During the civil rights movement, nine-year-old Starla runs away from her strict grandmother in Mississippi to find her estranged mother in Nashville. Traveling with Eula, a Black woman, and a white baby, they face numerous challenges and grow through their encounters with racism, violence, and complex relationships, eventually learning the true nature of family and courage. This book includes racist language and violence, murder, child abuse, spousal abuse, animal abuse, sexual assault, and fatphobia.

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall is well-regarded for its compelling narrative and strong character development, especially the protagonist, Starla. Critics praise its evocative depiction of 1960s Southern America and the authentic, heartfelt storytelling. However, some find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a poignant and engaging read with memorable moments.

Readers who relish heartwarming Southern stories with resilient heroines, much like in The Help by Kathryn Stockett or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, will be captivated by Susan Crandall’s Whistling Past the Graveyard. Fans of coming-of-age tales with depth, historical settings, and strong character development will find this novel appealing.

Adventurous / Heartwarming / Contemplative / Emotional / Inspirational

**Starla Claudelle**  
A bold and adventurous nine-year-old girl living in Mississippi, whose journey to find her mother leads her to confront numerous societal challenges and personal discoveries. Her Southern American English voice highlights her geographical and cultural background.

**Eula Littleton**  
A compassionate woman who becomes a mother figure to Starla during their shared journey. She is resilient, having faced significant personal hardships, and plays a crucial role in guiding Starla.

**Miss Cyrena Jones**  
A teacher involved in her local community who supports the civil rights movement. She provides refuge and guidance to Eula and Starla, showing kindness and activism.

**Patti Lynn Todd**  
Starla's best friend who represents the idea of a traditional family, which Starla initially envies. Her family inadvertently impacts the plot involving Starla's quest.

**Mamie**  
Starla's strict and traditional grandmother with whom she lives in Mississippi. Her rigid views on proper behavior and family impact Starla's upbringing.

**Wallace Littleton**  
Eula's troubled husband who struggles with his inability to hold a job. His complex character contributes to the tension in Eula and Starla's story.

**Porter Claudelle**  
Starla's father, depicted as initially absent but eventually reconnecting with her during the narrative. He shows a caring, albeit flawed, character who wants to build a better relationship with his daughter.

**Lucinda “Lulu” Langsdon Claudelle**  
Starla's mother, who Starla idealizes despite her absence. When eventually encountered, her real personality clashes with Starla's expectations, prompting a shift in Starla's understanding of family.

**James**  
A baby found and cared for by Eula, whose presence creates tension but ultimately ties into the broader themes of belonging and family in the narrative.

Susan Crandall

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Whistling Past the Graveyard Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6 

Whistling Past the Graveyard Chapters 1-6  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-13 

Whistling Past the Graveyard Chapters 7-13  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-19 

Whistling Past the Graveyard Chapters 14-19  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-26

Whistling Past the Graveyard Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-33

Whistling Past the Graveyard Chapters 27-33 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Whistling Past the Graveyard Character Analysis

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Whistling Past the Graveyard

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