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Description
Fourteen-year-old Luli and her family face tragedy after failing to tell their slaves that President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation set them free.
Quick Summary
Ann Rinaldi weaves a vivid, intimate portrait of a Texas family in the Civil War era, focusing on fourteen-year-old Luli, whose world is upended when a secret about the family's slaves stays hidden after emancipation. The story feels like a personal diary, full of heart-wrenching moments and small acts of courage that will keep readers turning pages even when the tone turns serious. It's perfect for middle-grade readers who love historical fiction, especially those interested in the little-told story of Juneteenth, and for kids who enjoy coming-of-age stories with a strong sense of place. Parents will appreciate that the book balances the painful history of slavery with hope and resilience, though it does include some tense scenes of conflict and loss that may be intense for younger readers. Luli spends the book navigating family loyalty, a forbidden friendship, and the weight of a family secret that threatens to tear everything apart, all while learning what true freedom means. If you liked the way Christopher Paul Curtis mixed humor, family drama, and a landmark historical moment in *The Watsons Go to Birmingham*, you'll find that same blend here, just set a generation earlier.