Moonshine
It’s 1932 and the Depression is going strong in rural Tennessee, along with Prohibition. Distilling illegal liquor is the only way to survive for many country people, including thirteen-year-old Cub Jennings’ father. The two live together in a dilapidated home in the woods outside a small town with a corrupt sheriff. Working in the moonshine business is all that Cub has known, but now he is legally forced to attend school for the first time. Being the new kid is tough enough, but Cub must adapt to being viewed skeptically by his classmates and a strict teacher with the alarming name of Miss Pounder, a fan of corporal punishment. One bright spot is a particular classmate named Rebecca. She is tough and fearless and takes an immediate liking to Cub.
To make Cub’s life even harder, his father is being threatened with jail by the sheriff at the same time an ominous organized crime figure is trying to take over their moonshining business. Somehow Cub must find a way to survive school, protect his father, and find a way to keep them both legal and together.
This is an entertaining and rewarding book, perfect for both pleasing and motivating children and young adults. It captures the sometimes vicious but often uplifting and amusing banter of teenagers and illustrates the value of friendship and determination to win against the odds, even at a young age. Young readers may find that even as Cub confronts and prevails over the formidable challenges he faces, they, too, can handle the obstacles in their own lives. Well done and inspirational!
