The Moonlight School - by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Paperback)

I love everything about this book: the cover, the title and the story! If that isn’t wonderful enough, the fact that it is based on a true story is icing on the cake! Many of the characters in the book were real people! Cora Wilson Stewart fought tirelessly for the education of the Appalachian children and adults. She didn’t just campaign but took actions to further her dream. She herself grew up in the hills of Kentucky where poverty and lack of educational opportunity was the norm. How well she understood their plight. Her accomplishments are incredible. In this fictional story, Cora’s, wealthy and privileged younger cousin is sent by her father to assist her. Lucy has the impression that she is coming as a stenographer. Cora shatters that preconceived idea very quickly. In a few days Lucy is on horseback (she has never ridden a horse) and being sent up into the woods and hills of the Kentucky Hollows to see people she has not clue where they live! She is definitely put out of her comfort zone. Her job is to take write the letters they want to send family and loved ones. As you can imagine she is overwhelmed. Severe poverty, lack of hygiene, not to mention countless traditions and superstitions of the people is a bit of a culture shock at first. She grows to realize the vast gulf between the life she has taken for granted and theirs. Very quickly Lucy develops a love the people and hurt for their suffering. She blossoms into quite activist for those she serves. Appalachia and its people have always held a fascination for me. The author’s descriptiveness of the people, their environment, and their customs added to my interest. The characters are captivating. Wyatt and Angie were two of my favorites. The book is much deeper than just this historical time and the wonderful people. There are many surprises, one especially about a tragedy in Lucy’s past. A beautifully written book you don’t want to miss reading! I received this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

Bringing literacy to the mountain people of Kentucky around the turn of the century was not an easy task, but in this book we learn about one superintendent named Cora Wilson Stewart who did exactly that. Having grown up in the mountains herself, she understood the challenges and was able to reach the people through a practical whole language approach, teaching vocabulary that was specific to their needs in a way that wouldn’t hurt their pride. However, Cora is not the main character of The Moonlight School. We’re introduced to the protagonist Lucy who is traumatized by the guilt of losing her baby sister years ago. Lucy grew up in luxury in the city, but as an adult goes to work with her aunt Cora. This book by Suzanne Woods Fisher focuses on Lucy’s journey as she learns to appreciate the culture of the mountain people. The author does a wonderful job portraying that culture and its complexities as it struggles to gain literacy while preserving their identity and heritage. One drawback for me was the side story of Lucy’s baby sister. Honestly, starting off the book with such a traumatic loss hit too close to home for me, and I almost stopped reading altogether. I continued mostly because I wanted to find out if Lucy was ever reunited with her sister. That conclusion, while interesting & foreshadowed throughout the story, left me a little unsettled, as if without real closure. I know life isn’t always like that, but I like to read stories where all loose ends are nicely tied together and there’s a clear happily ever after. In all, this was an interesting story with a theme that I hadn’t even thought of before. I chose to read this book because I am a teacher and found this topic intriguing. The Moonlight School gave me a deeper appreciation for those “pioneer” teachers who faced such challenges and impacted generations. *I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I was pleased to be chosen to read and review this book by Suzanne Woods Fisher, one of my favorite authors. This book is another good choice for any who likes historical fiction woven through with truths. Lucy didn't notice her sister's disappearance as she was so engrossed in her book. Her life after that seemed like an empty shell until she was sent to work with her father's cousin in the hills of Kentucky. This story shows how Lucy dealt with her life and how she dealt with her new circumstances. This book also reveals what life in the hill country was like for the poor and illiterate. These combine to make a very interesting read. The book is also very well edited and the story flows well. The main characters were well developed and you could see their individual personalities. The only negative in the book is that I felt there were a lot of loose ends, but to tie it all up neatly may have made the book boring and extremely long. This review is my own opinion and freely given. I give it 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to my friends.

