Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker

Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker

Review by Julie Donaldson

Suggested audience: 16- adult

Winter Wheat is the story of a girl living on a dry wheat ranch in Montana in the early 1940’s. At the beginning of the story Ellen Webb is 18 and looking to her future—a future determined by each season, each crop of wheat, each hailstorm and snowfall.

This is a true coming-of-age story, covering a year and a half of Ellen’s life as she grows from a child to an adult. Raised by her stolid, quiet Russian mother and her frail New Englander father, Ellen knows little about the world and even less about love. She must come to understand her own parents’ relationship in order to understand herself and the world around her. In the process of understanding them, she learns that love, like dark winter wheat, can grow and survive amid the harshest of conditions.

Nature is an integral character in this story, and Walker writes as one who knows the land intimately. The natural world that she paints is full of symbolism and meaning. Walker’s characters are fully drawn—complex but knowable, and her language is almost poetic. Winter Wheat is a beautiful story of growth, understanding, forgiveness, and love.

Primavera by Mary Jane Beaufrand

Beaufrand, Mary Jane. 2008. Primavera.

Review by Becky Laney, frequent contributor.

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The Italian Renaissance. Two powerful families are about to feud--the Medici and the Pazzi--and our heroine, Lorenza, nicknamed Flora, is soon to be caught in the middle. Power. Wealth. Prestige. That's what it comes down to for most of the men and women in both families. Flora, on the other hand is different. Perhaps it is those differences which serve to her advantage when the power struggle plays out disastrously for her family. She, in fact, saves the life of her family's enemy. But while this act of kindness may protect her life--in the moment--her family--her entire family is at risk. When the Medici's strike back, everything she's known, everything she's loved (as well as a few things she's hated) will be stripped away. Does Flora have the strength, the courage to begin life anew? Is she as strong as her grandmother believes? Does she have anything to live for after all?

I loved this book. I did. The setting was remarkable. Okay, maybe that's the wrong word. For me, I found the setting fascinating. I found it rich and deep and lustrous. I'm not that familiar with it generally speaking, and the details swept me away. Maybe that won't be the case for other readers. But for me it was one of those books that was in the right place and the right time to completely capture my attention. Flora is a well-drawn character. She's strong. She's resourceful. She's complex. I was completely taken in by her and her world.

This is Mary Jane Beaufrand's first book.

The story is inspired by Botticelli's masterpiece La Primavera.

I'm Back with a Review--Crispin by Avi

Avi. 2002. Crispin: The Cross of Lead.

Review by Becky Laney, frequent contributor.

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I honestly didn't know what to expect from this one. Not the most clever way to start out a review, but true nevertheless. The cover. I was not easily won over with the cover. It is ugly and unappealing. It doesn't shout out "read me, read me." But I'd heard good things about it, of course, and it did win the Newbery in 2003. So I knew that I had to get past my initial misgivings.

Here's how it begins:

England, A.D. 1377 "In the midst of life comes death." How often did our village priest preach those words. Yet I have also heard that "in the midst of death comes life." If this be a riddle, so was my life. The day after my mother died, the priest and I wrapped her body in a gray shroud and carried her to the village church. Our burden was not great. In life she had been a small woman with little strength. Death made her even less. Her name had been Asta.

Our narrator is a young boy. At first, we only know him as Asta's son. Later his real name is revealed, Crispin. Here is a young boy, a peasant, tied to the land for life. But the day after his mother's funeral everything changes. (Or maybe it's the day of his mother's funeral.)

Told by John Aycliffe (boo, hiss) that he must return the ox to the manor since his mother is dead (and he's now an orphan) he is told that he can starve. His life, his welfare is of no concern for this substitute lord-of-the-manor. Upset, he runs into the woods. He's working out his emotions--anger, grief, confusion, etc., but a fall and a bump on the head changes his life. Or you could say saves his life. He wakes up at some point during the night. He sees two men. One is John Aycliffe (boo, hiss) and the other is unknown to him at that time. What he hears confuses him. He can't make sense of it. But when he is seen, he gets a sick feeling that his life is in danger.

