Overview
Latest Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Historical Novel Uncovers the Hidden Struggles of Integration in the 1940s North
MASSACHUSETTS – Author Kevin Parham announces the release of his compelling new 350-page historical novel, a raw and illuminating look at the “promised land” of the North through the eyes of a young girl seeking refuge from the Jim Crow South.
The story follows a 15-year-old Black protagonist who, in 1949, escapes the overt dangers of the South for the perceived safety of Massachusetts. Upon enrolling in high school, she and two close friends quickly discover that prejudice simply takes a different form in the North. Bound by friendship and a shared refusal to yield, the trio must navigate entrenched social barriers and systemic inequality in a relentless fight for fair treatment.
“Many narratives focus on the escape from the South, but the battle for equality didn’t end at the Mason-Dixon line,” says Parham. “This book explores the resilience required to confront the quiet, systemic walls built to keep people of color from realizing their full potential.”
1. Author Biography
Kevin Parham is an author and professional musician based in Massachusetts. Drawing on a deep interest in historical narratives and social dynamics, Parham explores the complexities of the American experience through fiction. His latest work, Orange Line to Forest Hills, highlights the intersection of individual agency and institutional barriers, bringing a unique perspective to stories of mid-century migration and the enduring pursuit of social justice.
2. Book Summary & fast Facts
- Title: Orange Line to Forest Hills
- Author: Kevin Parham
- Genre: Historical Fiction / Young Adult Crossover
- Page Count: 350 pages
- Setting: 1949; transition from the Jim Crow South (North Carolina) to Massachusetts
- Core Themes: Mid-century migration; systemic racism in the North; female friendship, and educational equality.
- Distribution: Available via KDP and IngramSpark.
3. Key Story Hooks
- The Northern Myth: While 1949 Massachusetts offered an escape from the legal segregation of the south, the protagonists face the “shadow barriers” of social exclusion and institutional bias.
- Power in Trios: The narrative centers on the collective strength of three young women, highlighting how communal support is a vital tool for survival and progress.
- A Coming-of-Age Against the Grain: A 15-year-old’s journey from survival in the South to a sophisticated demand for justice in the North.
4. Promotional Assets & Contact
- Availability: Paperback and eBook
- Media Contact: info@priapublishing.com / 774-283-3143
Press Highlights
Available topics for coverage include Kevin Parham’s cross-genre writing, the inspiration behind Orange Line to Forest Hills, his approach to storytelling and research, and ongoing opportunities for interviews, features, and reader engagement.
Request Interviews or Information
For press questions, review copies, speaking requests, or additional author information, please reach out directly by email.