The Revolution in NC
February 22, 2024
Our Stories, Told by Women: Interesting Reads Set in our Hills
February 27, 2024
Discovering the Magic of Appalachia: The World of Author Shannon Hitchcock
Shannon Hitchcock's "Story Quilts: Appalachian Women Speak" cuts directly to the heart of what it means to be a strong Appalachian woman. From the opening lines, "History has forgotten most Appalachian women," we were hooked.
Using simple language, compelling story telling, and fabulous illustrations (by Sophie Page), this book tells the story of our female ancestors beautifully.
The book describes how women left their stories for other people to find in the quilts they made. The women may not have been able to read and write, but they were able to leave an account of their lives all the same.
The book touches directly on the traits that Foothills Digest has identified as traits of Strong Appalachian Women, and it even includes a list of the quilters the author found most intriguing. Four of the five women she mentioned are from right here in North Carolina: Elizabeth Graham Jacobs, Eliza Helen Rogers Arrington, Emily Maragert Eler Maxwell, and Kate Claton "Granny" Donaldson.
Shannon Hitchcock, like Foothills Digest, understands the importance of passing on the stories of our people and our hills to the younger generations. She weaves tales of Appalachian culture and history that enchant and inspire young readers.
Growing up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shannon's love for storytelling was ignited by her mother's voice, as she read timeless fairy tales like "Hansel and Gretel" and "Jack and the Beanstalk." This passion for stories would only grow stronger with time, thanks to the unwavering support of her teachers and the late-night storytelling sessions with her sister, Robin.
Shannon's journey as an author began with her debut novel, "The Ballad of Jessie Pearl", and since then, she has penned numerous middle-grade novels, such as "Flying Over Water," "One True Way," and "Ruby Lee & Me." Her books have been featured on many state awards lists and garnered acclaimed reviews.
In addition, Shannon has authored several captivating children's books, including "Story Quilts: Appalachian Women Speak," "Saving Granddaddy's Stories: Ray Hicks, the Voice of Appalachia," "She Sang for the Mountains: The story of Jean Ritchie Singer, Songwriter, Activist," and "Words and Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman."
When asked what compels her to share the stories of Appalachia with young people, Shannon Hitchcock shared her thoughts: "My grandparents lived fairly primitively by today's standards. I loved spending time with them. Pop milked cows, slopped hogs, raised tobacco. My grandmother raised a large vegetable garden, cooked a huge meal for all the field hands, canned vegetables, and picked blackberries. All of those memories inspire my writing. The grandmother and grandfather characters in my book, Ruby Lee & Me are based on them. I even included their pictures inthe family scrapbook in the back of the book!"
Drawing from her own experiences growing up on a 100-acre farm in rural North Carolina, surrounded by a large extended family, Shannon's works are deeply rooted in the South. With each story, she brings to life the essence of Appalachian culture, allowing young readers to explore the magic and beauty of a region that holds a special place in her heart.
As the ALAN Review recognizes Shannon as "a New Voice in Historical Fiction," it is clear that her work has made a significant impact on children's literature. With her commitment to sharing the stories of Appalachia, Shannon Hitchcock continues to inspire young readers, while preserving and celebrating a rich cultural heritage.
Story Quilts: Appalachian Women Speak
"Story Quilts: Appalachian Women Speak" by Shannon Hitchcock is a poignant picture book that sheds light on the often-forgotten women of Appalachia. These women, many of whom were poor or lacked formal education, found a unique voice through the quilts they created from scraps of cloth collected over time. These patchwork quilts, piece by piece, revealed the beauty and intricacies of mountain life. Through their quilts, these Appalachian women were able to tell their stories, showcasing their creativity, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage of their community. The book aims to honor these women and their art, providing a glimpse into the thriftiness, creativity, and storytelling prowess that quilting allowed them. With a reading age of 8 to 12 years and a print length of 32 pages, "Story Quilts" is not just a celebration of quilting as a form of artistic expression but also an important piece of American cultural history, especially highlighting the contributions of women in preserving and sharing the Appalachian way of life.
She Sang for the Mountains: The Story of Jean Ritchie Singer Songwriter, Activist
"She Sang for the Mountains: The Story of Jean Ritchie Singer Songwriter, Activist" by Shannon Hitchcock, illustrated by Sophie Page, is a lyrical picture book biography that beautifully narrates the life of Jean Ritchie, a prominent figure in American folk music. Born in the Cumberland Mountains of Kentucky, Ritchie's journey from a music teacher to a protest anthem writer and an influential folk musician is vividly brought to life through this book. Her protest songs inspired many, including household names like Bob Dylan, and her activism against strip mining highlighted her deep connection to her roots and her commitment to environmental causes. The book's unique illustrations, reminiscent of stop-motion animation set against collage backgrounds, perfectly complement the narrative, capturing the essence of Ritchie's life and her contributions to music and activism. This book not only celebrates Ritchie's musical legacy but also introduces young readers to the power of music as a form of protest and change, making it a valuable addition to children's literature on climate change and activism.
