About the Book

Book: The Moonlight School

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn’t expected: love.

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About the Author

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.

More from Suzanne

I’m Suzanne Woods Fisher, the author of The Moonlight School. This historical fiction will release on February 2, 2021, and is based on a true story featuring Cora Wilson Stewart, a Kentucky educator way ahead of her times. In 1911, Cora had a crazy idea—to open rural one-room schoolhouses in her county on moonlit nights to teach illiterate adults how to read and write.

So what happened next? Well, it’s so astonishing that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Instead, I hope you’ll read the book and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, this infographic provides a fascinating look at illiteracy THEN…and NOW. Makes you want to thank your teachers, doesn’t it?

My Thoughts

The Moonlight School By: Suzanne Woods Fisher is a well written Historical Fiction novel. The author has the ability to write across several genres. In this story we travel to Rowan County, Kentucky in 1911. Lucy has been haunted by her sisters dissapearance. Lucy Wilson travels to help scribe for the mountain people. I found this so interesting that there was so much illiteracy going on. Lucy realizes this when there are very few who can read and write. Lucy is shocked a bit taken back. Lucky comes from a well to do family - a life of privilege. She was afforded a lot of luxuries. As her time there goes on - she connects with Brother Wyatt. He stirs something in her heart. What will she find when she opens her heart and lets the walls down. Will they be able to find anything out about her sister?

I am thankful for the author's in depth research of life in the Appalacia and their customs. I learned so much through it. This is not a time period that I read a lot about. I had not known about "Midnight Schools" before - and am fascinated by them now. I also loved how the author brought in some real facts to help the story along. As always the author has written some amazing unique characters. The storyline is intriguing. I enjoyed this story very much.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. All thoughts are my own.