The Lakestown Rebellion

Serious social protest doesn’t have to be humorless.

Originally founded by runaway slaves, Lakestown, New Jersey, is a black community populated by people from a variety of classes and creeds. When plans for a new highway are routed past a nearby wealthy white suburb but threaten the heart of Lakestown, its citizens are inspired by their Underground Railroad heritage and devise a series of hilarious plans to thwart the construction and to preserve their town and way of life. Unavailable for 30 years, this reprint is more relevant now than ever.

Publication date: February 1, 2003

Format: Trade Paper

Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5

Page count: 280 pages

ISBN: 9781566891257

Kristin Lattany has written nine novels, including the highly acclaimed children’s book The Soul Brothers and Sister Lou. A teacher of English at the University of Pennsylvania for 23 years, she lives in New Jersey.

“[Kristin Hunter Lattany] has written an honest work of fiction about Afro-American reality. It’s about time somebody did.” 

—Ishmael Reed

“The Lakestown Rebellion is a timely, insightful and very readable novel whose call to unity deserves attention.” 

—The Washington Post

“[Lattany] likes her characters and enjoys their idiosyncrasies—a rare treat these days. Warmly recommended.” 

—Library Journal

“A humorous but tough-minded look at what happens when a fictional all-black community in 1965 finds itself faced with destruction by a new highway.” 

—Multicultural Review

“A skilled wordsmith with remarkable perceptions of humanity, Lattany doesn’t tell you a story so much as she immerses you in an experience.” 

—One Nation News