He is able to get away and hide for the rest of that night and the day. But the next night, he makes his way to his trusted friend, the priest, Father Quinel. What the priest tells him doesn't erase his questions. If anything, it just adds to his confusion. He's told that his mother could read and write. He's told that he was baptized (albeit secretly) Crispin. He's told that he MUST flee for his life. That John Aycliffe (boo, hiss) has started spreading lies about him. Accused him of theft. Is offering an award for whoever kills him. The priest gives him a few things to do on his own, and makes arrangement to meet him again before the two part ways forever.

His errand? To go to Goodwife Peregrine's house and pick up a cross of lead. But on his way to meet the priest one last time, the time where all would be revealed, he is met by another man instead. A man who claims he comes in the priest's place. But something doesn't feel right.

Crispin doesn't know who he is or exactly why John Aycliffe (boo, hiss) is out to kill him. Why Aycliffe (boo, hiss) wants him dead so very badly. He doesn't know who he is or where he needs to go, he just knows that his life is in danger and he is being pursued relentlessly.

Crispin's journey could have been a lonely one. But he meets an unusual friend, a man called Bear, who takes him under his protection. Together they try to make sense of it all. But the journey won't be easy.

I loved this book. I can easily see now why it won the Newbery. I definitely recommend this one to lovers of historical fiction. Also for those that love coming-of-age novels.

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

Peck, Richard. 2000. A Year Down Yonder.

Review by Becky Laney.

A Year Down Yonder is the sequel to A Long Way From Chicago. However, this is not a novel in stories. Nor is it narrated by Joey Dowdel. No, A Year Down Yonder is the story of Mary Alice, the little sister that is almost-but-not-quite all grown up. The year is 1937. The Depression is making life difficult both in urban and rural areas. It is economic necessity which prompts Mary Alice's parents to send their daughter away. (Joey is sent away also, but not with Mary Alice.) Mary Alice is being sent to live with the vivacious, one-of-a-kind, sometimes embarrassing Grandma Dowdel. How will this "city" girl fit in with these country bumpkins? Will they accept her? welcome her? Not if the Burdicks have their way!

A Year Down Yonder is a treat. It's rich in detail, rich in humor, rich in heart and humanity. The characters, the place all come alive. Richard Peck is a pro when it comes to capturing the good, the bad, the ugly, and the laughable. Mary Alice does have a few adjustments to make, but this book captures her unforgettable journey, her coming-of-age in small town America.

If you haven't read A Long Way From Chicago, this book does stand alone. In case you're wondering. But I would recommend reading both books. Both books are such a joy, a treat, a delight.

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Fisher, Dorothy Canfield. 1917. Understood Betsy.

Review by Becky Laney, frequent contributor.

Becky's Book Reviews: http://blbooks.blogspot.com/
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When this story begins, Elizabeth Ann, who is the heroine of it, was a little girl of nine, who lived with her Great-aunt Harriet in a medium-sized city in a medium-sized state in the middle of this country; and that's all you need to know about the place, for it's not the important thing in the story; and anyhow you know all about it because it was probably very much like the place you live in yourself.

Elizabeth Ann is an orphan raised by her great-aunt Harriet and her aunt Frances. The first chapter shows the reader just how life as she knew it was for Elizabeth Ann. To say she was coddled would be a bit of an understatement. To say that both aunts and niece were a bit psychologically unsound would be a bit closer to the truth. It's not that they're crazy crazy. It's just that they're anxious, jittery, nervous, worrisome, panicky, fidgety, chicken-little-y type people. They're sweet and docile enough, but they lack gumption and ingenuity and vitality.

