CHRISTMAS IN THE BIG HOUSE, CHRISTMAS IN THE QUARTERS

Patricia C. McKissack, Fredrick McKissack, Jr., . . Scholastic, $6.99 (80pp) ISBN 978-0-590-43028-9

On a Virginia plantation in 1859, the enslaved families work hard to get both the Big House and their own Quarters ready for Christmas. "The McKissacks carefully and convincingly delineate the discrepancies between the two milieus, and the contrast is startling and stirring," wrote PW in a starred review. "Thompson's remarkably realistic, emotion-charged paintings masterfully tie together the book's diverse contents." Ages 8-up. (Oct.)

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