Additional information
by Carol Baldwin (Author)
It is 1950, and 15-year-old Kate Dinsmore wants to become a journalist. But, her tobacco-farming father can't afford to send her to college. She devises a plan to move from rural North Carolina to her wealthy grandparents' home in Charlotte in hopes of gaining their financial support. Now she has a new set of problems. How can she please her society-conscious grandmother and conform to her new classmates' lifestyles? She meets Lillian, her grandmother's teenage maid, and in spite of their racial differences, they form a tentative friendship. While exploring her grandmother's attic, Kate unearths a secret that rocks her world and Lillian's too. The shocking discovery reveals half-truths that threaten the girls' friendship. What will Kate do when she must choose between Lillian and her new society friends? Through a mentorship with a newspaper editor, Kate realizes that journalism requires honesty. But, the risks of truth-telling make Kate question herself. If she reveals what she has learned, what price will she pay?
⚠ Content Rating for Half-Truths - Young Adult
Half-Truths is a historical fiction novel for young adult readers (13+), set in the 1950s American South. It contains themes that reflect the realities of the time period, including:
- Racial discrimination and segregation - Includes historically accurate language and depictions of segregation.
- The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and racial violence - References to the KKK's presence, intimidation, and racial injustice.
- Historical language - The terms colored and Negro are used within the story to maintain historical accuracy.
- Themes of prejudice and injustice - Explores societal norms and the impact of racism in the 1950s.
- Mention of a slave having a child by a slave owner - This is an integral part of the generational trauma explored in the book.
This book is written with sensitivity and historical accuracy, aiming to encourage critical thinking, empathy, and discussions about past and present social issues. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
