In this lovely, haunting novel, Kinsey-Warnock (In the Language of Loons, 1998, etc.) explores the adage about being careful what one wishes for. In Vermont in 1932, 12-year-old Lily Randall wishes that just once her family would favor her over older sister Emily, with whom she fights constantly. Emily always seems to get her way and, in Lily’s eyes, seems to be the more loved of the two girls. Lily longs to be far away from Emily and wants dreadful things to happen to her. Lily also dreams of having a horse of her own but recognizes wistfully that this wish too will most likely remain unfulfilled. Enter feisty Great-aunt Nell, a missionary visiting from India. Nell turns out to be the catalyst by which Lily acquires her horse, one she adores and trains to dive like the one in a circus act that mesmerized her. Then a terrible thing really does happen to Emily: she contracts polio and is confined to an iron lung. Lily is consumed with guilt, believing that she made her sister ill. The painful growing up that Lily is subsequently forced to do and the sacrifices she makes to try to atone are truly heart-wrenching. Readers will be hard-pressed to remain dry-eyed as the novel draws to its sad, but never maudlin, conclusion. The author writes with sureness and clarity, and the characters are memorable. (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-525-46448-4
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2000
Fans of Cameron’s Huey and Julian stories (More Stories Huey Tells, 1997, etc.) are in for a treat as Gloria, their friend from those tales, gets a book of her own and graciously allows the two brothers to share it . In the first tale, Gloria makes a wonderful card for her mother, but the wind blows it away and it ends up in the cage of a cantankerous parrot. Thanks to Mr. Bates, Huey and Julian’s dad, the day is saved, as is the burgeoning friendship that Gloria and the boys have struck up with new neighbor Latisha in the story, “The Promise.” In another story, Gloria has to deal with a huge problem—fractions—and this time it’s her dad who helps her through it. Mr. Bates proves helpful again when the group trains an “obsessed” puppy, while Gloria’s mother is supportive when Gloria is unintentionally hurt by her three best friends. The stories are warm and funny, as Gloria, a spunky kid who gets into some strange predicaments, finds out that her friends and wise, loving adults are good to have around when trouble beckons. Great fun, with subtly placed, positive messages that never take center stage. (b&w illustrations) (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: March 9, 2000
ISBN: 0-374-32670-3
Page Count: 93
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000
A skirmish over a favorite stuffed rabbit nearly destroys a friendship and the toy itself, but well-timed physical and emotional bandaging saves the day. When a little boy moves in next door to a little girl they quickly becomes friends and start sharing toys. This works well for cars, trucks, bears, and balls, but when the boy shows up with a new stuffed rabbit, cooperation goes out the window. In the ensuing tug-of-rabbit, each child yanks on the poor bunny’s ears until the stitching gives way. Figuring out a way to repair the rabbit also eventually patches up the friendship. Minor battles rage in homes and preschools everywhere, so children and adults alike will appreciate this subtle example of a peaceful resolution to toy disputes. Jahn-Clough’s pleasantly stubby children convey both healthy loud-mouthed anger and substantial charm. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-395-93545-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
