How High the Moon

Set in 1944 in the segregated town of Alcolu, South Carolina, How High the Moon follows 12-year-old Ella, who lives with her grandparents while her mother pursues a jazz singing career in Boston. Ella grapples with questions about her identity, especially regarding her absent father and her light skin tone, which leads to bullying from her peers. When her mother invites her to Boston for Christmas, Ella uncovers surprising truths about her family and herself. Upon returning home, she is confronted with the arrest of her classmate George, a Black boy accused of murdering two white girls, highlighting the harsh realities of racial injustice.​

Recommendation: This poignant novel is recommended for readers aged 10–14 who are interested in historical fiction that delves into themes of race, identity, and social justice. Karyn Parsons delivers a compelling narrative that offers both a personal coming-of-age story and a broader commentary on the racial tensions of the 1940s American South.​

Ideal for:

• Middle-grade readers seeking historical narratives with depth​
• Educators and parents aiming to discuss themes of racism and identity with young readers​
• Readers interested in stories about family dynamics and personal growth​

Similar Reads:

• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor​
• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia​
• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson​

Stylistic Features:

• First-person narrative providing an intimate look into Ella's thoughts and feelings​
• Rich historical context that brings the 1940s Southern United States to life​
• Exploration of complex themes through the lens of a young protagonist​

Content Warnings: The novel addresses themes of racial injustice, including references to a real-life case of wrongful conviction and execution, which may be distressing for some readers.​