Synopses & Reviews
One of children's literature's most memorable characters returns in this Christmastime companion to the Newbery Medal-winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor-winning A Long Way from Chicago.
The eccentric, larger-than-life Grandma Dowdel is back in this heart-warming tale. Set 20 years after the events of A Year Down Yonder, it is now 1958 and a new family has moved in next door: a Methodist minister and his wife and kids. Soon Grandma Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm on all of them: ten-year-old Bob Barnhart, who is shy on courage in a town full of bullies; his two fascinating sisters; and even his parents, who are amazed to discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital.
As Christmas rolls around, the Barnhart family realizes that theyve found a true home, and a neighbor who gives gifts that will last a lifetime.
Pitch-perfect prose, laced with humor and poignancy, strong characterization and a clear development of the theme of gifts one person can offer make this one of Pecks best novels yetand thats saying something.”Kirkus (starred review)
The type of down-home humor and vibrant characterizations Peck fans have come to adore re-emerge in full.”Publishers Weekly (starred review)
With a storyteller's sure tone, Peck has once again created a whole world in one small Illinois town, a place where the folksy wisdom and generosity of one gruff old woman can change lives.”School Library Journal (starred review)
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
Booklist Editors Choice
Review
-This is one of Peck+s best novels yet-and that+s saying something.+-
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Synopsis
The return of one of children's literature's most memorable characters is a gift indeed.
The eccentric, forceful, big-hearted Grandma Dowdel is the star of the Newbery Medal?winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor?winning A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isn?t over?not even close.
It is now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel: a Methodist minister and his wife and kids. Soon Mrs. Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm?or medicine, depending on who you?re asking?on all of them: ten-yearold Bob, who is shy on courage in a town full of bullies; his two fascinating sisters; and even Bob?s two parents, who are amazed to discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital.
As Christmas rolls around, the Barnhart family realizes that they?ve found a true home?and a neighbor who gives gifts that will last a lifetime.
Synopsis
The eccentric, forceful, big-hearted Grandma Dowdel--the star of Peck's Newbery Medal-winning "A Year Down Yonder"--is back in this new story set during Christmas of 1958. A new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel, and soon she will work her particular brand of charm on all of them. Illustrations.
Synopsis
One of the most adored characters in childrenÕs literature is the eccentric, forceful, bighearted Grandma Dowdel, star of the Newbery AwardÐwinning
A Year Down Yonder and Newbery HonorÐwinning
A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isnÕt over. ItÕs now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel: a minister and his wife and kids. Soon Mrs. Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm on all of them, and they will quickly discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital.
About the Author
Richard Peck has written more than thirty novels, and in the process has become one of the countrys most highly respected writers for children. In fact
The Washington Post called him Americas best living author for young adults.” A versatile writer, he is beloved by middle-graders as well as young adults for his historical and contemporary comedies and coming-of-age novels. He lives in New York City, and spends a great deal of time traveling around the country to speaking engagements at conferences, schools, and libraries.
Mr. Peck is the first childrens book author to have received a National Humanities Medal. He is a Newbery Medal winner (for A Year Down Yonder), a Newbery Honor winner (for A Long Way from Chicago), a two-time National Book Award finalist, and a two-time Edgar Award winner. In addition, he has won a number of major honors for the body of his work, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award, the ALAN Award, and the Medallion from the University of Southern Mississippi.