Crow by Barbara Wright

The summer of 1898 is filled with ups and downs for 11-year-old Moses. He's growing apart from his best friend, his superstitious Boo-Nanny butts heads constantly with his pragmatic, educated father, and his mother is reeling from the discovery of a family secret. Yet there are good times, too. He's teaching his grandmother how to read. For the first time she's sharing stories about her life as a slave. And his father and his friends are finally getting the respect and positions of power they've earned in the Wilmington, North Carolina, community. But not everyone is happy with the political changes at play and some will do anything, including a violent plot against the government, to maintain the status quo.

This is great historical fiction book filled with wonderful characters as it sheds light on a little known piece of our country's history. I loved Boo Nanny and would have loved to have known her in real life. Strong, simple people who have weathered the trials and tribulations of this world, yet retain their humanity and their hearts, are always very compelling to me. Moses couldn't have had a better grandma. I loved Moses and his momma and dad. Decent, hard-working people who taught their son to do the right thing always, even in the face of danger. My only disappointment was the ending. I don't believe the dad would have made that choice- his family was more important. And the very end was a little cliched. I understand the need for the hope of the future when in the midst of unfathomable evil, but sometimes it only is what it is.



Some of my favorite quotes:

"Honey baby, you you own man. If Lewis say jump, you gone hurl you own self off the cliff, just 'cause he say it?" - Boo Nanny

"Can't nobody make you do nothing, lesson you let them"- Boo Nanny

"Always remember, you are the equal of every man, and every man is your equal" - Dad

These simple bits of wisdom resonate with me.