"The summer I turned thirteen, I thought I killed a man."
So begins the story of Jessilyn Lassiter, a young girl whose world is torn apart the summer of 1932. When Jessilyn's best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyn's father vows to care for her as his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town.
It doesn't take long for the Lassiters to attract the attention of a local band of Ku Klux Klan members, who make increasingly violent threats on Jessilyn and her family.
As she struggles to navigate a complex world of first crushes, loyalties, and betrayals, Jessilyn ultimately discovers what it takes to be a bright light in a dark world.
Jessilyn Lassiter never knew that hatred could lurk in the human heart until the summer of 1932 when she turned 13. When her best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyn’s father vows to care for her as one of his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town. Violence springs up as a ragtag band of Ku Klux Klan members unite and decide to take matters into their own hands. As tensions mount in the small community, loyalties are tested and Jessilyn is forced to say good-bye to the carefree days of her youth. Fireflies in December is the 2007 winner of the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest.
When her best friend Gemma's parents are killed in a house fire, Jessilyn Lassiter's parents take the girl in. Trouble is, the year is 1932, Gemma is black, the Lassiters are white, and they live in a small Virginia town. Spunky Jessilyn is 13 years old, but her story will appeal to readers of all ages. Winner of the Christian Writers Guild's 2007 Operation First Novel contest, Valent's debut is both heartwarming and hand-wringing as it shows how one family endured the threats small and large of a prejudiced community while maintaining moral integrity. The cast of characters is rich. Jessilyn's mother wrestles with the social cost of challenging convention, her father is a dream dad and the neighbor's wisdom is as spicy as her cake. Jessilyn's romantic interest and penchant for trouble keep the tone light while the plot reminds readers of the evil that ordinary human beings are capable of doing, even in the name of righteousness. The book stares down violence and terror, making its affirmation of surprising goodness believable. (Jan.)Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
“We’re proud of Jennifer, and you’re about to learn why. I envy your first look at this new talent. You won’t be disappointed.”--Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best-selling author and owner of the Christian Writers Guild
“Jennifer Erin Valent’s debut novel is as sweet and salty as the South itself. With a keen eye for detail and a pitch-perfect ear for dialect, Valent reminds us that all is not what it seems on the surface and that angels come in many forms.”--Jan Watson, award-winning author of the Troublesome Creek series
“Fireflies in December is an extraordinary first novel, a pure joy to read as Valent explores the emotions and confusion associated not only with coming of age, but with the greater challenge of having a friendship that’s a lonely light in a very dark time.”--Maureen Lang, author of The Oak Leaves
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 8 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Loretta Horst (Sarasota, FL), March 20, 2009
Altho this was a fiction - the author did a great job in portraying what actually happened in too many cases. Made me think and be thankful for my upbringing which did not include any of the horrors of this story.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Eva Marie Everson (Central Florida), March 11, 2009
Color me "amazed." But I knew from the first word of this novel that I would be hooked until I read the last. I knew that my own writing would somehow take second place to the reading of someone else's. I knew I'd found a part of the South -- my own heritage -- that I stand proud in the shadow of and that causes me to hang my head in shame.
I had a few questions along the way, however. For one, even though Gemma had no biological family left, why wouldn't someone of "color" come forward to take her in? While I understand why the "whites" in town were upset with the Lassiter's decision to raise Gemma, why weren't the "coloreds?" (Remember, I grew up in the South, too, and I know both sides of this card.)
But even with the questions, I was reminded of my family heritage, rich in reaching across race lines. Many, many years ago my great uncle and great aunt "took in" a black child who was severely burned (my great-uncle was the physician who treated him) and whose family had rejected him because of his "pink" skin. NFL great George Rogers was practically a member of my 2nd cousins family. For those memories alone, this book was valuable to me.
One other issue I had was that I was not fully aware of the era until about 1/3 way through the book. I may have missed the clues before that ... I began this book on an airplane with lots of little kids anxious to get to Disney! So, take that issue with a grain of salt.
