The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural

'The Dark-Thirty' is an anthology of ten supernatural tales rooted in African American history and folklore, perfect for middle-grade readers. Each story is set during the 'dark thirty,' the mysterious half-hour before sunset when ghosts feel most real. Patricia McKissack masterfully weaves suspenseful narratives that touch upon difficult historical realities like slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and racial injustice, often with a supernatural twist that brings a sense of poetic justice or haunting consequence. Brian Pinkney's stark black-and-white illustrations enhance the eerie mood. This collection is ideal for children aged 9-12 who enjoy ghost stories and can handle mature themes presented metaphorically through the supernatural.

A collection of ghost stories with African American themes, designed to be told during the Dark Thirty--the half hour before sunset--when ghosts seem all too believable.