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Set in 1905 Charleston, W.Va., this richly lyrical and historically persuasive coming-of-age story explores the ties that bind, break and renew an affluent African-American family. Narrator Delana, 12, lives with her aloof grandfather and his overprotective sister Tilley, who has raised her with a long list of “bewares.” Hungry for family connection, Delana is drawn to Aunt Tilley’s assortment of family photographs and listens avidly to her summary, often harsh judgments on their kin; but where Tilley sees “trash and trouble,” Delana spots “a hiding kindness.” After Tilley dies, Delana summons the courage to probe the secrets that have divided her family and governed their choices and her life. How did the young man who labored to buy his freedom and secure his family’s future change into the remote guardian she’s grown up with? As she learns to trust her own heart, Delana uncovers the joyful, painful connections between Grandpa’s journey and her own. Period photographic portraits from Bolden’s personal collection illustrate the book. Each carefully posed subject is a fascinating enigma. (author’s note) (Historical fiction. 8-12)
