Susan Gates

For the most part, I really enjoyed this one. It wasn't what I expected, though. I thought it was going to end up be some huge shocking secret but it really wasn't. The narration was also a bit inconsistant but not terribly soon. I like the characters, though. Firebird was strong be intelligent and Ford was also very believable. It was interesting to see how the twins reacted when they got old enough to realize they were being fooled by Carol-Ann and Trapper. It was a fun, easy, mysterious read and I really like it- it just didn't have the depth that I was assuming it would have based on the description.… (mere)

Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com

This book surprised me. I liked it a lot.

Firebird and Ford are thirteen-year-old twins. They have lived all of their life with their grandma and dad because their mother died in childbirth. Trapper, the dad, is in the eel business. Ford and Trapper spend all their days hunting eel in the swamp where they live. Firebird sits and looks at a billboard which hides them from the outside and dreams of seeing faraway places. She also makes purses out of eel skins and colorful feathers. Her grandma takes them and puts them in a locked cupboard.

One day, Firebird runs out of feathers and looks in the cupboard for some more. To her surprise there aren't any purses there. Her grandmother has been lying to her. Firebird then follows her into the city and finds that grandma has been selling her purses there. This floors Firebird and causes her to wonder what is true in her life.

I liked BEYOND THE BILLBOARD but at times I needed to suspend belief. I don't think that people can live so close to a big city with children and no one would know. But, if you can believe that, then the story is excellent and the mystery is interesting.

I had a hard time with the eels but the characters are great. I wanted to be Firebird's friend. I also want to know more about the twins. If you find this book then read it. It is a good one.… (mere)