A Year Down Yonder

Author: Richard Peck
Publisher: Puffin Books, Penguin Group
Copyright: 2000
Genre: Fiction/Humor
Pages: 130
Reading Level: Ages 12 and up (Barnes and Noble)
Summary: Mary Alice goes to live with her grandmother in a small town in Illinois when her parents, who have raised her in the big city of Chicago, can't afford to have her staying with them because of the recession that has hit. Grandma Dowdel is a crazy, funny character who wont' take flack from anyone. Grandma always gets what she wants (even if it means rationalized stealing) but at the same time, Mary Alice begins to recognize that her grandma is a very good woman who cares about others despite the front she puts on. Mary learns to work the ropes from her grandma and ends up really enjoying her time with her despite their quirky lifestyle. When a tornado hits town Grandma Dowdel saves Mary Alice's cats (despite the fact that she says she does't like them) and then goes to check on some helpless neighbors when it's over and Mary Alice realizes just how much Grandma really does care about people. When it's time for her to go back to live with her parents again, Mary Alice, has formed a relationship with Royce McNabb, who is also new to the town but is leaving for college soon. Mary Alice wants to stay but Grandma Dowdel tells her she needs to go and that she never locks the door, hinting that Mary Alice can come visit anytime.
Who would you recommend this book to? I would recommend this book to older children. The humor in it is deep enough that young children probably wouldn't find it as funny. It's a good book for anyone who's looking to read something light and fun!
Potential problems or conflicts: I don't see any potential problems or conflicts with this book.
My reaction: This was a really fun book! It wasn't a really thick consuming plot but it was really entertaining! I was laughing through the whole thing!