Debut YA Half-Truths by Carol Baldwin
I first met Carol at a Christian writers conference in Greenville, SC. As I chatted with her about the writer’s journey, she invited me to join their blogging team at Write2Ignite, an online organization focused on helping children’s writers move forward in their careers.
As I was a middle-grade historical fiction writer, I gained so much insight into the genre and the craft of writing. Little did I know that Carol had a story brewing that would take years to publish (and I’m sure, neither did she). But, she persevered.
Growing up as a northern white child in the 60s, I had no idea what was going on in the South. Until I read Half-Truths, I continued to be isolated from the harsh realities of racial prejudice. This well-researched, compelling, and heart-wrenching YA historical fiction follows Kate as she comes to grip with her own prejudices and moves forward to tell the whole truth—no matter the cost!
So, I am honored to feature her in my April blog post. Half-Truths has given me a personal in-depth look from the view of a relatable young MC, challenging my prejudices as a new resident of this beautiful state of North Carolina, where the story is set. Young or old, you don’t want to miss this hard-to-put-down novel! But first a professional review and the trailer to set the scene. . .
Midwest Book Review
Synopsis: In Half-Truths, Carol Baldwin masterfully weaves a narrative that transcends time, inviting young readers to explore the intricate tapestry of 1950s North Carolina. At the heart of this interesting tale is Kate Dinsmore, a spirited 15-year-old aspiring to become a journalist. Her journey, filled with the challenges of her family’s modest means and the hope of her move to her affluent grandparents’ home in Charlotte, is one that many young readers can relate to. However, the world she enters is one of stark contrasts, where societal expectations loom large, and the unspoken truths of her lineage surface.
Through her growing friendship with Lillian, the maid who becomes both confidante and kin, Kate’s journey is not just about ambition; it’s a profound exploration of identity and belonging. This novel is a valuable resource for educators and parents interested in literature that addresses social issues. It invites readers to reflect on the complexities of race, privilege, and the often-painful quest for authenticity as they unearth family secrets that intertwine their fates. Baldwin tackles these themes with sensitivity and insight, encouraging a dialogue about the realities of our past and the courage required to challenge the status quo.
Critique: Half-Truths is more than just a story; it is a call to action for young minds to question, to seek the truth, and to forge their paths amidst the half-truths that life presents. This book promises to resonate deeply with readers, inspiring them to confront their truths and understand the world around them with greater clarity and compassion. It’s a powerful reminder that they can shape their own narratives and make a difference in the world.
Carol Baldwin has skillfully woven a tapestry of storytelling that resonates deeply with readers. Her latest work is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of friendship, a theme that is universally experienced, and the societal pressures that often threaten to unravel it.
The characters she has brought to life are not merely figures on a page but embody grace, resilience, and authenticity. As they navigate the tumultuous waters of societal expectations, their unwavering bond becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration.This story invites us to reflect on our relationships and the strength found in unity, reminding us that genuine friendship can withstand even the harshest storms. Prepare to be captivated by Baldwin’s poignant prose and the profound messages that linger long after turning the last page.”
JARM: I understand that birthing this book has been a long journey. How long had it taken you? What gave you the idea for writing Half-Truths? Tell me about your research and writing process.
CAROL: From beginning to end it’s taken 18 years! I began with the idea of a farm girl who feels like a fish out of water when she moves to the high society neighborhood of Myers Park in Charlotte, NC.
I wanted it to be an historical novel because I was curious about the history that no one talks about—the history that figuratively lay under people’s feet as they walked around Charlotte. Unfortunately, my city tends to pull down homes and businesses and put up new buildings without anyone thinking about what used to be there. I suppose you can say I was looking for Charlotte’s forgotten history. I was also curious about what it was like before the civil rights period of the 60’s.
I think that both of these answers reflect who I am: a transplanted Yankee who came to Charlotte, NC in 1986. I was the fish out of water in a new city in the South—both of which I knew little about.
There were three main sources for my information: books and articles I read, people I interviewed, and places I went to. First, I read about Charlotte, about the 1950s, about the conflict in Korea; about fashion, people, and the news. You name it, I wanted to know my historical setting as well as possible. In the early stages, I read articles from The Charlotte Observer on microfilm. More recently, I’ve read stories archived online which is a lot easier! I also found information in other periodicals and on the internet.
Third, I visited places. In the End Notes of Half-Truths, I talk about visiting a former Rosenwald School in Charlotte. The personal stories of the two men I met and a picture on the school’s wall were pivotal in creating my plot. I visited the remains of an African American cemetery less than a half mile away from an upscale mall and restaurants. That cemetery was part of the inspiration for the cemetery scene in Half-Truths. I visited the Second Ward Alumni House and met alumni Vermelle Ely and Price Davis. Over the course of many conversations, they showed me how important their Black high school was to the community and gave me a picture of what life was like for Black teenagers in the 50’s in Charlotte.
CAROL: Early on I decided to follow the example of my friend Kathleen Burkinshaw and use newspaper headlines as chapter titles. That proved to be much more difficult than I anticipated. It took me hours and hours to dig up headlines that matched the content of each chapter. Initially, the story was going to take place in 1953. When I changed it to 1950-1951 I had dozens of headlines that didn’t fit! I also wanted headlines from The Charlotte Post, Charlotte’s Black newspaper, but the paper wasn’t on microfilm or digitalized. I found one headline in a Black newspaper in Chicago that I used. I found the headlines through perseverance. And when I couldn’t find one that fit, I made it up!
JARM: What message do you want readers to take away from your book?
CAROL: Too often half-truths, prejudice, and harmful ways of thinking and behaving are passed from one generation to the next. This has the potential to build walls between people. The first step towards reconciliation is acknowledging wrongdoing and moving forward with open, respectful communication.
The theme of half-truths runs throughout the book. Kate not only uncovers deceptions that have been passed on in her family, but she also comes to grips with her half-truths. Like Kate, We must face the lies we’ve told others or ourselves.
Lillian, an important secondary character, is a teenage Black maid who works for Kate’s grandmother. The two girls bond over Kate’s goat, and while building that friendship, Kate frequently stumbles. In a major turning point, Kate alienates Lillian by publicly saying a half-truth about her. It is only when Kate admits what she did and communicates her genuine regret to Lillian that their friendship is reconciled.
As the story progresses, Kate discovers secrets about her family’s ancestry. She wants to talk about them to her stern grandmother— the lynchpin in the puzzle—but she’s afraid. At the end of the book, she broaches the topic as the two plant a garden. Kate’s hunch about her ancestry is validated as she breaks through walls that have existed for decades. She is then freer to speak her voice and move forward without debilitating fear.
JARM: What advice do you have for those neck-deep in research, wondering if there will ever be an end to the edits and rewrites?
CAROL: If you are passionate about your story and have received positive feedback on your project’s feasibility and writing skills—don’t give up! You have to love your story and believe in it to power through countless rewriting and edits. Feel free to take time off to write something (small) to give your mind a break —but realize that to finish your novel, you simply have to keep going. “Butt in chair,” is always good advice!
Life Magazine featuring Charlotte Debutantes in 1951. Read Half-Truths to discover the significance of this picture!
You have until April 30th to enter the giveaway for a copy of Half-Truths. Simply comment on the post below, and tell me what intrigues you about this story. I will draw a name from the responses below, and notify them via email. Make sure you include your email address within the tagline as requested for me to see. The public cannot see your address.
