Rose Lee Carter is a 13 year old African American girl living in Mississippi in 1955. She spends her days picking cotton and her nights dreaming of the North, where she can have a better life. Midnight Without a Moon is an important historical fiction novel about the coming of age during one of the most pivotal times in American history.
Teach students about an important African American in U.S. history and how they impacted later civil rights movements through stories, videos, and other lessons. Have students create a storyboard that shows why this person is significant. See the example below.
Papa, what's wrong? Where are Mr. Albert and the boys?
Midnight Without a Moon is a historical fiction novel about a young girl named Rose. The story takes place in 1955, when segregation and racism was rampant in the South.
CLIMAX - Emmitt Till is Murdered
He probably asked for it!
This is simply awful.
Rose Carter is 13 and lives with her brother, cousin, and grandparents in Mississippi. They live in a small house Mr. Robinson's land and work on his farm and cotton fields. Rose struggles with her family dynamic and the horrific mistreatment of black people around her during the Jim Crow era.
FALLING ACTION - Not Guilty
Not guilty!
When Mr. Albert and his sons did not show up for work one day, Rose knew something was wrong. Mr. Albert's son Levi, 21 years old, was shot and killed when he tried to register to vote. Sadness and fear shocked the black community of their small town.
RESOLUTION - Staying to Make a Change
Thank you, Aunt Belle, but I am going to stay.
On August 28, 1955, Emmett Till, a 14 year old boy who was staying in Money, Mississippi, is taken from his bed and brutally murdered for allegedly whistling at a white woman. It is abundantly clear that things are out of control.
PEARL!
The white men who killed Emmett Till are on trial. Rose and her family are hopeful that this means things are changing. However, when the men are found not guilty, it is clear that change is not coming any time soon.
Rose's Aunt Belle and Monty offer to take her to St. Louis to live. Rose is tempted by the better life she would no doubt have if she left Mississippi. However, she decides to stay and hopes to be a part of changes in the future.