Sources of Light

April 5, 2010
This historical novel set in 1962 Mississippi spotlights the tensions of the early civil rights movement through the evolution of 14-year-old Sam, a former army brat transplanted to her recently deceased father's home state when her mother accepts a teaching job at the local college. McMullan (Cashay
) effectively captures the Southern setting and frames Sam's conflict between belonging and doing the right thing in the face of racial prejudice. “I just wanted to fit into this place just as we had fit in to all the other towns we had lived in... do whatever it was we were supposed to do, let whatever was supposed to happen happen.” Sam's pivotal relationships with her family's maid, feisty grandmother, and love interest, Stone, whose family staunchly advocates white supremacy, force her to define her own beliefs. And her interest in photography, inspired by her mother's activist boyfriend, helps her focus on this society in transition, as she documents lunch counter protests and develops shocking film after a murder. It's a high stakes novel that powerfully portrays the bravery and loss of a tumultuous time. Ages 10–up.

Starred review from May 1, 2010
Gr 7-10-With the camera that her mother's colleague gives her, 14-year-old Samantha records a portrait of life in Mississippi during the year 19621963. Perry teaches her how to use it and in many ways how to see. He also sets a powerful example through his activism and determination to do the right thing. Sam begins her freshman year somewhat unaware of the racial tensions that exist around her. By the end of the school year though, she becomes acutely aware of the situation, and she and her mother are directly impacted by those struggles. Sam's personal life has its own pressures as she and her mother cope with the loss of her father in Vietnam the previous year, Perry and her mom grow closer, and Sam meets a boy who seems to be at odds with her views on racial equality. McMullan's characters are authentic to the time and place. The themes come through naturally, as do the imagery and symbolism of the camera. Like many novels that have civil rights at the center of them, this is not an easy read, but it is worth the effort. McMullan's well-chosen words realistically portray the conflicts that Sam, her mother, and those around them face. The truths the teen learns are timeless, allowing readers to identify with her. Make room on your library shelves for this one."Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2010
Grades 5-8 In 1962, 14-year-old Sam and her mother move from Pennsylvania to Jackson, Mississippi, a city on the edge of social upheaval as racial tensions come to a head. All Sam wants is to live her life staying out the way, but she finds that hard to do after her mother, an art professor, teaches a class at the local all-black college and becomes a target of white supremacist groups. Perry, her mothers photographer boyfriend, gives Sam a camera and the courage to record the sit-ins, voter registrations, and the violent rage provoked by peaceful protests. No one is demonized in this novel. McMullan, a Mississippi native, makes her characters complex, confused, and sympathetic. Most notably, Sams love interest, Stone, seems decided in his racism and dangerous in his convictions; but his search for right is just as important as Sams. In the end, readers will see the humanity of those on the wrong side of history, and may even feel compassion for them, too.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2010
It's 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi. Samantha is dealing with her soldier father's death, while her mother gets involved in the civil rights movement. This rich tapestry is the backdrop to an eventful year in Sam's life, a year in which she faces death and hate and love. The pace of the novel is quick, and Sam's emotional narration is sure and intimate.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)