Down in the Piney Woods

by Ethel Footman Smothers

Rich in the language of the South, here a debut novel about a black sharecropping family's struggle for dignity when faced with the threat of racial violence in 1950s Georgia.

Genres: Young Adult

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down in the Piney Woods was a mostly positive and enjoyable read. It has a beautiful blended family of five girls and a boy. The children are separated due to time and a new marriage. When they are united under the same roof, jealousy threatens the love and family. The parents are strong, proud, and good-hearted. They also receive help and support from a beautiful, loving, and wise set of grandparents.

The characters of the family sharecrop, garden, raise chicken and hogs, sell eggs, and find creative ways to bring in money to feed and rear their large family. Still, they occasionally struggle to make enough money to live well, but their interactions and home-life are full of love, joy and educational moments.

Once the farm owner brings in a new family to sharecrop, troubles begin. Down in the Piney Woods is a good book to read and enjoy with older children. Due to race problems and moments of fear, aggression and violence, I think this is a book for children age eight years and up.

[Tiara wearing book lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was in elementary school Ms Smothers came and read part of her book to us so this book brings back many a happy memory. It is one I pull off the shelf every so often as an adult for a reread.

[Ben Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging read of 1950's life in the South.