THE SECRET OF GUMBO GROVE

Tate perfectly chronicles 11-year-old Raisin as she grows up and confronts life's lessons. While helping Miss Effie clean up the old cemetery, Raisin learns about her Southern town's African-American history. She pieces together stories and unravels the Gumbo Grove secret, which has been dormant for generations. Speech patterns, slang, personal and historical views are presented with aplomb. Staunton speaks with a smile in her voice, making this a charming piece of Americana. S.G.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]