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46 pages 1 hour read

Whistling Past the Graveyard

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Susan Crandall

Whistling Past the Graveyard

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern U.S. • 1960s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

During the civil rights movement, nine-year-old Starla runs away from her strict grandmother in Mississippi to find her estranged mother in Nashville. Traveling with Eula, a Black woman, and a white baby, they face numerous challenges and grow through their encounters with racism, violence, and complex relationships, eventually learning the true nature of family and courage. This book includes racist language and violence, murder, child abuse, spousal abuse, animal abuse, sexual assault, and fatphobia.

Adventurous

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

44,797 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall is well-regarded for its compelling narrative and strong character development, especially the protagonist, Starla. Critics praise its evocative depiction of 1960s Southern America and the authentic, heartfelt storytelling. However, some find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a poignant and engaging read with memorable moments.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Whistling Past the Graveyard?

Readers who relish heartwarming Southern stories with resilient heroines, much like in The Help by Kathryn Stockett or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, will be captivated by Susan Crandall’s Whistling Past the Graveyard. Fans of coming-of-age tales with depth, historical settings, and strong character development will find this novel appealing.

4.3

44,797 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern U.S. • 1960s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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