About the Book

Book: The Moonlight School

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 2, 2021

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.

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My Thoughts:

This was a very interesting look at how illiteracy can hold people back and even keep them confined to their homes and outdated beliefs even passing it on to the next generations.

Starting off with a bit of a tragedy, Lucy Wilson is a woman who tends to keep to herself and follow her father's leading. Her second cousin Cora Wilson has asked for Lucy's help in the hills of Kentucky. Cora is the superintendent of schools and she is trying her best to set up reform.

At first Lucy is reluctant to go and help. Her cousin gets her to come for a period of six months under some shady prospects. But as Lucy, a city girl, comes to these hill folk, she realizes a whole different culture exists. At first she is shocked and appalled by the poverty she sees but then she begins to see them as her cousin does. These people with their own way of life cut off from the rest of the world, are a treasure of their own.

I found the history quite fascinating. At the beginning the author talks about their speech and how and why they speak the way they do and what many would deem improper English. I actually enjoyed reading their speaking throughout the book and I must admit I was chuckling at Lucy as she was learning and growing accustomed to their speech and mannerisms.

This story was quite eye opening on how much illiteracy can affect a person and a whole people group. I was also surprised at a few of the twists this story took as well. Overall this was an enjoyable read as we the reader walked the trails with Lucy and had our eyes opened as well.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.

More from Suzanne

I’m Suzanne Woods Fisher, the author of The Moonlight School. This historical fiction will release on February 2, 2021, and is based on a true story featuring Cora Wilson Stewart, a Kentucky educator way ahead of her times. In 1911, Cora had a crazy idea—to open rural one-room schoolhouses in her county on moonlit nights to teach illiterate adults how to read and write.

So what happened next? Well, it’s so astonishing that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Instead, I hope you’ll read the book and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, this infographic provides a fascinating look at illiteracy THEN…and NOW. Makes you want to thank your teachers, doesn’t it?