Reading Level: ages 9-12

I was moved by the relationships and the secret behind Hidden Roots - a shameful, vile thing I had not know existed in this country.

Set in 1954, Hidden Roots is told to us by eleven-year-old Harry, who is a friendless boy and small for age. What is unusual about Harry's story is that, while being told from his point of view, it is not about him - not directly at least. Harry serves more as the observer of the adults in his small family than an active observer. (Think of To Kill a Mockingbird composed only of Scout's accounts of Atticus' part of the story.) There is his reclusive mother, his angry father, and an old family friend he calls uncle. The dynamics among these three are the heart of the story. Why does Harry's father have fits of rage? Why does he resent Uncle's Louis' visit with Harry and his mother? Why does Uncle Louis speak so little about his life?

Over a period of five months, from August to December, events happening around Harry reveal many hidden roots - from reasons for rage, to family lies, to a shameful act of legal inhumaity.

— KB SHAW, Publisher, Spectrum - Member SCBWI