Book details
Ghost Girl: A Blue Ridge Mountain Story
Description
Eleven-year-old April Sloane has never set foot in a school before, and now that President Hoover and his wife are building a one-room schoolhouse in the hollow of the Blue Ridge Mountains where April lives, she is eager to attend it. But these are the Depression years, and Mama, who has been grieving ever since the accidental death of her seven-year-old son, wants April to stay home and do the chores around their dilapidated farm. With her grandmother's intercession, April is grudgingly allowed to go. The kind teacher encourages her apt pupil, who finds a new world opening up to her. But at home, April cannot repair the relationship with her mother, and worse, her mother overhears the dark secret April confesses to her teacher regarding the true cause of her brother's death, for which April feels responsible.
Age
10-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
272 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'Ghost Girl: A Blue Ridge Mountain Story' offers readers a glimpse into the Appalachian culture and traditions, providing a rich context and understanding of a unique American way of life.
- Historical Perspective: The book is set in the early 20th century and gives readers a historical perspective on the lives of people in the Blue Ridge Mountains, including the challenges they faced and the resilience they showed.
- Engaging Storytelling: Delia Ray's storytelling captures the imagination with a blend of mystery, folklore, and real-life struggles, making it an engaging read for both young adults and older readers.
- Themes of Acceptance and Growth: The story deals with themes such as acceptance, the importance of community, and personal growth, offering valuable lessons and reflections for readers of all ages.