I’m so impressed with the way Ms. Fisher wove historical facts and characters in with fiction and captivated my attention from the beginning. This takes place in the early 1900’s in Kentucky and uses authentic mountain language that makes it realistic. I was born and raised in WV then left for 20 years before settling back home. Therefore I understood the ways of the people and most of the language without looking at the glossary. It was enlightening to read about Cora Wilson Stewart and the work and effort she put into teaching literacy and opening up a whole new world to the mountain people she loved. I admit I skipped to the back to see what was fact and what characters were fiction about halfway through as I couldn’t wait any longer. The characters were like family and the descriptions were superb especially the rain storm, as it felt I was caught in it. I devoured this book as it was so interesting that I didn’t want to put it down. I highly recommend reading this as soon as possible. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Leaving behind her 1911 city-life, Lucy has agreed to spend six months in the backwoods of Kentucky helping her cousin. Lucy doesn’t know which is more shocking, how difficult it is to ride a horse, and discovering what a life of advantage she has led; or the severe poverty of the mountain population, along with the high amount of adult illiteracy that has led to the people being cheated. Included in the story, is the mystery of what became of Charlotte, Lucy’s two-and-a-half-year-old sister, who disappeared without a trace. With each passing year, the guilt Lucy has felt because of it, has caused her to retreat within herself more. In this new situation, Lucy faces roadblocks at every turn. The mountain people are naturally wary of strangers, but Angie takes it a step further, and is openly hostile to Lucy. Will Lucy be taken in by Andrew’s charms, while being blinded to the unscrupulous things he does? Will the prickly Angie provide an answer to Charlotte’s disappearance? Will the idea of adults going to school on moonlit nights catch on, or will outside forces put an end to the project? This is a fictionalized tale based on real historic events. I love this book, and you will, too--make sure you read this, it is amazing! This tale will stay with you long after you have finished the last page. The people’s trust and faith in God is a vital part of their daily life; it adds a richness and charm to this tale. I highly recommend this 5+ star book to everyone! Revell Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Moonlight School, for the purpose of review.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher is historical fiction inspired by true events. The story is set in Kentucky, USA during the early 1900’s when illiteracy and poverty were rampant among the Appalachian people living in the hills of Rowan County, Kentucky. Cora Wilson Stewart, was an actual person who was superintendent of schools in Rowan County, Kentucky in 1911. Cora was known as The Moonlight-School Lady and initially her purpose was to make sure every child in those Rowan County hills received an education so they would have a chance to rise above their current circumstances of illiteracy and poverty and be able to have a brighter future. Cora tirelessly worked to ensure every had a chance to attend school by personally seeing to it that every holler in her county had a schoolhouse and a teacher. This was no easy task even though the Appalachian people all loved her and supported her efforts, some of the townspeople didn’t , and so she had to face many difficulties to achieve her plan of eliminating illiteracy totally. Later on, Cora would come to realize that helping the adults to read and write would be the best way to eliminate illiteracy and poverty and so she hatched a plan to do that by starting what she called Moonlight Schools. History shows that Cora’s plan was successful, as she was able to open the schoolhouses during moonlit nights to teach the adults living in the hills of Rowan County to read and write, and as a result her Moonlight Schools campaign reduced illiteracy and poverty in Rowan County considerably and caused the nation as a whole to awaken to begin taking illiteracy seriously. The fictional story that Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves around the historical facts is very realistic. The fictional characters are endearing and seem true to life. One imagines as one reads this story that Cora did indeed have people like these characters to help her achieve her plan and purpose. Though the main story focuses on Cora and her plan, it also is made more interesting by its revelation of each character’s personal background and story, and how Cora’s plan changed many lives for good. The reader will experience many emotional highs and lows as this story unfolds, and will see how God works things together for good in the lives of people who love and trust in Him. There is some romance, some humor, and you will learn many new words as the author uses actual mountain talk throughout the story. There is also a surprise element in the story. This story is educational, but also heartwarming, and shows what one person who is committed to a cause for a greater good can achieve with God, faith, prayer and hard work. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction based on true events. The author also included 9 Discussion Questions at the end of the book which would be beneficial to those wanting to read and discuss this book in a Book Group or Study. I was given a copy of this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an absolutely wonderful example of Christian Historical Fiction. It tells the story of Cora Wilson Stewart, the first female Superintendent of Schools, and her quest for improving adult literacy. Per the author's notes at the back, all of the information about Cora, her job, and her Moonlight School Project is factual. I had never heard of this before, and was fascinated to learn about this part of American history. I also enjoyed "meeting" Cora, a truly inspirational woman who was way ahead of her time. The fictional aspect comes in through a variety of non-historical characters. Lucy Wilson, Cora's cousin, is the center of the story. Lucy comes to visit Cora for a few months to work as her assistant. During the course of that job, Lucy learns a great deal about herself as a person, and has a delightful character-growth-arc. The Christian aspect of the book is also clearly present. Lucy is a somewhat lapsed Christian, primarily due to a childhood trauma that left her doubting God. Brother Wyatt, another fictional character, is a man of strong faith who gently guides Lucy along her path. I found it very realistic to watch a young woman who no longer trusted God find her way back to Him and grow in her faith, as well as growing as a person. There is a romantic element in the story, but it's not the main focus. Lucy is single; as such, it's only logical that some romantic attachments might develop when she moves to a new town. The romance serves as a part of Lucy's journey, and never detracts from the main storyline. The author's descriptions of the fantastic natural beauty of rural Kentucky made me feel like I was right there with Lucy, enjoying the majesty of creation. Easily a five-star rating from me!

