, bound by the immense grief of losing their children. Initially divided by deep-seated prejudice and mutual disdain, their paths collide in an unexpected alliance when Hazel’s husband employs Vida. Through shared hardship and the intense need for personal redemption, the women discover a common ground that challenges the oppressive racial divides of their time. Published on February 4, 2015, this narrative is a compelling look at how friendship and understanding can ignite transformative social change. "Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League" is an essential read for adult education groups seeking to understand the interplay between race, class, and gender in the fight for justice.