Book Review: Half-Truths

Half-Truths by Carol Baldwin is an  upper middle grade (lower YA) historical novel set in North Carolina in 1950. It tells the story of 15 year old Anna Katherine (Katie), a White teenager from a rural tobacco growing town who dreams of being a journalist. Determined to pursue her dreams, and mentored by the local newspaper-man to find a voice to write about important stories, Katie moves to the big city to stay with her wealthy grandparents and attend a better school. Her move to Charlotte, however, brings Katie more than just new opportunities. Her grandmother has strict expectations of how Katie should dress and act, and forces her into a mold she’s not entirely comfortable with. Her new friends do the same, pressuring Katie to keep quiet about the things that matter. And then there’s Lillian, the Black teen working in Katie’s grandmother’s house, who consistently challenges Katie’s way of being in the world.

 As the KKK grows in strength in her hometown, and the city continues to segregate, Katie struggles to figure out who she is and what she will stand for, especially in relationships that matter to her.
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From the journalist dreams to the blue willow china imagery, I really enjoyed this story. It was well written and thematically rich, providing lots to discuss and think about. The title ‘Half-Truths’ was a thread that wove its way through the entire narrative as Katie grappled with the half-truths she lived with, lived by, and constructed for those around her. As she is challenged to write stories that expose the truth from her own backyard, she ultimately explores the cost of living a life of half-truths. This is done with a deftness, even as it tackles difficult truths.

As a historical novel, the story also reveals the cultural shifts that were at play in parts of the USA in the 1950s, and I felt does so with sensitivity and respect. I am in no way an expert in US history or the civil rights movement, however I don’t think you need to be to appreciate the way this novel challenges narratives about race, story, and voice. As Katie and Lillian get to know each other and eventually become friends, Lillian refuses to lose her strength. She is uncompromising in her expectations of how Katie should interact and honour her family. As the girls discover the shared secrets of their families (I’m trying really hard not to give away any spoilers here!), Katie and Lillian’s relationship becomes even more complex and Katie has to admit her failures and gather courage to do what’s right. One of my favourite parts of this novel was the powerful way Baldwin gave voice to Lillian and her family, while also allowing Katie realistic character growth. 

Highly recommended, especially for school/homeschool groups wanting relevant stories to consider issues of justice, equality, respect, and the importance of truth telling/own-voices. 

Carol Baldwin and her publishers have generously offered an eBook giveaway for one reader of this post. To be in the draw to receive a copy of Half-Truths, leave a comment below!

All the details you need:
Title: Half Truths
Written by: Carol Baldwin
Publisher: Monarch Educational Services
Available from Amazon from April 2, 2025.