Product Description

In the winter of 1866, Addy's poppa gets a new job. His employer, Mr. Radisson, even offers the Walker family a home of their own on the grounds of his fine house in Society Hill. Addy's delight quickly evaporates as she realizes that Mr. Radisson's house holds frightening secrets--one of which leads straight back to the plantation where Addy's family was held in slavery only two years before. Girls will enjoy solving the mystery right along with Addy. This latest book from award-winning author Evelyn Coleman includes an illustrated "Looking Back" section to provide historical context.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28447 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781593691622
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7–In this suspenseful mystery set in Philadelphia during the Reconstruction era, 11-year-old African-American Addy Walker saves the wealthy architect Albert Radisson from a runaway horse as her father works nearby. Radisson is grateful, notices her father's carpentry talents, and not only offers him a job, but also housing for their family in the servants' quarters on his estate. While Radisson's late father was known as an abolitionist, his mother is not of the same mind, and is quite hostile to the Walkers. When the man's fiancée, Elizabeth, comes to town to prepare for their wedding, she is kind and generous but then she suddenly turns against Addy and accuses her of stealing a necklace. Addy discovers the reason for this change of heart, and also solves the mystery of a shadowy stranger who is hiding in the house. Addy and her family experience many verbal assaults from white people they encounter, and the tensions of this era are clearly and honestly depicted. Coleman is faithful to the characters and settings in Connie Porter's Addy books (American Girl), and provides an enjoyable and informative mystery.–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Coleman brings Addy, and civil rights to life in this riveting tale of suspense and intrigue!
The year is 1866. Eleven-year-old Addy, along with the rest of her family, are absolutely thrilled to learn that Poppa's new boss, Mr. Radisson, has invited her family to live in a beautiful little house on his property, in Philadelphia's exclusive Society Hill. The neighborhood is elegant and breathtaking, and Addy is ecstatic to have the chance to occupy such a beautiful home. However, before Addy's family has even settled into their new place, they are accosted by a vicious policeman who accuses them of being thieves, and having no right to trek through the private community. The encounter leaves Addy, along with Momma, her younger sister, Esther, her older brother, Sam, and Poppa, upset at the way the world works, but does not make them forget where they are headed. The home is absolutely beautiful, and, for the first time in her life, Addy is able to occupy a lovely feather bed that is warm and comfortable, and Momma is able to find work along with Poppa. Addy hopes that her family will be able to stay on Mr. Radisson's property for a long time. But within just a few hours, Addy begins to realize that her new home holds some very dark, dangerous secrets. Secrets that could certainly turn Addy's family into the cold night, and leave Mr. Radisson's jaw hanging open. Addy is determined to discover just what is going on in Mr. Radisson's house. The mysterious lights she sees through the window, the strange colored woman she has seen walking around the property in the dead of night, the piece of paper she found with her name scrawled in large letters upon it. All of these things leave Addy frightened, yet curious. However, when her curiosity lands her in deep trouble, and she learns that one of the dangerous secrets at Mr. Radisson's place leads directly back to the plantation her family escaped two-years ago, back in North Carolina, where they were slaves, Addy realizes that maybe coming to Mr. Radisson's place wasn't the best thing for her family. In fact, with a little more searching, Addy soon begins to come to the conclusion that, perhaps, Mr. Radisson's home is the worst place for Addy and her family.

While I have read many AMERICAN GIRL books, I have never once read anything about Addy. Which is why I was so excited to learn that an Addy mystery, SHADOWS ON SOCIETY HILL, was being published. From the very first page, I found Addy to be a brave, heroic character, whose ability to toss her cares away, and put her life on the line for someone else - be it her family, her friends, or a stranger - is admirable. However, it's her sleuthing skills, and her determination to find civil rights for the colored people of the world that truly make her an appealing character. Addy's tale is engrossing, and full of suspense at every turn that truly keeps the reader hooked. Oddly enough, I usually am able to figure out mysteries before the end of the book. However, with SHADOWS ON SOCIETY HILL, Evelyn Coleman has woven such a tightly-knit mystery, that it is impossible to even figure out exactly what is hiding around the next bend. Coleman's ability to keep the reader guessing until the very last page is amazing, while her conclusion is utterly unexpected, and completely original. Coleman brings Addy, and civil rights to life in this riveting tale of suspense and intrigue!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

You will love this book!
I am 9 years old.

Addy's mystery Shadows on Society Hill is a great Mystery! I like it because it is great for kids who love adventure,mystery,and history.

My favorite part is when Addy meets a union spy named Miss Mary Tucker. Ms. Tucker told her all about how to be a spy. Ms. Tucker tells her what her life as a spy is like. She is a very nice woman and becomes Addy's friend. I also liked when Addy saves a man's life so the man gives her Poppa a job. The man lets Addy's family move into the big house next to his house on Society Hill. This is where all the trouble begins.

If you like mystery and adventure you'll sure love this mysteriously exciting book!

A Great Story...
My daughter and I read this book together. We loved it. And she loved seeing the outcome of this story! Would love to see more books like this one on the market.