Welcome to Windows & Mirrors, where we feature books that provide us windows to lives outside our own and mirrors to our shared common human experiences. Today we are featuring JUST SOUTH OF HOME by Karen Strong.
Due to a change in plans, Sarah’s cousin Janie must stay with her family instead of going to Paris with her mom. Janie’s understandably miserable, so when she asks Sarah to take her to Creek Church, a haunted spot in their small southern town, Sarah has a hard time saying no, even though it’s off limits. Sarah’s brother Ellis and his best friend tag along, but Sarah’s terrified they’re all going to get into trouble. But she had NO idea how much trouble that might be. Janie’s got a case of sticky fingers and can’t stop herself from stealing an ancient cameo from the graveyard. When unsettled spirits who were killed over a hundred years ago by the Klu Klux Klan begin to haunt them, Sarah believes they’ve been cursed because of her troublemaker cousin’s thievery. They find out the spirits are at risk for being overtaken by evil forces if they aren’t dealt with quickly. To set those spirits to rest, Sarah will have to uncover family secrets and open up family wounds. With her cranky old grandma being dead-set against their efforts and the escalating tension within their family, she must find a way to heal those old family wounds before she can enact her plan to help the unsettled spirits finally find a home.
The family tension was spot on. The spooky elements made the hair stand up on my arms. The historical elements are well-done and an important conversation starter. The way the three were combined was masterful. Though it took me a few chapters to really settle into the story, when I was in, I was in in a BIG way. This story has so much going for it. Great voice, historical perspective, and a tenacious main character with a huge heart.
Special shout out for the things that made this book truly special:
- Extraordinarily well-done spookiness!
- So southern, OMG! Reminded me of the trouble I got “up to” with my cousins when we had sleepovers at my grandma’s. And please! Someone bake me a red velvet cake ASAP. 🙂
- I really appreciated that the author was able to remind us of the horrors committed by the Klu Klux Klan and the long-lasting effects on families. We need to continue to discuss this terrible history that is still an everyday reality for many to find ways to right those wrongs.
Perfect for fans of Sheila Turnage and Ronald L. Smith, this makes a great classroom discussion book. JUST SOUTH OF HOME has earned starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. Find it at your local bookstore or library today!
From Karen’s website:
I spent most of my childhood summers deep in the country at my grandmother’s house. A favorite memory is when I would venture out at night and marvel at the sky full of stars.
My love of books is a cultivated gift I received from my mother who introduced me to the world of words at the public library. My love of science is a cherished bond I shared with my father who showed me the value of knowledge through documentaries. I learned to love both of these worlds equally.
My passion is writing fiction for kids and teens that feature Black girls exploring the realms of mystery and adventure with a dash of spooky. My debut novel, Just South of Home, is inspired by my experience of growing up in a small Southern town.
