This young adult book is a cross-over for adults, perfect
for Parent-Child Book Groups.
New Yorker Lizbeth, 14, is spending the summer with her
small town North Carolina aunt and uncle.
On her very first day in Ahoskie a murder occurs that intrigues her
because of the special penny the deceased is clutching in his hand. Determined to discover both the penny and the
murderer, Lizbeth discovers the slowness of small town life along with
prejudice, compassion, violence, love, greed and generous neighborliness among
the residents and relatives she encounters.
Realistic characters and situations carry the slow moving
plot along. 1972 in the South is clearly
presented. Watching Lizbeth grow in
maturity and change over the summer is a pleasant foil to the murder
mystery. The importance of family and
respect, the keeping and telling of secrets and the surprising revelations are
all good topics for discussion.
5 of 5 stars
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