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Title: The Stones of Mourning Creek
Author: Diane Les Becquets
type of book: YA Fiction
call number: YA/FIC
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This book is strong in character, story and setting.
Summary:
Francie's mother is murdered after saving a young black girl from rape in 1966
backwoods/small town Alabama. Other intriguing characters include Daddy, Ruthie
(the girl saved by Francie's mother), Mama Rae ( Ruthie's
mother, a healing woman), and Earnest (a strange, yet kind, poor backwoods
white boy who hangs around Mama Rae's and doesn't like to be seen in town).
After getting to know Earnest, Francie learns he has no official father and his
mother is known as a crazy woman. Francie likes him, and she finds out he spies
on her secretly. The town is upset that "young colored boys" keep getting
beat up. Francie has trouble at school because she's a friend of Ruthie's, a
black girl. Mr. Mansfield owns the town and uses the black boys in boxing
matches for a gambling ring. Eventually, Francie discovers the whole truth
behind her mother's death, but she doesn't know who to tell.
I would recommend this book!
Why?
This story is a good historical novel about racism in America, but has much
to offer for contemporary readers. The issues of dating a guy your parents
don't like, having friends who are good people but unpopular with the
majority, and finding your way through a difficult loss all can
help teen readers deal with similar problems in their lives. This book may
appeal to female readers more than males.
Other suggested reading:
A Walk to Remember by Nicolas Sparks
Magic Can Be Murder by Vivian Vande Velde
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Employee Initials: KS
Review Date: February 2003
Read other reviews by this staff member.
