A stunning feat of original storytelling from the recipient of the
2018 John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
In a boldly transportive original tale, David Barclay Moore infuses
history with wry folk wisdom, metaphorical power, and a splash of magic.
The Civil War may be over, but times are not substantially improved for
the freed Black citizens of Walkerton, Georgia, who are shunned by the
white folks of the surrounding towns. One day, though, ol' Rootilla
Redgums and her grandson, Julius Jefferson, arrive. Rootilla teaches the
citizens of Walkerton how to make all sorts of beautiful things, and the
white people can't get enough. But some aren't so happy. When a hooded
mob threatens to burn down the town, Julius and Rootilla must work
wonders to protect Walkerton and its people--even if it means moving
heaven and earth itself. With exquisite cinematic illustrations by John
Holyfield and a generous trim size, this portrait of Black endurance
draws on the rhythms and traditions of African American storytelling to
open a powerful window into the past.