A Thousand Never Evers
By (Author) Shana Burg
Random House USA Inc
Yearling (imprint of Random House Children's Books)
22nd December 2009
United States
Children
Fiction
FIC
Winner of Amazon Best of the Year 2008
Paperback
320
Width 135mm, Height 193mm, Spine 20mm
244g
IN KUCKACHOO, MISSISSIPPI, 1963, Addie Ann Pickett worships her brother Elias and follows in his footsteps by attending the black junior high school. But when her careless act leads to her brother's disappearance and possible murder, Addie Ann, Mama, and Uncle Bump struggle with not knowing if he's dead or alive. Then a good deed meant to unite Kuckachoo sets off a chain of explosive events. Addie Ann knows Old Man Adams left his land to the white and black people to plant a garden and reap its bounty together, but the mayor denies it. On garden picking day, Addie Ann's family is sorely tested. Through tragedy, she finds the voice to lead a civil rights march all her own, and maybe change the future for her people.
Starred review, Publisher's Weekly, June 9, 2008:
References to significant historical events add authenticity and depth, while Addie's frank, expertly modulated voice delivers an emotional wallop.
Shana Burg is an educator, journalist, and public speaker who continues to work toward the promise of social justice. She lives in Austin, Texas.