Understood Betsy is the story of how Elizabeth Ann transforms into Betsy. It all starts when one of her caretakers gets diagnosed with an unnamed disease. (If they named it, I sure missed it. But I think the main point was to get the two aunts out of the picture.) Elizabeth Ann is sent to live with the other side of the family. Her aunt (Abigail) and uncle (Henry) and first cousin (Ann). They live in Vermont, I believe.

From the very beginning, Elizabeth Ann knew that she was entering the unknown. On her way to her new home--in the buggy--she has her first enlightened moment. "It is possible that what stirred inside her head at that moment was her brain, waking up. She was nine years old, and she was in the third-A grade at school, but that was the very first time she had ever had a whole thought of her very own." (21)

Her awakening, her transformation is entertaining enough and the descriptions of life and family are charming as well. I think some readers will love Betsy, understand Betsy; but I'd be silly if I didn't acknowledge the fact that some readers would find Understood Betsy to be boring or quaint. Anyway, long story short...I loved it. I thought it was great. If I had discovered this as a child--like my mother did and most likely my grandmother did--I'm sure I would have loved it. I'm sure I would have read it over and over again.

You can find the entire book--including illustrations--online.

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

Hope was Here by Joan Bauer

“Hope was here.” Those three simple words are how sixteen-year-old Hope marks her presence in a place she is about to leave, and Hope has made her mark in quite a few places as she and Addie, the aunt with whom she lives, travel around the country. The last place they left was Brooklyn, where Addie, a professional cook, was part-owner in the Blue Box Diner. When her business partner skips town with all the diner’s money, Addie and Hope have no choice but to move on. Their destination: Mulhoney, Wisconsin, where a job awaits Addie at the Welcome Stairways Diner.

After the bustle of Brooklyn, Hope doesn’t have high expectations for Mulhoney, feeling sure she will not fit into small town life. But she couldn’t be more wrong. In addition to waiting tables at the diner, Hope gets involved in local politics, helping her boss, G. T. Stoop, run for mayor. In her work on G.T.’s campaign, Hope sees both the best and worst in people, and finds something she has always wanted in an unexpected place. Hope truly is here, in so many ways. This is a heartwarming story, liberally sprinkled with humor. Recommended for age 12 and up.

Review by Lina

Attack of the Turtle by Drew Carlson

Carlson, Drew. 2007. Attack of the Turtle.

Last year, I read a nonfiction book about the invention of the first submarine, the American Turtle. (Bushnell's Submarine by Arthur Lefkowitz) ATTACK OF THE TURTLE is a fictionalized account of the invention and launch of the first submarine. David Bushnell, the inventor, comes to town and his brother and cousin (invented, fictionalized cousin) are there to help him every step of the way. Blending history with fine storytelling, ATTACK OF THE TURTLE is a fine story of a young man's coming of age. Nathan Wade, though tall for his fourteen years, has many fears. He's afraid of the local bully. He's afraid of the water. It's not that he lacks the ability to excel, he just lacks confidence in his ability. He thinks he's not good at farming. He thinks he's not good at fishing. He thinks that he'll never find a place where he fits in. And then the war starts. He thinks that there is nothing he can do. He's too afraid to fight--and too young. He feels lost and confused. His father is fighting in the army. His cousins are preparing to fight. Every day more men are joining the army and preparing to fight for what they believe in. Yet he's scared that he'll be picked on by a few local boys? It just doesn't seem right. Then he decides to fight a war of his own--a war against fear. Can Nathan learn about real courage? Can he make a real difference in his own way?

Attack of the Turtle is historical fiction at its best: a blending of everyday struggles that everyone can understand, and some important 'historical' events.

Posted by Becky Laney, regular contributor.

