Author Patricia C. McKissack recalls spending many evenings during her childhood listening to “porch lies”—stories of deception and delight spun on the porch of her grandparents’ house for the entertainment of all who were present. McKissack draws on those stories and those times for inspiration and setting in this collection of nine original tales that contain what she describes as “the essence of truth.” That truth no doubt lies in the follies and forces of human nature that reveal themselves in the actions of McKissack’s lively, colorful African American characters. Whether in control or at the mercy of often outrageous circumstance, they will delight readers and listeners with their wits and determination, and offer a few surprises along the way. Each story features a striking black-and-white illustration by Andr Carrilho. (Ages 8–11)