"The Moonlight School" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Moonlight School (Feb. 2, 2021) by Suzanne Woods Fisher.*

*This is a standalone novel.*

For a decade, Lucy Wilson has been haunted by personal tragedy. From the day that her two-and-a-half-year-old sister went missing when Lucy was only nine, the guilt has eaten at her so much that she might grow invisible. Now 19 years old in the spring of 1911, Lucy has arrived in Rowan County, Kentucky, to act as “stenographer” to her cousin, the indomitable Cora Wilson Stewart, first woman superintendent of schools for Rowan County. Lucy is wholly unprepared by her encounters at first, from riding a gentle pony named Jenny to the primitive lifestyle and intellectual poverty of the people in the hills. She is appalled and can’t wait to leave.

            But as the days whittle on, Lucy observes the fierce determination and dedication that Cora has to educating the county and bringing literacy to all, no matter the age. Lucy sees grace and compassion in Brother Wyatt, a singing school master, who grew up in those hills. And Lucy meets so many others, from Finley James to Angie Cooper to Miss Mollie. As time goes on and Lucy opens her eyes, she sees beyond the conditions on the outside and listens to the stories. Lucy’s lived a life in the shadows, and she’s on her way to hearing God’s call for her.

            As soon as I read the description, I knew I wanted to read this book, whether I received a copy or not. This story is powerful, especially because Cora Wilson Stewart once walked this planet, but not only because of that. Without the right author, a story that should be gripping can become muddled, but in the hands of Woods Fisher, Cora champions for education for all youth and literacy for all adults. More light shines upon this little-known literary crusade thanks to this story. Despite the title, “moonlight schools” are not in operation in the story; it’s a story of the work and gaining in faith on the way to the first moonlight class. The growth of Lucy from pampered outsider to fellow champion of faith and literacy is inspiring to read. This inspirational, historical fiction novel is remarkable in how it takes adult literacy seriously when “highborn” people think other folks “need to not get above their raising.” Who knew that my heart could be so deeply moved by history woven with wonderful storytelling?

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”