Synopses & Reviews
The sequel to the beloved Newbery Honor Book, Belle Praters Boy Since Belle Prater inexplicably disappeared about a year ago, her son, Woodrow, and his cousin Gypsy have been searching for answers. Then, on the stroke of midnight on Woodrows birthday, the phone rings. No one is at the other end of the line, but Woodrow is certain it was his mama. They find out that the call was placed from nearby Bluefield, and set out to see if they can track her down. Joining them is Cassie Caulborne, the new girl in school, who is endowed with the gift of second sight. Unfortunately, they can find no trace of Belle. Once again, Woodrow realizes that perhaps even worse than not knowing where she is, is not understanding why his mama would leave him. How Woodrow, Gypsy, and Cassie come to understand the truth, and Woodrow eventually finds Belle, fills this oft-requested sequel to Belle Praters Boy with magic and suspense.
Review
“Readers who have longed for a follow-up to Whites Newbery Honor Book,
Belle Praters Boy (1996) will be delighted with this fine sequel. Characterization, dialogue, and setting are among Whites many literary strengths, and she doesnt disappoint here. The friendship between story-telling Woodrow and joke-cracking Gypsy just grows richer.”—
Booklist, Starred Review “A worthy sequel to Belle Praters Boy (Farrar, 1996)...the warmth, love, and humor of that book are here as well.”—
School Library Journal “Wonderful.”—
VOYA“Readers . . . will be deeply satisfied by this elegantly conceived sequel with its tiny glints of magic.”—Kirkus Reviews “The plot is well paced, and readers will be gratified when good things happen for Woodrow. The down-home warmth of the first book carries over through Gypsys narration; her voice is as lilting and fresh as ever.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books “Retains the distinctive colloquial cadences of Gypsys first-person narrative.”—The Horn Book “A positive read in which wit and understanding illustrate a way of accepting human shortcomings.”—SIGNAL
About the Author
Ruth White is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults, including the Newbery Honor Book Belle Praters Boy and its sequel, The Search for Belle Prater. Her newest book, A Month of Sundays, will be available from FSG in October 2011. She lives in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.