Bottom line: do I recommend this to other readers??? Only those I really, really like!!! :) I LOVE THIS BOOK! And I cannot wait to see what comes next from Jennifer Erin Valent!
Eva Marie Everson
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by ginny (richmond va), February 11, 2009
best book ever it is a very quick read it describes the 1930s perfectly yaaay
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jessica (Canada), January 11, 2009
Jennifer Valent did a great job at creating great characters, a wonderful plot and thought provoking themes. This little firefly wants to shine bright right along side the rest of them. Captivating!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger Tate (Owasso, Oklahoma), January 07, 2009
Fireflies in December is an exceptional read! The author, Jennifer Erin Valent, writes with a southern literature accent that takes you to the center of what is being said in the novel.
The story starts in the summer of 1932 when she, Jessilyn Lassiter, thought she had killed a man. Then her best friend loses her parents in a tragic fire. Since the friend had no parents, Jessilyn’s father vowed to raise Gemma as if she was his own. The only problem was one child was white and the other black.
Fireflies in December covers injustice, riots, peaceful friendships, tragedy, sense of community and memories of an era that has long past. This is a book that I feel all teenagers should read. They would never look at prejudice the same again.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Stacey (Las Vegas, NV), December 27, 2008
WOW!
"Fireflies in December" by Jennifer Erin Valent is filled with memorable moments. Some as sweet as Southern iced tea, others as heavy and uncomforatble as a summer afternoon without a breeze! This book is a subtly delivered and poignant look at racial prejudice and Christian character that dares to stand against it.
Jennifer Erin Valent is a fresh voice with a smooth, Southern lilt. She illuminates this dark season of America's past with hope and Christian love as she tells the story of two young girls (one white, one black) and their friendship and reliance on each other after tragedy strikes in this turbulent time. A brilliant supporting cast of characters lends to the sense of community as well as the unease and turbulence of the era.
The reader is also transported in time and place through the charming expressions employed by the author. This novel could easily become a beloved piece of modern literature, and should take its deserved place on the required reading list of every high school in America.
From injustice to riots to peaceful friendships enjoyed by neighbors who share everything (including kittens), Jennifer Erin Valent captures bittersweet memories of bygone (and not so bygone) days. This is an exceptional read!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Cristi (St. Michael, PA), October 04, 2008
The Lassiter family faces deep-seeded prejudice in this coming of age story. Despite the dangers, the Lassiter's are determined to do what's right in the eyes of God. As the author so adeptly writes, "That's what God expects us to do. We're to be lights in the dark, cold days that are this world. Like fireflies in December."
"Fireflies in December" is a great debut novel. The opening line grabs your attention and the compelling story line keeps you engaged until the very end. Fireflies will appeal to both teens and adults alike. Whether you’re already a fan of historical fiction or you’re new to this type of novel, you won’t be disappointed!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ethan M. (Willaimsburg, VA), October 03, 2008
I’m very glad I got the opportunity to read this book. I did this by getting my hands on an advanced readers copy. Jennifer gained the opportunity to publish her book by accomplishing the feat of winning the Christian Writers Guild 2007 Operation First Novel contest. Get ready for her first ever released novel, Fireflies in December. The book was charming and very pleasurable to read, and you are about to find out why.
Set in the year 1932, Fireflies in December focuses on a 13 year old named Jessilyn Lassiter. When her best friend, a black girl named Gemma Teague, loses her parents in a fire, Mr. Lassiter vows to take Gemma in. Unfortunately, the people of the southern Virginia town are seemingly appalled by the fact that a white family would take in a black child. This results in much rejection and hatred toward the Lassiter’s. To make matters worse, a secret group of members from the Ku Klux Klan take increasingly serious threats toward the Lassiter family. The characters of the book are extremely well done, and you’ll almost be able to see them interact right before your eyes. The details are just right; not so prevalent that they become repetitive and boring, but prevalent and vivid enough so that they draw you right in to the story. The plot is very well done, and I’m sure that if you like a good fiction book with action and humor, you will enjoy the story. These three vital elements together make for a story like no other.
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