Book Description

"This moving, first-person narrative is told in the convincing voice of an educated child using the language of the time. The black-and-white portrait photographs bring life to the richly imagined historical details and characters. Much more than just a tale of finding oneself or one’s family, this novel is a powerful, unique and satisfying story of African American lives."—Booklist, starred review

"Simply and effectively told; the inclusion of the pictures themselves adds authenticity and invites interaction as readers will form their own opinions about what these people may have been like."—BCCB

"Set in 1905 Charleston, W.Va., this richly lyrical and historically persuasive coming-of-age story explores the ties that bind, break and renew an affluent African-American family. Narrator Delana, 12, lives with her aloof grandfather and his overprotective sister Tilley, who has raised her with a long list of “bewares.” Hungry for family connection, Delana is drawn to Aunt Tilley’s assortment of family photographs and listens avidly to her summary, often harsh judgments on their kin; but where Tilley sees “trash and trouble,” Delana spots “a hiding kindness.” After Tilley dies, Delana summons the courage to probe the secrets that have divided her family and governed their choices and her life. How did the young man who labored to buy his freedom and secure his family’s future change into the remote guardian she’s grown up with? As she learns to trust her own heart, Delana uncovers the joyful, painful connections between Grandpa’s journey and her own. Period photographic portraits from Bolden’s personal collection illustrate the book. Each carefully posed subject is a fascinating enigma."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Bolden spins a unique tale by interspersing antique photographs in her story, weaving the plot around them and using the people in the pictures as characters. The writing is lovely and poetic."—School Library Journal