Lift Your Light a Little Higher

Reach for this book when you want to introduce your child to the complexities of history through a lens of individual dignity and mastery. It is perfect for children who are beginning to ask questions about fairness, or for those who find peace and wonder in the natural world. This story follows Stephen Bishop, an enslaved man who became the preeminent guide and explorer of Kentucky's Mammoth Cave. While the backdrop of slavery is present, the emotional core of the book is Stephen's profound expertise, his bravery in the face of literal and metaphorical darkness, and his pride in being the person who lights the way for others. It is a sophisticated yet accessible narrative that honors a hidden figure of American history while fostering conversations about resilience and the pursuit of knowledge despite restrictive circumstances.