Light Comes to Shadow Mountain

By Toni Buzzeo

Book Overview

Cora Mae Tipton is determined to light up her Appalachian community in this historical fiction novel from an award-winning author and former librarian.

It's 1937 and the government is pushing to bring electricity to the mountains of southeastern Kentucky. It's all Cora can think of; radios with news from around the world, machines that keep food cold, lightbulbs by which to read at night Cora figures she can help spread the word by starting a school newspaper and convincing her neighbors to support the Rural Electrification Act.

But resistance to change isn't easy to overcome, especially when it starts at home. Cora's mother is a fierce opponent of electrification. She argues that protecting the landscape of the holler--the trees, the streams, the land that provides for their way of life--is their responsibility. But Cora just can't let go of wanting more.

Lyrical, literary, and deeply heartfelt, this debut novel from an award-winning author-librarian speaks to family, friendship, and loss through the spirited perspective of a girl eager for an electrified existence, but most of all, the light of her mother's love and acceptance.

Back matter includes an Author's Note; further information on the Rural Electrification Act, the herbs and plants of Appalachia, the Pack Horse Library Project, and more; and a "Quick Questions" historical trivia section for readers.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823459020
• ISBN13: 9780823459025
• Release Date: September 2024
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7