McKissack, P., & Pinkney, J. B. (1992). The dark-thirty: Southern tales of the supernatural. New York: Knopf.Reading level: 730L
Interest level: Grades 6 - 8
This collection of 10 thrilling tales is meant to be told at “dark-thirty” – the scariest time of day – the semi-darkness before total nightfall. Kids love these scary story compilations (see also the “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” series and “In the Dark, Dark Night”), and this one delivers a fright as well as some educational value. All the stories involve race, although they are not all focused on slavery. Use this book to scare up interest during a unit on civil rights or slavery.
