Rachel, Cassie, and Joey live in the city with their Pop, until Pop's search for work lands the family on a run down farm. Dreamy Rachel loves to read, and doesn't know much about the country. Times are hard there, too—the school and library are closed. When Pop gets work near Canada, he has to leave the children on the farm alone. For two months! But Rachel's the oldest, and she'll make sure they're all right. Somehow.
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"An endearing tale of courage in the lives of three children and their father as they face extreme hardship during the Great Depression, Rachel is not perfect but her strength and love of books and poeple endure and she is complemented by the character strengths in her siblings." — Julie (4 out of 5 stars)
"An endearing tale of courage in the lives of three children and their father as they face extreme hardship during the Great Depression, Rachel is not perfect but her strength and love of books and poeple endure and she is complemented by the character strengths in her siblings."
" Review will be posted soon on literate lives. Will link to it later. "
" An interesting enough book about the Depression era. It never transcended the feeling of you-are-learning-about-the-Depression, but Giff is a good enough writer that it was an enjoyable read. "
" Historical Fiction - Great Depression "
" Sweet little book about the Depression. "
" A wonderful book - about a girl helping her family survive when they have to move during the Depression. Reminded me a lot of two other books I've loved: Sarah, Plain and Tall by Sarah MacLachlan and The Secret School by Avi. "
" This book is really good, it gets your mind opened up and thinking. There is a lot of infering in this book and like most stories, it has a happy ending. "
" I would've especially loved this book as a young teenager, but I enjoyed it now as well. Giff is always good. "
" Sweet story of courage through the eyes of a young girl. "
" DCF Book Award List 2012 - 2013. Rachel, her Pop, brother and sister have to leave the city to move to a farm during the Depression. Then Pop has to leave the kids alone there to go find work. Rachel writes letters to a woman friend they left behind in the city telling of their experiences. "
" An account of the depression in 1933 by 12-year old Rachel, who must move with her father and siblings from the city to an abandoned farm near the small town where her father is trying to find a job. There are tender and poignant moments in this book for 9-12 year olds. "
" Listened to this - only 3 cd's long. Another one about children growing up in the Depression and the hardships they had. Since it was so short, there wasn't too much chance for things to go really badly and everything wrapped up nicely in the end. "
" A quiet book. A pleasant read, with insights into the time period of the depression, the do-it-myself attitude, the doing-without. A happy ending. "
" This book is perfect for my 3rd-5th grade girls, giving them a peek into life during the Depression from the vantage point of a girl their age. Rachel's love for and appreciation of books is particularly appealing here, and the way she savors new vocabulary words is wonderful! "
" Plucky female protagonist, Depression-era poverty, sibling rivalry, the value of a good book, the meaning of home. A quick read perfect for those who like historical fiction and characters who have to overcome hardships. "
" Nice heartwarming story about the Great Depression. Introduction of some challenging words for younger readers would make a great vocabulary lesson in the classroom as the story is read. "
" About a 3.5. Not one of her best, and an odd representation of the depression era, but I think kids will like the idea of kids struggling to survive on their own with no parent in sight. "
" Thank you Kathy for this recommendation! I loved it! "
Patricia Reilly Giff is the author of many beloved books for children, including the Newbery Honor books Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. She lives in Trumbull, Connecticut.
Cynthia Holloway, a native of Seattle, has performed on stage, in film and television, as well as doing voice-over work. She has given her voice to television programs, radio and television commercials, video games, and audiobooks.
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