Taking Care of Moses

by Barbara O'Connor

Who left the baby at the Rock of Ages Baptist Church?

Randall Mackey has a secret. He knows who left the baby on the steps of the Rock of Ages Baptist Church. But he can't tell anyone, not even his best friend, Jaybird. And he certainly can't let Jaybird's little sister, Althea, find out because she'd be sure to shout it from the rooftops. Randall can't tell because Queenie Avery was also there, and he wants to protect her. Poor old Queenie seems to be getting more and more forgetful these days. And now that she's begun to wander, folks in town want to send her away, which would break Mr. Avery's heart. While Randall's busy worrying about doing the right thing, everyone in town is discussing who should take care of baby Moses, and it isn't long before a feud breaks out. Randall has to come up with a plan that won't hurt those he most wants to help. And he's got to do it quickly before the situation gets completely out of control.

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2004

About the author

Barbara O'Connor's awards include the Parents Choice Gold and Silver Award, American Library Association Notable Books, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society, School Library Journal Best Books, and Kirkus Best Books. Her books have been nominated for children's choice awards in 38 states and voted as a state favorite by children in South Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, and South Dakota.

Barbara was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She draws on her Southern roots to write award-winning books for children in grades 3 to 6.

She currently lives in Asheville, NC. Her latest book is Wish, a middle grade novel published by FSG.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/barbar...

Reviews

[Hemavathy DM Suppiah-Devi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miracles can happen when folks come together to act out of love. And yes, sometimes, it really does take a village to raise a child. 💛

[Pj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little boy has a big secret but doesn't know what to do with it. If he tells, people could be hurt if he doesn't tell, the conflict in the town could get wider. Should the lady that keeps foster kids get to have the abandoned child left on the door step of the church? Should the preacher and his wife get to keep the little boy they feel was sent from God. To make matters more complicated the baby is black and the minister is white which causes even more drama. Would rate this book as a pre-teen or older. I think it is a little old for younger children.

[Mary E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A baby; a secret; and a nosey know-it-all girl

[Elysabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because of the childness of it, however, I would have liked it more if the person who left Moses in front of the church had been one of the characters introduced in the beginning.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pitch-perfect dialog. I felt like I was eavesdropping on a couple of 10-year-olds!

[Merrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very strange, but still very good.