My Kentucky Moonlight School

Best–selling author Kim Michele Richardson’s picture book celebrates Kentucky’s pioneering “moonlight schools,” the first official adult literacy movement in the U.S.

Jewel and her grandparents set off through the moonlit hills and hollers for graduation night at their moonlight school, where adults from all walks of life attend to learn. A coalminer can sign his full name for the first time in his life; one man is paid 50¢ more a day since learning basic math; Widow Morrison can finally write to her nine children after years of lost connection—and Papaw will be able to read Jewel a story tonight.

Best-selling Kentucky author Kim Michele Richardson’s delightful picture book is based on the early twentieth century’s real-life Moonlight Schools, pairing engaging, authentic text with vibrant, energetic artwork to craft a heartfelt and timely reminder of the power of education to connect and change lives.