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Book Review

Publisher's Note:

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write. Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come? As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn't expected: love. Inspired by the true events of the Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.…

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The Moonlight School

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Overall Book Review:

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a work of historical fiction taking place in the early 1900s.  It explores the lifestyle of those living in the hills of Kentucky.  The author does a great job of painting a picture of the lifestyle of people in this area.

Lucy Wilson is a city girl who is unprepared for the way people live and cope with their situations.  Watching her transition from an uncomfortable and judgmental person to a woman who cares for the people in the hills is touching and tender.  Her thoughts and feelings will lead readers to question their own biases and judgements.

The story of Cora Wilson is a true story.  It is incredible to read about someone struggling against prejudice and tradition to improve life for others.  The part of the story that was most touching was seeing how many adults wanted to improve their lives by learning to read.  This story is a reminder that small changes can make a big difference.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Revell


Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None 

Violence/Gore:  Person threatens another verbally with bodily harm; report of a person abducting a child. 

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters kiss and embrace.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a parent, illiteracy, loss of a sibling.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Moonshine manufacturing abounds; there are a few references to people consuming moonshine.

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
0
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
1
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
1
10

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About the Reviewer

I primarily read fiction from all genres. I have six children and many happy hours have been spent reading together. I also love quilting, hiking, and camping.