“Oh, my stars and garters!” By the time I reached the 2nd chapter, my grin was firmly in place, stretching from ear-to-ear. Fisher recounts this remarkable tale of the real Cora Wilson Stewart, who campaigned for literacy in the Kentucky mountains, woven into fiction in a compelling, unforgettable novel. The Moonlight School is everything I’ve come to expect from Fisher and more. This is a tale of the triumph of faith, perseverance, and a love for one’s neighbor’s plight that motivates action. The end brings so many pieces together, with twists I wouldn't have seen coming. Lucy is a very special heroine, changing from an inept, unconcerned city-girl to a caring, daring, and brave young woman, ready to fight for the rights of the mountain people. Fisher gives creates a believable live triangle with Lucy and Andrew and Wyatt, then another with Lucy, Fin, and Angie. None of the characters are perfect, but some reach towards community betterment, while others reach only for what will benefit them. It is the ones who look out for the mountain folk who are “silent” that we learn to love. They share the following sentiment: “The only way to lift people is to teach them to lift themselves. Literacy is the only road to true freedom... literacy gives a voice to the silent.” I was amazed by the discovery that Cora makes through Miss Mollie that turns her educational philosophy upside down. I was also amazed by the natural teaching ability of Angie and her willingness to share with others when she is so antagonistic towards Lucy. I was proud of Lucy for tackling a job that she isn’t the best at, yet filling in because she is needed. The original pronunciations of the mountain folk make the book authentic, while the explanations of their need to hang on to their culture from the Old Country, caused me to think differently than I had before. A hearty five stars to this beautiful book from Suzanne Woods Fisher! I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, as well as Library Thing. These are my own, unsolicited opinions.

I KNEW I had to read this book when I first heard it mentioned last fall. I live about twenty-five miles from Morehead, Kentucky so I've long known about Cora Wilson Stewart and the Moonlight Schools but, after reading this story, I truly understand this tremendous legacy. It's apparent that a lot of time and effort went into researching Stewart's life and Susanne Woods Fisher has seamlessly integrated fictional characters and historical facts into a heartwarming story that you won't soon forget! These realistic characters are so endearing and I found myself often referring to the end notes to see who was a real person! The difficulties encountered and the long ago disappearance of Lucy's baby sister add intrigue to Fisher's well-written plot but the real strength of The Moonlight School is in the depiction of emotions experienced by both teachers and students. We all know the joy young children feel when learning to read but try to understand the tremendous sense of accomplishment felt by adult men and women who had been illiterate all of their lives! This is historical fiction at its finest and an excellent reminder of the value of literacy. I highly recommend The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I voluntarily accepted a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley but was in no way obligated to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

This clean historical fiction story follows the life of Cora Wilson Stewart, the first woman elected school superintendent in Rowan County, Kentucky. Set in the early 1900s “Moonlight Schools” got their name because of adults gathering together in the evenings at their childs schools to receive reading and writing lessons from a teacher. It was interesting to read about that time period and the struggles that people had with literacy and how it improved their lives and the teachers that were passionate with helping them. The story was slow at times but I still liked it and especially liked the main characters Cora and Lucy. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher has Lucy Wilson traveling to Rowan County, Kentucky to help her cousin, Cora for six months. Her father grew up in the area. Lucy is shocked when she learns that she is expected to travel by horse into the mountains to write and read letters for the mountain people. Lucy thought she would be working in an office. She is unprepared for the living conditions of the people and surprised that many of them cannot read. Lucy meets Brother Wyatt, the singing teacher, who helps her navigate her new environment. Cora comes up with the idea to hold night classes for the adults to teach them to read. The school would be held on moonlit nights so they can find their way to the schoolhouses. Lucy finds herself challenged and questioning everything she had been taught. She gets an opportunity to find a purpose and love. The Moonlight School is an intriguing historical novel. I thought it was well-written and researched. It is a gently paced novel with developed characters. The story is a slow starter, but I soon found myself engrossed. I thought the author captured the time-period, the area, and the mountain people. The authors writing allowed me to imagine the proud mountain people, their homes, and their accent. I enjoyed learning about Cora Wilson Stewart and the work she did to help educate the people in the Appalachian Mountains. I liked the author’s historical notes at the end of the book along with the fact and fiction section. There are also discussion questions and suggested reading to learn more about Cora. It was great learning about Cora Wilson Stewart who worked tirelessly to bring education to people who truly needed it. I would have loved an epilogue that went forward a few years to show us how Angie, Lucy, Fin, and Wyatt were faring. The Moonlight School is heartwarming and inspiring tale that will transport you to another time and place.

