The Big House

Set in the 1950s in Grifton, North Carolina, the narrative follows Annie West, a young African American girl grappling with childhood fears and societal challenges. Her mother instills a belief in a Boogie Man, reflecting the era's cultural fears. The story paints a vivid picture of life in the "Big House" and the realities of segregation in schools, which persisted until the 1970s. Additionally, it highlights the struggles families faced, including reliance on food banks in a time without food stamps, offering a poignant glimpse into Annie's formative years.