Hazel

"Hazel" by Mary White Ovington is a story set in the early 1900s that introduces Hazel Tyler, a young girl whose life takes her from Boston to Alabama after her father passes away, to live with her grandmother. The story highlights themes of growing up, love within family, and the societal challenges surrounding race, as Hazel comes to terms with a country divided during her efforts in trying to figure out who she is. The adventure begins on a rainy day, when Hazel, feeling stuck, dreams of a more thrilling life. Through her interactions with her mother and friends, we learn about her concerns because of her family's money struggles, especially after the loss of her father. As she plays with a friend, acting out a Bible story, Hazel's creative spirit and longing to get away from reality are revealed. The differences between her home life and her dreams for a better tomorrow prepare her for the big move to Alabama, and her experiences provide important insight into where she fits in a racially separated world.