Deza Malone played a minor role in Bud Not Buddy (Delacorte Press, 1999) as the girl Bud met in a Hooverville, but she’s front and center here in the story of an African American family struggling to stay together at the height of the Depression. Deza is a bright eleven-year-old aspiring writer who often uses big words and flowery language to try to impress her teacher, who advises Deza to keep her language and ego grounded. Deza’s older brother Jimmie is big on personality and troublemaking, not to mention singing talent, but, at fifteen, he’s very small for his age. It’s a worry for Jimmie and their parents, but there’s no money for a doctor, just as there’s no money for a dentist for Deza’s sore teeth. They are barely getting by in their rented house in Gary, Indiana, when their father is in a tragic boating accident. The sole survivor, he is wracked by guilt and leaves home to find work in Flint. But no word comes from him. When the family is evicted, Deza, her mother and brother first get help from some of Jimmie’s questionable acquaintances before hopping a train to Flint. They end up in a Hooverville, unable to find the children’s father, other relatives, or a place to live. Deza’s story is both funny and poignant. There are colorful characters, memorable scenes, and moments of true compassion in a novel that balances some surprisingly sad events with an upbeat ending, although one that doesn’t wrap up every loose end. (Ages 9–12)

In the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award–winning Bud, Not Buddy, Bud met a girl named Deza Malone in a Hooverville. This is her story.
 
“We are a family on a journey to a place called wonderful" is the motto of Deza Malone's family. Deza is the smartest girl in her class in Gary, Indiana, singled out by teachers for a special path in life. But the Great Depression has hit Gary hard, and there are no jobs for black men. When her beloved father leaves to find work, Deza, Mother, and her older brother Jimmie go in search of him, and end up in a Hooverville outside Flint, Michigan. Jimmie's beautiful voice inspires him to leave the camp to be a performer, while Deza and Mother find a new home, and cling to the hope that they will find Father. The twists and turns of their story reveal the devastation of the Depression and prove that Deza truly is the Mighty Miss Malone.
 
“Witty and moving.” —The Wall Street Journal
 
“The fluidity of the writing, the strong sense of place and time combined with well-drawn characters will captivate and delight. . . . a fitting literary companion to Bud Caldwell.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred
 
“Curtis threads important bits of African-American history throughout the narrative. . . . Some readers will feel they are due a bit of happiness; others will be struck by how little has changed in 75 years for the nation’s have-nots.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred