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"A richly detailed portrait of Black community life, grounded in lived experience.

Jones‘ vivid rendering of these two women provides an immersive and satisfying experience.

Ultimately, the book offers a heartfelt and historically grounded account of the unrecognized labor that held a community together during a difficult time.”

— Kirkus Reviews

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tribute to a Mother                                                                                                                                 April 10, 2026

Lakeita Salley , Educator

Reading Carrie’s Children: How One Mother Prepared Her Children to Become Selma’s Foot Soldiers felt less like reading a book and more like sitting at a family table listening to stories that deserve to be remembered. Clarence T. Jones writes Selma in a way that feels alive. I could see the streets, hear the voices, and almost smell the kitchens. The descriptions of food stayed with me — fried chicken crackling in hot grease, pork chops on the stove, crispy cornmeal hoecakes, roasted rabbit and squirrel, sweet potatoes browning at the edges, fresh corn scraped straight from the cob, and tomato and okra succotash simmering slowly. Those meals are not just background details. They represent love, survival, and the creativity families used to stretch what little they had into something that felt like abundance.

What struck me most is how the book reminds us that history didn’t only happen in public moments. It happened inside homes. It happened around kitchen tables. Carrie’s life shows the quiet strength required to raise children in a world shaped by poverty and racism while still protecting their sense of dignity. The scenes of feeding neighbors, sharing what little was available, and turning hardship into care reflect a community that survived by refusing to let one another go hungry — physically or emotionally. Reading those passages made me think about how much of real history lives in everyday acts that rarely make it into official records.

This book feels like a tribute not just to one family, but to an entire generation of mothers and communities whose labor and sacrifice built the foundation for change. For younger readers, it offers a way to understand the civil rights era through human experience instead of distant facts. For me, it reads like memory preserved on the page — warm, painful, honest, and deeply necessary. It is a book worth reading slowly, talking about, and carrying forward.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Beautiful Book about motherhood and resilience                                                 April 15, 2026

Karishma Kolhatkar, Public Health Researcher, Mother, Book Club Leader

Carrie’s Children is a moving tribute that a son pays to his mother and the generations that shaped her. Through a clear chronological narrative, we see how Clarence’s grandmother raised Carrie with strength and wisdom — values Carrie then passed on to her own children. While I was familiar with the Civil Rights Movement, I did not fully grasp the depth of inequality and segregation described in the book. This made the story especially powerful for me. Even when some historical details were new, I deeply connected with the themes of discrimination, dignity, equal opportunity, and a mother’s unwavering love. From the lively home on Saint Ann Street to the strong community built on Sylvan Street, the story highlights resourcefulness, hard work, generosity, and the importance of caring for others. Carrie’s work as a nurse and midwife reflects her belief that caring for people is sacred. Her dedication also ensured that her children received a strong Catholic education, which helped them excel academically and build meaningful careers. Clarence’s experience as an altar boy offered valuable life lessons and showed how faith and music can be universal forces that shape character and belonging. The sense of community — shared traditions, collective support, and everyday togetherness — is especially heartwarming. Even today, this story feels deeply relevant. In a time when many of us struggle with isolation, reduced communication, and the constant urge to want more, the book reminds us of what truly matters: parental love, community, compassion, hard work, and our shared humanity. Above all, it remains the story of a remarkable woman whose strength and values continue to resonate. I enjoyed reading this book!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Beautiful Heartfelt Read                                                                                                                   February 24, 2026

Samantha Addison, Educator

Carrie’s Children is truly a beautiful and heartfelt read. From beginning to end, you can feel the love, strength, and purpose poured into every page. The storytelling is powerful and sincere, capturing deep emotions while also offering hope and inspiration. The message on every page is truly meaningful, the characters are relatable, and the overall tone leaves you reflecting long after you’ve turned the last page. It just takes one back into their childhood memories as well as using this book as a guide for life as a family and as a mother.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A Beautiful Tribute to Family, Legacy, and Strength                                             March 20, 2026

Brianne Jones

Carrie’s Children is more than a book. It’s a tribute to the strength of mothers, the power of community, and the unseen work that shapes history. Through vivid memories of Selma and tender stories of Carrie and Hettie, this book honors the kind of love that feeds families, heals neighbors, and raises children with dignity long before they ever step into history.

What moved me most is how this story reminds us that courage is often taught at home, through discipline, faith, and everyday acts of service. Carrie’s life shows that leadership doesn’t always stand at podiums; sometimes it stands in kitchens, clinics, and living rooms, doing holy work without recognition. Her work as a nurse and midwife, her commitment to her family, and her devotion to her community reveal how deeply one woman’s compassion can ripple across generations.

This book beautifully captures the humanity behind the Civil Rights Movement, reminding us that it was sustained not only by public figures, but by mothers who prepared their children with values, resilience, and love. It sheds light on the sacred responsibility of caregiving and the powerful role Black women played in holding their communities together during some of the most challenging times in our history.

