This Opening Sky

by Kelly Hollman, Charlotte Sherman

A moving and accessible, middle grade novel in verse, about an unlikely friendship in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Aurelia, the daughter of a once flourishing plantation, must till the land herself to keep herself alive. Libby, a freed slave, is working her way North to live a better life. Together they might just make a really good team.
Aurelia ?? My hands are no longer the hands of a young lady.  I drop my hoe and unwrap my bandaged fingers. They are torn, blistered and bleeding.  Nails, once perfectly manicured, now dirty and broken. The hands of a field worker. Libby ?? I must find someone who will barter some eggs or a loaf of bread or a piece of meat for a day’s work. Trouble is, most plantations are either abandoned or already have too many mouths to feed. 

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Novel In Verse, Poetry

160 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2024

Reviews

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This co-authored historical fiction novel in verse features dual narrators: Aurelia/Elly and Sary/Halle. Both girls are living in the south following the Civil War, and as Aurelia's family falls apart, Sary's newfound freedom means she's heading north to look for her Ma and Pa. Both girls are thrust together and experience things that change them and eventually create a friendship. As the girls reinvent themselves, they change their names and both hope for a new life in the north. Lyrically written, this powerful story features back matter that helps readers understand more about the aftermath of the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and more. Highly recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!

[J.C. Kato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bushel & Peck/Milk & Cookies for providing a copy of this book for me to review.

It was ironic to be offered this book, as Halle and Elly’s unlikely friendship begins in Virginia where I’m headed to at this writing. I’m a fan of verse for its ability to take difficult subjects, like the Civil War, and hone them down to true, poignant emotions, which these authors have done. I teared up several times, not because of the sadness inflicted upon Halle and Elly, but for their triumphs in overcoming their own prejudice and rising above it to affect change when the odds are against them.

[Jojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very beautiful. Though I don’t typically love historical fiction books that are in verse, I still could definitely appreciate the lovely writing and flow in the novel. Definitely a good civil war book, I would say 11+

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done! Highly recommend!

[Jordan Ashby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved how it was written in verse and the coming together of friends. The subject matter and some of the event’s described feel more middle grade and inappropriate for juveniles.