The Dark-Thirty
Southern Tales of the Supernatural
📘 About This Book
This Newbery Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Award Winner from beloved author Patricia McKissack offers a “stellar collection” of “ten original stories, all with a foundation in African-American history or culture” (School Library Journal). In that special half-hour of twilight—the dark-thirty—there are stories to be told. Mesmerizing and breathtakingly original, these tales are inspired by African American history and range from the time of slavery to the civil rights era. With her extraordinary gift for suspense, Patricia C. McKissack has created a heart-stopping collection of lasting value, a book not quickly forgotten. An ALA Notable Children’s Book An NCSS-CBC Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies An IRA Teachers’ Choice
📖 Summary
The Dark-Thirty, written by renowned author Patricia C. McKissack and published in 2010, is a celebrated collection of ten original stories designed for young readers. Spanning 178 pages, the book draws deeply from the rich well of African-American history and culture, offering a unique blend of folklore, mystery, and suspense. The title itself refers to that special half-hour of twilight just before complete darkness settles, a mystical time traditionally set aside for gathering together and sharing stories that linger in the mind long after they are finished. McKissack utilizes her extraordinary gift for suspense to craft narratives that are both mesmerizing and breathtakingly original, taking readers on an emotional and historical journey from the harrowing days of slavery through the turbulent and transformative era of the civil rights movement. Each of the ten tales serves as a window into the past, anchoring historical struggles, triumphs, and everyday human experiences in the compelling traditions of oral storytelling. Rather than presenting history as a series of dry dates and distant events, McKissack infuses her characters and settings with vibrant life, supernatural intrigue, and profound moral resonance. Young readers are invited to engage with complex themes of justice, courage, resilience, and memory through a framework that keeps them on the edge of their seats. The collection has earned widespread critical acclaim, cementing its status as both a Newbery Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Award Winner. Additionally, it has been recognized as an American Library Association Notable Children's Book, an NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, and an International Reading Association Teachers' Choice. Through these ten unforgettable stories, McKissack honors the heritage and enduring spirit of African-Americans, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to resonate with new generations of readers in a format that is as educational as it is thrilling.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Features ten engaging and suspenseful original stories.
Deeply grounded in African-American history and culture.
Decorated with prestigious honors like the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King awards.
Serves as an excellent educational tool for social studies.
⚠️ Cons
The suspenseful and eerie themes might be too intense for very sensitive young readers.
Short story collections can sometimes leave readers wanting more depth from individual narratives.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of The Dark-Thirty? +
The book was written by Patricia C. McKissack.
How many stories are included in the collection? +
The book features ten original stories.
What historical periods do the stories cover? +
The tales range from the time of slavery to the civil rights era.
What major awards has the book won? +
It is a Newbery Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Award Winner.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book spans 178 pages.
