The Secret Life of Bees

Summary: Lily Owens' is the daughter of an affectionate mother who passed away too young and an aggravated father who requires Lily to work on his peach farm. As a young white girl, Lily learns the hard way that her beloved caretaker Rosaleen can get reprimanded for little reason other than the color of her skin.

Takeaways: It's the 1960s and African Americans are finally granted the right to vote; however, that doesn't mean registering is easy or safe in a town where racism runs deep. A well-written tale about fierce women and honey bees.