I’m incredibly proud of this beautiful preservation of legacy. This book is a gift to future generations and a powerful reminder that ordinary people, rooted in compassion, can change the world. I’m grateful that Carrie’s story, and the spirit she carried, will now live on in these pages for others to learn from, reflect on, and be inspired by.

Clarence shares this story with such care and reverence, honoring his mother in a way that feels deeply personal and lasting. I would lovingly recommend this book to anyone who values family, history, and the powerful impact one generation can have on the next.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A Heartwarming Story of Family and Community                                             February 9, 2026

Raishlyn Grant, Educator

From the start of reading Carrie’s Children”, I began to gain a greater appreciation for my own life’s experiences and the rearing that I received from my village growing up. This book is a reminder that the pieces of life can come together for good, as long as we continue to press forward and not get tired of doing good in the world.

Learning about Carrie’s early life experiences reminded me of the invaluable lessons many elders taught me throughout my own journey! Lessons that came from strong adults who modeled themselves in such a way that brought life to the expression “practice what you preach”. And, “do unto others as you would have others do unto you”.

Reading this book warms my heart and is a great depiction of how discovering our purpose in life, is in-fact discovering the Creator. This book is a history lesson that portrays the connection of people to divine purpose, and is a reminder not to take life for granted! It is also an example of the human strength, love and compassion that comes from a higher source, that can be obtained through humility, and integrity.

I would recommend this book to any of my friends and colleagues!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nothing Like a Mother’s Love                                                                                                       February 20, 2026

TNB

Inviting and truly compelling. An easy and beautiful read! I felt myself wanting to be in Carrie’s home, doing, learning and being loved. Where values, pride and hard work were all ingredients of a job well done. It seemed as though I was walking the streets of Selma with her as each sentence became alive. Neighbors were extended families that took care of each other with dignity, belonging and a love for Community that was entrenched in their souls. The strength of our Matriarchs is what carries us forward. A stern hand, a loving spirit and a desire to give us their very best in preparation for a world that maybe unwelcoming, but one we would not be afraid to challenge. Carrie’s Children….A must read !

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A Truly Inspiring Memoir                                                                                                                   February 1, 2026

Babara Joels, Language Teacher

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Carrie's Children" by Clarence Jones. I find it suitable for adult and young adult readers, as well as an excellent book to be shared in the classroom.
Though I was familiar with news of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the author offers a personal perspective of life in an African American community of Selma, and how the Movement began and evolved.
The tone of this book was informative and inspiring, telling it like it was.
I enjoyed learning of Clarence Jones's childhood and the strong influence of his dedicated, hardworking maternal grandmother, mother, father, church and community in his upbringing. Hard work, accountability, service and caring were valued.
As a single mother, I could identify with and admire the intelligent, pragmatic, resourceful way Carrie found opportunities for herself and her children in education and in the values she wanted her children to live by. I also admired how she trusted her children's judgment as she allowed and supported them in finding their way in life. The contributions of neighbors, friends, church and family in the upbringing of Carrie's children --the interconnectedness and tradition of other mothering -- was acknowledged and appreciated throughout this memoir, as it provided stability and security for them and a firm foundation that they could bring to the world as they grew up and left home.
Thank you, Clarence, for this very readable and inspiring memoir!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reading/Literature Teacher's Take Note                                                                          March 18, 2026

Alice P. Smith, Retired Teacher

Ordinary people operating with integrity, grit, character and faith during a pivotal time in our nation's history. Carrie's Children takes the reader back to this period through the eyes of a son who lived it and watched his mother, grandmother and neighbors courageously live their beliefs of helping others while standing with strength of character when injustice tried to block their path. A lovingly written memoir for any age, I believe this novel would be particularly powerful for children learning about the realities of the Civil Rights issues in 1950's - 60's and how people lived and organized during this period. It is a hopeful novel of encouragement, love in difficult circumstances and timeless lessons in doing what is right at any age and every time.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Advanced Copy Reviewer                                                                                                                March 18, 2026

Teacher

I was privileged to read a copy of Carrie's Children before its actual publication. Mr. Jones's hopeful memoir transported me to Selma, Alabama and Jim Crow laws from the personal experience of a black family and community whose daily life lived the belief that by serving each other with courage & dignity they are strong.

The detail of generational lessons of responsibility, commitment to people, opportunity, and educational pursuits were steeped with compassion amid ordinary activities in an extraordinary time. Carries Children teaches a timeless reminder of how one may 'give in abundance even in times of scarcity' by love and service to others.

The varied settings of these life lessons were skillfully layered combining the Lundy family experience with the larger community of Sister's of Saint Joseph, Edmundite Missions, Civil Rights group meetings & marches and local medical care committed to serving the black community.