Becky's Book Reviews: http://blbooks.blogspot.com/

Becky's Christian Reviews: http://stand-firm-then.blogspot.com/

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

Hattie Brooks thinks of herself as Hattie Here-and-There, due to the transient nature of her life since the death of her parents when she was a young girl. Since that time she has been shunted from one relative to another, never finding that which she most wants, a place to call home. Now 16 and living in Iowa with Aunt Ivy and Uncle Holt, who aren’t her aunt and uncle at all, but distant cousins, and where she has made friends, learned to play baseball, and where she writes to her friend Charlie, a soldier about to be sent overseas, Hattie learns that she is about to be sent away yet again. Aunt Ivy has arranged for Hattie to take a job in a boarding house before she has even finished school. In 1917, when education for young women was not thought important, this is not such an unusual arrangement, but it does not please Hattie.

Hattie is saved from the boarding house, however, by an opportunity presented in a letter, a letter from someone she has never met. An uncle Hattie never knew has died and left her his homestead in Montana. Hattie seizes the opportunity to make a home for herself, takes her few belongings and what savings she has in the bank and buys a train ticket. In Montana, Hattie learns that there is still much work to do to prove up her uncle’s homestead, as well as a time limit in which to do the work. Undaunted, she sets about the task of working the land and making herself at home. She makes friends with her neighbors and supports her friend Perilee, whose husband Karl is becoming increasingly ostracized by distrustful residents because he was born in Germany, the country with whom we are at war.

Hattie revels in her successful endeavors and learns from her mistakes, all the while looking to the future when the land will be officially hers. She continues to write to and worry about Charlie, at the same time wondering how Traft Martin, a young man from a nearby ranch, has managed to avoid military service. Hattie eventually comes to think of herself as Hattie Big Sky, no longer Hattie Here-and There, no longer depending on someone else to provide a home, but a strong and resilient young woman who has learned to rely on herself.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction has read countless novels about homesteading in the American West, but this one is a little different due to the time period in which it is set. It is a time of both horse-and-wagon and automobile, a time when the world is moving forward, yet keeps a firm foothold in the past. It is a story that allows us to see how the far reaching effect of a distant war plays out in a small community and the consequences it brings to everyday life. Recommended for ages 12 and up.


Review by Lina Crowell, Children's Librarian

In Search of Mockingbird by Loretta Ellsworth

In Search of Mockingbird by Loretta Ellsworth. 2007.

In Search of Mockingbird is a new book that feels like an old friend. Erin is a sixteen year old on the run. But it isn't like you might think. She's not running away from something, so much as she's running towards something. Since her mother died when she was a baby, Erin has felt disconnected. She has no memories of her mother, but she's tired of people telling her that she shouldn't miss what she never had. She feels an emptiness, a loss, that is very real. This void begins to be filled when she picks up a tattered copy of To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The book belonged to her mother and is filled with gems like these: "I love this part" and "Scout's father, Atticus, was much more than a man" (7). These notes and markings from her mother are like a tender message to her daughter. Since she first discovered it in the attic, it has become her most treasured possession. That is until her father gives her mother's diary to her as a birthday present. Now, these two possessions and a dream are her way to connect with her mother. Her dream? To go to Monroeville, Alabama, and find Harper Lee. More than anything, she wants to talk with this author who has created a bond between her and her mother. So on the eve of her sixteenth birthday, Erin sneaks out of her house and buys a one-way bus ticket. Along the way, she'll meet interesting characters who teach her some important life lessons. This book is a perfect illustration that sometimes the journey becomes more important than the final destination.
In Search of Mockingbird is beautifully told in poems and prose. Erin is a memorable character who showcases what it means to be human. What it is about--what it is all about--is a young woman's search for a deeper connection with life. She wants more. She needs more. The novel satisfies from cover to cover.
Unspoken lies are the worst kind. Scout said she was young when her mother died, and she never missed her presence. I was preoccupied with my mother at an early age, like a memory long gone that I yearned for. I think Dad missed her, too, even though he didn't say that he did. "Was Mommy pretty? Did Mommy have long hair?" "Yes." "No." Short answers masked in sadness. Did I say something wrong? Finally, I stopped asking. (69)

Posted by Becky Laney, regular contributor.

