· Best Books for Young Adults – American Library Association
· Volunteer State Book Award Selection
· Garden State Book Award Finalist
· Nevada Young Readers Award
· Gold-Winner, Book of the Year Award – Foreword Magazine
When fourteen-year-old Francie befriends Ruthie, a black girl, amidst the rampant prejudice of their small town in 1960s Alabama, she suffers greatly from the gruesome harassment of her white peers. But Ruthie demonstrates the humanity and love that help Francie uncover the truth behind her mother’s death and deal with her father’s neglect and alcoholism.
Praise for The Stones of Mourning Creek.
“This finely polished and suspenseful tour de force, with its shocking ending, will haunt readers long after the story is finished.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The Stones of Mourning Creek pegs Les Becquets as a reader to watch…. Fourteen-year-old Francie’s intelligent, fair-minded viewpoint will keep readers hooked.” – Publisher’s Weekly
“This gripping story realistically portrays life in the 1960s and offers a look at both the ugliness and beauty of people who tried to make life better for others. A must-read.” – Children’s Literature