I was entertained, inspired, astonished and humbled by reading Carrie's Children and think readers of all ages would feel the same reading this true story of a family's courage to thrive against the barriers around them while stepping forward with courage and sacrifice to make the world better by their place in it.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Edifying and Uplifting                                                                                                                          March 18, 2026

Kathy DeMartino, Life Coach

“Carrie’s Children” provides an edifying and uplifting window into life in a small Southern town during the Jim Crow era. It is the story of the author’s mother, Carrie, whose ten children were “raised to fly.” In a time when it may have seemed more prudent to protect one’s children, Carrie taught her children to be resilient, self-sufficient, diligent, and to share generously with others.

Clarence Jones writes with warmth and lucidity. He carries us into the dining room where all the children are doing their homework - the older ones helping the younger ones - and then moves into the kitchen where each child has a job to do. We walk with them to church and school, where they are always on time and impeccably dressed (despite Carrie's very modest income). We see how Clarence’s character is shaped in his mother’s house, at the Catholic school where he receives a rigorous classical education, by the neighbor who cared for him and his brother after school, and in the civil rights meetings and marches he participated in as a child.

Carrie was a remarkable but unseen hero, and I am glad Clarence has brought her story to life.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rich Family Stories and an Uplifting Tribute to a "Hidden Hero"            February 10, 2026

Candace Hart, Retired Teacher

With warmth and honesty, Clarence Jones introduces us to his remarkable mother Carrie and reveals how she quietly and unselfishly became one of the “hidden heroes” during the years his family and neighbors maneuvered living in the Jim Crow South. Through a lens of vivid imagery and rich family stories that bring his memories to life, Clarence’s heartfelt and uplifting memoir is also a beautiful tribute to faith, family, and the importance of community. He reflects on his youth through a lens of hard-earned wisdom influenced by Carrie’s love, intelligence, resilience, and compassion for others. “Carrie’s Children” is a moving and encouraging story that stays with you long after the final page.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Advanced Copy Reviewer                                                                                                                February 1, 2026

Lisa Venable

This is a tender hearted memoir of the author’s life being raised in a small, segregated black community in Selma Alabama during the emergence of the civil right’s movement.
He transports the reader into this community by describing the day to day life of ordinary folks whose ordinary interactions are actually extraordinary acts of service, dedication, care and love for one another which help the people of this neighborhood thrive under challenging and difficult circumstances.

He explains the important values that were woven into his life and his sibling’s lives that were passed down from his grandmother, Hettie (a mother of nine children) and his mother, Carrie (a mother of ten children) and how these values impacted their Selma community.
This book will inspire the reader to carry on the values of diligence, excellence and supporting others in their own lives.

Thank you for sharing your story, Clarence, and encouraging us that our small, good acts of support and love do make a lasting, positive impact on others.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A Wonderful Memoir of Strength                                                                                                    February 1, 2026

Susan Goggins, Author, Retired Technical Writer, Avid Reader

In his wonderful memoir “Carrie’s Children,” Clarence Jones, Jr., shares the challenges and triumphs of his upbringing in segregated Selma, Alabama, “a world where responsibilities came early and excuses never.” At the center of the story is the inimitable Carrie Louise Lundy Jones, who against all odds because a nurse and midwife while raising nine children. Clarence Jones’s evocative prose will have you swearing you can smell the corn fritters cooking and the pink roses blooming in Carrie’s garden. You’ll be feeling the pain and frustration of the Jim Crow south and the heartbreak of the men who returned from having risked their lives serving their county on foreign soil only to return to a U.S.A. that still treated them as second class. You get an insider's view of the civil rights movement. You’ll experience a world where survival depended on the folks in your community taking care of one another, whether it was sharing extra food or laboring together with pea-shelling parties and neighborhood canning and preserving events. Jones’s book reminds us that children even today can learn valuable lessons through everyday acts of kindness, generosity, and service.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
An Inspiring Portrait of: A Mother's Legacy of Service, Resilience, and Civil Rights Activism  March 16, 2026 

Sherie M, Teacher

This compelling memoir recounts the story of a single mother raising nine children in the segregated, racially hostile environment of Selma, Alabama, during the civil rights era. Carrie's unwavering purpose was to nurture her family while serving her community, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication.

The author vividly portrays how Carrie attentively studied and treated each child as an individual, equipping them with the tools to become confident, successful adults. Through her example, Clarence's mother instilled in them the profound lesson that life's greatest mission lies in serving others. Carrie emphasized that personal achievement holds little value unless it is channeled to uplift those around you.

Notably absent from Carrie's approach were any traces of victimhood, bitterness, or excuses for quitting. Clarence's mother rejected fear as a limiting factor and discouraged allowing peer pressure to dictate choices, fostering instead a mindset of empowerment and purpose.

Although my own childhood differed significantly from the author's, I was deeply intrigued by his family's steadfast commitment to service, justice, and human dignity, regardless of the adversities they faced. This book is an inspiring testament to the power of parental guidance and community solidarity, making it essential reading for anyone interested in civil rights history or stories of personal triumph. Highly recommended.