SYNOPSIS

Cora and Ceilly, two best friends with big dreams, are excited at the prospect of electricity in their tiny Kentucky town.

To others in that 1937 town, however, electrification means destruction of nature, intrusion on family habits, and unaffordable cost.

The girls tirelessly raise funds for the school’s electricity fee, and start a school newspaper to educate on the benefits.

Cora lovingly cares for her twin baby brothers, helps her pregnant mom with all chores, and does her best to tolerate the sudden arrival of a surly cousin from Detroit.

Cora’s mom, a talented herbalist, is against electrical power. Her coldness toward Cora – started after her oldest daughter’s tragic death – only grows.

Two visits to the nearest (electrified) hospital save the lives of Cora’s siblings, and gradually convince her mom of electricity’s benefits.

Cora’s efforts as a caretaker, superb journalist, and proselytizer pay off – her family joins the electric cooperative to bring light to the town.

PERFECT AGE 11 – 14

We love

• When two 12-year-old girls can organize neighbors, faraway colleagues and even a friend in Detroit to raise a massive amount of money, you know that no obstacle is too big to overcome!
• Cora is wise beyond her years – she is loving, caring and thoughtful toward the twins; empathetic toward her friend and cousin; and is even able to understand her mom’s reticence. So wonderful!
• The book truly celebrates the power of words – love that to change minds and convince others, Cora collects facts and writes articles. It seems to work!
• Fascinating historical context for this story – nurses’ initiative to bring health care to remote mountain towns in KY and the impact of the Rural Electrification Act are well described in the author’s note and worth the read!

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• Some tragic death references – Cora’s older sister (whom she loved) and her grandparents all died of the flu recently; Ceilly’s parents burned to death in a house fire.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What were some of the reasons why Cora’s mom was against the arrival of electricity? Do you understand them, even if you don’t agree with them?
• What do you think of Glenna’s enthusiasm to help with the handkerchief project? What may have changed her attitude toward Cora and the family?
• Ceilly seems very attached to Cora’s family. Why is that and how has Cora’s mom’s withdrawn behavior impacted her too?
• Imagine living in a house without electricity. What are some comforts you could never go without and some you never imagined having to do by hand?