Monday, October 25, 2010

The Wonder of Charlie Anne by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Publisher:  Random House
Pages:  272
Source:  Borrowed from Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Charlie Anne's life has just gotten harder.  First her mother dies in childbirth, and the baby also dies.  Her cousin Mirabelle moves in to help her dad.  Since it is the 1930's and the Great Depression is in full swing, her father has decided to leave her and the other children in the care of Mirabelle while he and his oldest son leave to work on President Roosevelt's roads.  Mirabelle makes Charlie Anne do most of the chores, then chastises her for not being more lady like.  Then their neighbor Mr. Jolly takes a new wife name Roselyn.  She is bright and vibrant.  This is enough to set tongues to wagging.  The big shock is is the young girl Roselyn has adopted.  She is a young "colored" girl named Phoebe.  Charlie Anne doesn't care what color she is.  Unfortunately the rest of the town does, especially her cousin Mirabelle.  Charlie Anne learns first hand how prejudiced people can be, yet also sees for herself, when she and Phoebe become friends, how stupid prejudice is.  Great Book.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not of the Cybils panelists)

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