The Moonlight School, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is a truly wonderful book. Rich in story, thoughtful, and uplifting, this remarkable novel overflows with warmth and heart. Page after page, Ms. Fisher gives life to a story that is uniquely memorable. The Moonlight School is a novel that offers a touching story of loss, purpose, faith, tradition, love, and family. Rustic cabins, steep trails, rippling creeks, and wooded hillsides enable the story to develop naturally within the landscape of its rural Kentucky home. Pulsing with a life of its own, this mountainous setting buzzes with vivid significance in a story that is altogether special. Throughout this book, Ms. Fisher has crafted characters who are genuinely endearing, surprising, authentic, and steadfast. Their beliefs, their needs, and their goals are wholly believable and inspiring. The circumstances, the uncertainties, the choices, and the struggles that the characters face are well-developed, and from them there unfolds a story that is both enriching and entertaining. The Moonlight School is a novel that successfully balances hope and hurt, faithfulness and suspicion, perseverance and hesitation, and purpose and expectation. As these themes develop throughout the story they are supported by relevant moments of insight, grace, and compassion. The Moonlight School is a special novel and a true pleasure to read. Abounding with history, sentiment, and inspiration, it is very engaging and thought-provoking. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all readers. *I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher and CelebrateLit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

With all the reading I do, I can’t believe I have never heard of Cora Wilson Stewart. The author does a great job of mixing fiction with facts in this story that has become dear to my heart. I started reading as a young child and would stay up past my bedtime to finish a book. It opened up places I could travel to without leaving my house. This story is one I think everyone should read. Why, you ask? Simply because they need to know how special it is to know how to read and be introduced to a woman who helped those who couldn’t. I loved Cora and her big heart for wanting everyone to read and write. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not be able to do those things. We take things for granted in our lives and this story reminds me to be thankful at all times. The people in the mountains were secluded from everything and they lived a hard life. Cora never complained about helping them write letters or read to them. Lucy was a young woman who comes to help Cora out. I can see her eyes get big as she traveled to the backwoods where people were happy and content with their lives. To Lucy she knew she was privileged but never thought of herself better than others. I liked how she pitched in and soon discovered she was needed there to help those who couldn’t read. I did like the part in the story about Lucy’s sister that had been missing for years. It was an interesting part of the book and gave us a glimpse of what someone might do when tragedy strikes their own life. I won’t say more about this because I don’t want to give anything away. The book illustrates what it was like during the early 1910s. People in the mountains never came to town and kept to themselves. They helped each other out but never meddled in each other’s personal business. It is possible that some were superstitious and were fearful that something would happen if they didn’t listen to those that believed. I loved learning more about this time period and thought the author did a great job in making the story come to life. I liked the faith element and especially learning about the mountain music. The people were not ashamed to worship and loved spending time in His presence. I am so glad this story was written so others can know the importance of literacy. Cora had a dream to give every person the chance to learn how to read . She worked long hours but it was worth it when she heard someone read for the first time. The school was a brilliant idea and with faith Cora saw it come to pass. A true hero who has been overlooked for years. Hopefully this book will bring to the forefront about a woman who followed the call on her life. “ Happy are those whose purpose has found them.” I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

"We're all human beings and have thoughts and dreams like everybody else. You'll find that we're all alike in the end." I really enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher's historical fiction and this newest release takes us to 1911 eastern Kentucky where one-third of the county is illiterate or semi-illiterate. Learning about the life in the Appalachian Mountains during this time period was fascinating - the poverty, tenacity, loyalty, and sincerity of the people created a unique and special subculture in those mountains that I am not familiar with. I loved the music and the rock solid faith of the people in Rowan County, especially Brother Wyatt's. Based on the true story of Cora Wilson Stewart who fought to bring literacy to young and old alike, this book will appeal to historical fiction fans and to anyone passionate about literacy. Though the book is based on a true historical figure, the main characters in the book - Lucy and Wyatt - are fictional. Lucy is Cora's city born and bred cousin who is timid and without a purpose. When she comes out to the rural county, Lucy must overcome her prejudice against the poor and uneducated and must also decide what is important and how she should stand up for it. She's thrust into many uncomfortable and distressing situations where she learns to let go of her fears and past insecurities, and to rise up to find her calling, passion, and dream. Wyatt, though he doesn't actually have a voice in the story, is a steady, loyal, wise man of faith and music who makes for a lovely hero. The teenagers Fin and Angie are hysterical and bring plenty of teenage angst and drama, which adds levity to the plot. The illiteracy rate and the poverty rampant in that area are heart-breaking but the people's desire to work to rise above is extremely encouraging and full of hope. I received the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.