Becky's Book Reviews

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The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin. 2006

Call me prejudiced, but anytime the word “dog” is in the title of a book, I tend to regard it with suspicion. Is this another tragic dog story that is designed solely to make you weep??? Fortunately, the reviews (not to mention the cover and flaps) soon persuaded me that this was not that kind of ‘dog’ book. No, THE YEAR OF THE DOG is clearly a book about a Chinese-American family (or to bemore precise a Tiawanese-American family). The bookend events of this book is Chinese New Year. The book follows the life of a young girl, “Grace” (or Pacy) through the course of a year. Along the way she makes new friends, learns some important lessons, and learns more about who she really is. The highlight of the book for me was the character’s transformation as she begins to take pride in who she is and embraces her culture by writing and narrating a book for a contest at school. Another highlight for me--that I absolutely loved--was the storytelling nature of the book. Chapters would be interrupted as family stories were shared. I loved the whole atmosphere of this book.

The author, Grace Lin, has written several picture books. This is her first novel. “I wrote it because this was the book I wished I had growing up.” I consider The Year of the Dog an essential must-have for any collection, and a must-read for every child. It really doesn’t get better than this. And the good news??? I just discovered that there will be a sequel THE YEAR OF THE RAT coming in 2008!!!!

Recommended Readers: 7 and up.

Posted by Becky Laney, regular contributor
Becky's Book Reviews

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

Wow. I just finished Fairest by Gail Carson Levine. I thoroughly enjoyed this clean book. I enjoyed Ella Enchanted when I read it years ago. I enjoyed The Two Princesses of Bamarre recently. For me though, Fairest is the best book to come from Levine’s wonderful imagination so far.

Fairest is a retelling of Snow White, but if you think you already know the story, you are completely mistaken. This take on Snow White is completely original and interesting. First of all, Aza is not a beauty. In fact, people shun her for her ugliness to the point that she questions if she is actually part ogre. Aza does have one redeeming quality though. Her voice. She is the most amazing singer in a land where singing is greatly valued. In Ayortha, they sing more than they talk. They sing their conversations.

Aza is thrown into the middle of all kinds of adventures in Fairest. She fights a bipolar queen, tricks ogres, lives with gnomes, and falls for a prince.

If you remember Areida from Ella Enchanted, she is in Fairest. Areida's sister, Aza, is the main character in Fairest. Although these books are set in the same world, you do not have to read one to understand the other. They both stand alone.

I hope you like this one!
Recommended Readers: 8 and up.

Posted by me, Emily.

And don't forget...today is the last day to comment for a chance to win Horse Passages by Jennifer Macaire. I'll be announcing a winner tomorrow!

Singing Hands by Delia Ray

Singing Hands by Delia Ray. 2006.

Set in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1948, Singing Hands is a unique historical novel revealing insight into the hidden--and not-so-hidden prejudices of the times. Augusta “Gussie” Davis is the middle child of her family, not to mention the fact that her father is a well-respected minister...and you’ve got the perfect recipe for rebellious pranks and a summerful of trouble. “Up until the summer of 1948, when I was twelve, probably the worst thing I ever did was hum in church” (v). But there’s more to the story, her parents are deaf; her father ministers not only to the white community but to the black community as well. And his ministry doesn’t stop there, he pastors two churches in Birmingham, and a string of other churches in the South which he travels to during the week. He’s always on the road, never home. And even when he’s home...his attention is never on his hearing daughters. Whether Gussie’s behavior stems from wanting to get her dad’s attention OR is just typical growing pains, the readers will enjoy seeing her get in and out of trouble. Other characters play an important role in her journey to young adulthood as well, the family has two boarders living on the third floor: one, a retired English teacher who loves playing Opera music and runs a milinary shop, and the second a young war-widow who is the town’s librarian.

