How aware of the world around her was Corky at the beginning of her Mockingbird Summer?

The author does a good job of framing the year in her introduction of Mockingbird Summer. Some of the decade's current events have been laid out for us. How aware do you think Corky was of the things going on around her?

I don't think Corky was very aware of much outside of High Cotton. However, because of her love of reading, she was gradually exposed to of bits and pieces of the world outside.

Corky was not aware of the social interactions in High Cotton, nor was she aware of the significance of race separation. She also didn’t realize that some folks in her town were either corrupt liars or people of ulterior motives. However, she did have an innate sense of right and wrong that guided her through her daily interactions.

Having grown up in a very small town, I do think you’re kind of insulated - at least that was my experience.