The Big House

Set in 1950s Grifton, North Carolina, the narrative follows Annie West, a young African American girl grappling with childhood fears and societal challenges. Influenced by her mother's tales of a Boogie Man that punishes bad behavior, Annie's fear of the dark deepens. The story paints a vivid picture of life in a segregated community, addressing the struggles of families without food stamps who rely on food banks. Through Annie's eyes, readers explore the complexities of her upbringing in the "Big House" and the societal norms of the era.