Jackson, Linda Williams. Midnight Without a Moon.

Jackson, Linda Williams.  Midnight Without a Moon.  Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt Brace 2017  312p  $16.99  ISBN 978-0-544-78510-6     Hardback    elem/ms Historical fiction  E-BN

In 1955 Mississippi, thirteen-year-old Rose Lee Carter struggles to understand the complacency of her grandparents’ attitude towards slavery. When a fourteen-year-old African American boy is murdered for supposedly whistling at a white woman one town over, the white suspects are set free despite the overwhelming evidence against them.  Throughout her contemplation of her feelings about slavery and this recent event, she is exposed to bits of information about the Civil Rights movement. She has many confusing feelings as she decides whether to leave the South or join the Civil Rights movement to change it.

This amazing, well-written novel is engaging and very informative. Young readers will become enlightened regarding civil rights, slavery, attitudes, the culture, and family life experienced during the time period of the 1950’s. The plot accurately depicts events and emotions. Furthermore, the vernacular tone adds authenticity to the story. This is a must-read for upper-elementary and middle-school readers because it educates in a sensitive but effective manner.
           

This book is highly recommended as an “Excellent Book of Note” for any elementary or middle-school library because of its accurate and engaging portrayal of history.    

Summary: In 1955 Mississippi, Rose Lee Carter struggles to understand the complacency of her grandparents’ attitude towards slavery and is confused in deciding if she should leave the South or join the Civil Rights movement to change it.

Civil Rights movement-Fiction                         —Virginia McGarvey