About the Book

Book: The Moonlight School

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn’t expected: love.

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Guest Review from Mindy Houng

“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.

About the Author

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.

More from Suzanne

I’m Suzanne Woods Fisher, the author of The Moonlight School. This historical fiction will release on February 2, 2021, and is based on a true story featuring Cora Wilson Stewart, a Kentucky educator way ahead of her times. In 1911, Cora had a crazy idea—to open rural one-room schoolhouses in her county on moonlit nights to teach illiterate adults how to read and write.

So what happened next? Well, it’s so astonishing that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Instead, I hope you’ll read the book and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, this infographic provides a fascinating look at illiteracy THEN…and NOW. Makes you want to thank your teachers, doesn’t it?