book the dark-thirty

the dark-thirty book by patricia mckissack

delve into the shadowy and mysterious world of "the dark-thirty: southern tales of the supernatural," a captivating collection of stories by the acclaimed author patricia mckissack. this award-winning book offers a unique blend of ghost stories, folklore, and african american history that will leave you looking over your shoulder. the tales are set during the "dark-thirty," that eerie time just before nightfall when the veil between the living and the spirit world is at its thinnest. each story is a journey into the heart of the american south, where suspense and history intertwine to create a truly unforgettable reading experience.

about the author patricia mckissack

patricia c. mckissack was a prolific and celebrated american author who wrote over 100 books for children and young adults. her work predominantly focuses on the african american experience, exploring themes of history, racism, and culture. mckissack, often collaborating with her husband fredrick, received numerous awards for her contributions to literature, including a newbery honor and multiple coretta scott king awards. her passion for storytelling was ignited in her childhood by the stories her grandparents told, a tradition she carried on to educate and inspire young readers.

the dark-thirty summary

"the dark-thirty: southern tales of the supernatural" is a collection of ten suspenseful short stories rooted in african american history and folklore. the book gets its title from the eerie thirty minutes of twilight before complete darkness, a time when spooky stories are traditionally told. the tales span from the era of slavery to the civil rights movement, each weaving supernatural elements with historical realities. for instance, one story tells of a young boy born with a "sight" that allows him to see the future, while another recounts the haunting of a bus line by the ghost of a woman and her baby who were left toze in the snow. mckissack masterfully blends chilling suspense with poignant historical context, exploring themes of justice, revenge, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of oppression. the stories are both thrilling and thought-provoking, offering a unique window into the african american experience in the south. this collection has been lauded for its originality and has received prestigious accolades, including a newbery honor and a coretta scott king award.

frequently asked questions about the dark-thirty

1. what is the main theme of the dark-thirty?

   the main themes of "the dark-thirty" revolve around the intersection of african american history and the supernatural. the stories explore issues of slavery, racism, and the civil rights movement through the lens of ghost stories and folklore, often with a focus on justice and retribution for past wrongs.

2. what age group is the dark-thirty appropriate for?

   "the dark-thirty" is generally recommended for middle-grade readers, typically ages 10 and up. the stories contain some mature themes and suspenseful content that may be too intense for younger children.

3. how many stories are in the dark-thirty?

   there are ten tales in "the dark-thirty: southern tales of the supernatural." this includes nine short stories and one narrative poem.

4. what awards has the dark-thirty won?

   "the dark-thirty" is a highly acclaimed book that received a newbery honor and won the coretta scott king award in 1993.

5. what does the term "the dark-thirty" mean?

   the term "the dark-thirty" refers to the last thirty minutes of twilight, just before it becomes fully dark. in the context of the book, it\s the traditional time for telling scary stories.