Saving Granddaddy's Stories: Ray Hicks, the Voice of Appalachia
"Saving Granddaddy's Stories: Ray Hicks, the Voice of Appalachia" by Shannon Hitchcock, with illustrations by Sophie Page, is a heartfelt tribute to the power of storytelling and the rich oral tradition of the Appalachian region. This picture book tells the story of Ray Hicks, a renowned storyteller from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, who inherited a treasure trove of tales from his grandfather. Known as the "Voice of Appalachia," Hicks dedicated his life to preserving and sharing these stories, passing them on in the authentic mountain way. His narratives, deeply rooted in Appalachian culture, earned him the title of a national treasure and a pivotal figure in the storytelling revival. The book's mixed-media illustrations bring Hicks' tales to life, showcasing the unique landscape and spirit of the Appalachian people. Through this enchanting biography, readers young and old are reminded of the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and the enduring impact of one man's devotion to his roots.
Of Words and Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman--Writer, Historian, Environmentalist
"Of Words and Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman--Writer, Historian, Environmentalist" by Shannon Hitchcock, illustrated by Sophie Page, is an upcoming picture book that celebrates the life and legacy of Wilma Dykeman, a trailblazing environmentalist and author. Through poetic narrative and vivid illustrations, this biography introduces readers to Dykeman's profound connection with the natural world, especially her relationship with the rivers of the Appalachian region. Dykeman's journey from a solitary child in the Blue Ridge Mountains to a passionate advocate for water conservation is depicted with grace, highlighting her belief in the power of words to inspire action and change. Her refusal to remove the pollution narrative from her book about the French Broad River underscores her commitment to environmental activism. This story not only pays tribute to Dykeman's environmental wisdom but also serves as an educational tool, inspiring a new generation to value and protect our water resources. Hitchcock's text and Page's illustrations work in harmony to bring Dykeman's legacy to life, making "Of Words and Water" a compelling read for children and adults alike, emphasizing the lasting impact of using one's voice for the greater good.
Ruby Lee & Me
"Ruby Lee and Me" by Shannon Hitchcock is a touching narrative set in a segregated North Carolina town in 1969, where the arrival of the first black teacher and the integration of schools challenge the friendship between two girls, Sarah Beth Willis, who is white, and Ruby Lee, who is black. As the community grapples with these changes, Sarah Beth confronts her own questions about prejudice, friendship, and acceptance. The story delicately explores themes of racial tension, change, and the possibility of new beginnings through the eyes of its young protagonists. This poignant tale not only sheds light on a crucial period of American history but also on the enduring power of friendship amidst societal upheaval.
The Ballad of Jessie Pearl
"The Ballad of Jessie Pearl" by Shannon Hitchcock is a captivating historical novel set in 1922 North Carolina. This story, inspired by the author's family history, follows fourteen-year-old Jessie Pearl as she navigates the challenges of rural life, including the impact of tuberculosis on her family. With dreams of higher education and becoming a teacher, Jessie is forced to put her aspirations on hold to care for her family. Amidst adversity, she experiences love for the first time, complicating her desires and decisions. This novel immerses readers in the traditions, tastes, and dialect of rural North Carolina, wrapping them in the authenticity and warmth of an old quilt. Jessie's journey of sacrifice, love, and resilience offers a poignant look into the struggles and joys of early 20th-century life.
One True Way
"One True Way" by Shannon Hitchcock is a heartening story set in the 1970s at Daniel Boone Middle School, where two girls, Sam and Allie, discover their friendship is something more. Amidst a conservative town, they face the challenge of accepting their true selves. This novel not only explores the themes of love, acceptance, and change but also provides a historical backdrop of the gay rights movement in the 1970s South. Through the experiences of Sam and Allie, Hitchcock offers a thoughtful and eye-opening look at tolerance and the importance of being true to oneself, making it a significant read for understanding love in its many forms.
Flying Over Water
"Flying Over Water" by N.H. Senzai and Shannon Hitchcock is a poignant narrative that intertwines the lives of two girls: Noura, a Muslim fleeing civil war in Syria, and Jordyn, an American girl from the South. Set against the backdrop of the 2017 Muslim ban, their story explores themes of friendship, belief, and the struggle to understand each other amidst political and social turmoil. As Noura's family is granted asylum in the United States, they face new challenges on American soil, while Jordyn grapples with her own family issues and the desire to help the Alwan family through her church. This Own Voices story, told in dual perspectives, is a heartrending look at tolerance, acceptance, and the power of friendship to stand strong against fear and hatred.
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