3/23/14

Addy's Little Brother

Short story collection published in 2006; author Connie Porter; illustrator Gabriela Dellosso, Renee Graef, Susan McAliley, Dahl Taylor, John Thompson, and Jane Varda

Plot

Sarah Moore's cousin Daniel and his parents are staying with her family. His parents escaped to Canada years ago, where Daniel was born, and now with slavery outlawed, they've returned to the US. Daniel's very quiet, and Addy figures he must be shy. But he really opens up around Sam, who takes the twelve-year-old under his wing. He even gets Daniel a job with him at a commercial stable. Soon he's spending so much time around Daniel the Addy begins to resent Daniel. She thinks that Sam is ditching his sisters in favor of a "brother." She finally confronts Sam about it, and he explains that Daniel had a brother Sam's age who was a Union soldier, but he died in battle and his body was never recovered. Sam isn't hanging out with the brother he never had, he's helping a grieving boy. Addy understands, especially when Sam points out that Addy treats Sarah like a sister but obviously would never want Sarah to replace Sam or Esther. Addy gets to know Daniel and the three quickly start swapping puns, bonding over their love of bad jokes.


Looking Back

In free states, churches quickly became the place for all sorts of religious and secular social gatherings for African-Americans. The services tended to be lively, full of uptempo worship songs and fiery sermons. Churches hosted socials, quilting bees, friendly competitions, political rallies, debates, recitals, and raised money to help newly-freed slaves before, during, and after the Civil War. Church members could belong to many charitable and social organizations, strengthening ties to their communities.


Misc

My short story collection once belonged to an Amanda C., who signed her name on August 29, 2006.

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