When old Rootilla Redgums and her 9-year-old grandson, Julius Jefferson arrive at the small town of Walkerton, Georgia, residents are suspicious and scared of the old lady because there are rumors that Rootilla is a witch who has magic and who is over 100 years old. Rootilla uses her magic to teach the residents how to weave rugs that never wear down. She also teaches them to create ceramic jugs that never empty, which help the town trade with surrounding towns. Rootilla’s kindness does not go unnoticed. Hate groups arrive in Walkerton and the town must decide what to do about the outsiders. Moore does a fantastic job showing how African Americans were treated after the Civil War, as well as adding a thin layer of folklore. The illustrations are acrylic and the facial features and expressions are beautifully painted. The intended audience is 1st through 4th graders (Ages 6 through 10). This book is useful when introducing youth to systematic racism during the 19th century after the Civil War. This picture book would be a great addition to any public/school library collection and any classroom library.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library