Singing Hands is the journey of one girl’s unforgettable summer where she learns not only about herself but gains a truer understanding of society as well.

Review by Becky Laney, regular reviewer
Becky's Book Reviews

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Julia's Kitchen by Brenda Ferber

There are not enough words to describe how much I loved Julia's Kitchen by Brenda A. Ferber. I enjoy much of what I read. I love many. But there are a few that touch my heart and I know that I'll always always love. Julia's Kitchen is now one of them. It is the story of a young girl, Cara Segal, as she goes through a heartbreaking journey of grief and sorrow when her mother and sister die in a fire.

When we first meet Cara she is happy and carefree. Having stayed overnight at a friend's house she is unaware that her life is forever changed. One phone call changes everything. Suddenly a happy family of four is a confused and grief-stricken family of two. Having been her mother's pet, the two liked to bake together, she is struggling trying to connect with her father emotionally. Her mother, Julia, owned her own catering business "Julia's Kitchen" and Cara loved helping her mother. Now she's vowed never to eat another dessert. Cara's journey of how she learns to live again, love again, believe in God again, and yes, even bake chocolate chip cookies again is unforgettably touching. And there is even a recipe for those cookies in the book!

Recommended Ages: 8 and up.

Posted by regular reviewer, Becky Laney

Becky's Book Reviews

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Yesterday I read this beautiful book. Rules by Cynthia Lord is a poignant story showing a slice of 12-year-old Catherine's life. Her brother, David has autism. Catherine lovingly makes up rules to help him get through life. Things that other people figure out for themselves, David must be taught. Some of the rules include "If the bathroom door is closed, knock (especially if Catherine has a friend over)!", "Keep your pants on! Unless Mom, Dad, or the doctor tells you to take them off.", and "No toys in the fish tank."

Catherine is not only a sister to David, though. She is an artist, a daughter, a friend. When a new girl moves next door, Catherine is hopeful that they will become good friends. But she is embarrassed to say anything about David. She also develops a close bond with a handicapped boy who cannot speak or walk. She draws pictures for him to help him communicate.

Cynthia Lord has done an incredible job tackling a heavy topic. The book is laced with both humor and tenderness.

I highly recommend this book for all ages.

As you can see, Rules won a Newbery Honor and the Schneider Family Book Award in 2006.

Cynthia Lord blogs here, where you can see what a kind-hearted woman she is. This blog will be added to the Delicious Author Blogs in the sidebar.

By the way, I actually wrote this review myself. Crazy, huh? I'm so excited about the reviews I've been receiving in my inbox. If you have reviews you'd like to share on Clean Reads, please see the sidebar for info. I want to post a minimum of two reviews of Clean Reads each week, but I'd love to have enough to post one-a-day.

I really want Clean Reads to include all levels of novels. If you have any ideas for adult Clean Reads, please let me know. If you don't want to write up a review, just leave a comment with the book name and author.

Thanks for your support!

ATTENTION: For the week of May 9-15th--Don't forget to comment on this or any other Clean Reads post for a chance to win a new signed copy of RULES by Cynthia Lord!

A Drowned Maiden's Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz

A Drowned Maiden's Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz is my latest GREAT find. I had read somewhere that it was a good one and wherever it was, they were right!! This is a great tale of an orphan that is adopted by three sisters. It all seems like a fine arrangement until Maud - the orphan - is told she must stay in the upstairs and not be seen. That strikes an odd chord and begins Maud on her search to find out what the sisters are up to. Maud ultimately becomes "part" of their secrets and must decide just how much she is willing to endure for the sake of being loved. It is a tale with many twists and turns - even the ending will keep you going!! I highly recommend this one!

This review was written and submitted by Becky Bilby of In the Pages fame.

A Drowned Maiden's Hair won the Cybil Award in the middle grade category.

Please leave comments and let us know what you think of these books! Or anything else you feel inclined to say to us at Clean Reads.

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