Book Review: Light Comes to Shadow Mountain by Toni Buzzeo

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the LIGHT COMES TO SHADOW MOUNTAIN by Toni Buzzeo Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: LIGHT COMES TO SHADOW MOUNTAIN

Author: Toni Buzzeo

Pub. Date: July 11, 2023

Publisher: Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 272

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/LIGHT-COMES-TO-SHADOW-MOUNTAIN

Cora Mae Tipton is determined to light up her Appalachian community in this historical fiction novel from an award-winning author and former librarian.

It’s 1937 and the government is pushing to bring electricity to the mountains of southeastern Kentucky. It’s all Cora can think of; radios with news from around the world, machines that keep food cold, lightbulbs by which to read at night! Cora figures she can help spread the word by starting a school newspaper and convincing her neighbors to support the Rural Electrification Act.

But resistance to change isn’t easy to overcome, especially when it starts at home. Cora’s mother is a fierce opponent of electrification. She argues that protecting the landscape of the holler—the trees, the streams, the land that provides for their way of life—is their responsibility. But Cora just can’t let go of wanting more.

Lyrical, literary, and deeply heartfelt, this debut novel from an award-winning author-librarian speaks to family, friendship, and loss through the spirited perspective of a girl eager for an electrified existence, but most of all, the light of her mother’s love and acceptance.

Back matter includes an Author’s Note; further information on the Rural Electrification Act, the herbs and plants of Appalachia, the Pack Horse Library Project, and more; and a “Quick Questions” historical trivia section for readers.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

 

 

Why Should You Read This?

In “Light Comes to Shadow Mountain,” author Toni Buzzeo delivers a captivating and heartwarming historical fiction novel set in the Appalachian region of southeastern Kentucky during 1937. The story revolves around Cora Mae Tipton, a spirited young girl determined to bring the gift of electricity to her community, and her journey towards understanding the importance of preserving tradition while embracing progress.

The novel beautifully captures the essence of a time when the world was on the cusp of significant change, and electricity was about to revolutionize the lives of people in rural areas. Through Cora’s eyes, readers are transported to a place where dreams of radios with news from distant lands, refrigeration to keep food fresh, and the comforting glow of lightbulbs in the night fill her thoughts. Her enthusiasm to spread the word about the Rural Electrification Act leads her to initiate a school newspaper, igniting a spark of hope in her fellow neighbors.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in the intricately woven conflict between Cora’s aspirations and the resistance she encounters, particularly from her mother. Buzzeo skillfully portrays Cora’s mother as a fierce protector of their way of life, arguing that preserving the natural beauty and resources of the holler is of paramount importance. This mother-daughter dynamic adds depth to the narrative, as Cora finds herself torn between her desire for progress and her deep-rooted respect for her mother’s wisdom.

Toni Buzzeo’s writing is nothing short of exquisite, evoking the rich atmosphere of the Appalachian landscape and imbuing the novel with a sense of place. The lyrical prose immerses readers in a world where tradition and modernity intersect, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant story that celebrates the essence of family, friendship, and loss.

The heart of the novel lies in Cora’s spirited perspective. Her eagerness for an electrified existence mirrors her yearning for her mother’s love and acceptance. This thematic thread provides a poignant exploration of the complexities of family relationships and the inherent tension that comes with change and growth.

The inclusion of back matter in the book enhances the reading experience. The Author’s Note sheds light on the historical context and the author’s inspiration, allowing readers to appreciate the authenticity of the narrative. Furthermore, the additional information on the Rural Electrification Act, the herbs and plants of Appalachia, and the Pack Horse Library Project adds depth to the story’s background and historical significance.

In conclusion, “Light Comes to Shadow Mountain” is a beautifully crafted novel from Toni Buzzeo. It captivates readers with its heartfelt portrayal of a young girl’s determination to bring progress to her community while navigating the delicate balance between holding on to tradition and embracing change. This emotionally charged and thought-provoking tale will resonate with readers of all ages, and its message of love, acceptance, and the pursuit of dreams will linger in their hearts long after the final page.

 

About Taylor Tyng:

Toni Buzzeo is a New York Times bestselling children’s author. She has published twenty-nine picture books for kids as well as eleven books for teachers and librarians. A former librarian and college and high school writing teacher, Toni and her books have won many awards, including a Caldecott Honor for One Cool Friend, illustrated by David Small. Endlessly enthusiastic, Toni draws on her career experiences as an elementary school librarian in crafting her books and speaking with audiences of children in schools and libraries. Toni lives in Arlington, Massachusetts.

 

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of LIGHT COMES TO SHADOW MOUNTAIN, US Only.

Ends August 22nd, midnight EST.

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