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cateyeschloe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was a really great book!
I feel like this book is intended for middle grade readers but the content is very intense and painful. Unfortunately, I also feel like this kind of content is more commonplace for Black kids and kids in other POC homes to be familiar with at much younger ages than I was in a white home. Reading this made me realize the huge amount of privilege I grew up with that I didn’t have to face realities like those described in this book until I was much older.
The story follows Ella and her friends (ages around 11-14) in 1940s South Carolina. There are some really great subplots in the book such as Ella’s relationship with her mother and her (surprise queer rep!) girlfriend. This book also really skillfully handles colorism within the Black community itself as well as the difficulties of being a biracial child.
However, the most impactful storyline in this book, for me, revolves around George Stinney. Yes, the character in this book is the same as the real life little boy who was accused of murdering two white girls and who eventually was executed via the electric chair. I’ve known George’s story for many years and when I realized who Ella’s friend was meant to be, my heart sank. George’s is one of the most heartbreaking injustices I believe I’ve ever encountered. The images of his small body strapped to an electric chair have lived with me since the first time I saw them years and years ago. His part in this story is just as difficult to sit with.
Alongside the pain, How High the Moon is a wonderful book that showcases each of these characters as full human beings with lives and families and loves and wants and desires. The author very pointedly makes you encounter just how real these people are and just how dismissive almost every white character in the book is to their humanity.
I would highly recommend this story for any age because despite its classification, this book carries very real weight and depth and nuance. I was moved to tears multiple times and deeply interested in the story every step of the way. I am very happy I got the opportunity to read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Hate crime, Racism, and Murder
Moderate: Police brutality, Grief, and Bullying
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