This is an incredibly cute historical fiction about a girl growing up in the 1930s and facing the challenges that life brings. While it has a strong optimistic, hopeful streak, it doesn’t shy away from the harsh reality of what life was like during this era: illness, poverty, etc. The novel follows Abby’s life from a young child to a burgeoning adult, giving a comprehensive look at her coming of age and allowing the reader to become good friends with her.

The fact that Ann M. Martin draws from her personal family history and includes tidbits about her grandmother’s life really adds to the story — it gives it a Laura Ingalls feel in that seems so real and true to the time period. Her strength anyway is creating such loveable, wonderful characters that you just immediately relate to, and that holds true with this series.

The story itself is told in brief intervals, hitting on important moments in Abby’s life, and then moving forward in time to hit on other important moments in the future. Because of this, the story doesn’t drag, even though it’s told as sort of a quiet reflection and has very little action. The pacing is actually quite perfect; I felt like I got just enough of everything and was sufficiently connected to the characters and motivated to read more.

I picked this up because I was interested to see how Ann M. Martin’s writing would be outside of the Babysitter’s Club books, and I couldn’t have been more pleased. My verdict is that it’s just as readable and has just as amazing characters to love. I highly recommend this for Martin fans and for younger readers who might have an interest in historical fiction. Definitely pick it up if your children are American Girl or Laura Ingalls fans — it’s right up that alley.

Also posted on Purple People Readers. ( )

The Good Stuff

Very realistic and true to the time period (warning some of it is quite sad and may be hard for the more sensitive reader but it is written beautifully and appropriate for the age level)
Abby is a strong willed likeable character that you will cheer for
Loved the relationship between Abby and Rose
Moral issues are done in a non preachy way which is an impressive feat for middle grade fiction
Will encourage readers to learn more about this period of history
Liked the slice of life and how the series will go through 4 generations of women. Reminded me a little of a series by Phillappa Carr that I read when I was a teen. This type of series really appeals to me
All of the characters feel very real and act appropriately for this period of time
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series
Lovely use of humour

The Not So Good Stuff

Jumpy at times
Father is a misogynistic racist jerk

Favorite Quotes/Passages



"Long years later, when Abby was old, very old, she liked to recall this evening. Not because Rose had lost her dime, of course, but because it was pleasant to dwell in this time when losing a dime was the biggest worry she and Rose faced. They hadn't yet learned that it was better not to know what was waiting for them around the corner."

"When we grow up," said Sarah, "we should tell our husbands that we have to live next door to each other so that we can see each other every single day and our children can be best friends, too."

Who Should/Shouldn't Read

Great book for middle grade girls who are not into the paranormal
Some more sensitive middle graders might want to stay away as it deals with darker subject matter like mental issues, racism, death and depression
Fans of the babysitter's club will enjoy this series as the writing style is the same and highlights the importance of friendships

4.5 Dewey's

I received this from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review ( )

This story takes place in Maine during the Depression telling of a young family and their difficulties.
In truth it could have taken place anywhere. The family was poor but the father was hardworking.

The characters were very stereotypical as were the issues that the addressed - health, neighbors, schooling, etc.

Sorry to say that this Ann Martin book just didn't live up to the same level as her Doll People series. I was very disappointed. ( )

This is the story of an elderly woman who is looking back at her youth though this is never mention again after the prologue. This book has far more sadness, separation, death and bigotry than humor and joy. Even the end that is supposed to be joyful rings hollow to me. Young adult fiction does not have to be all cuddly puppies but this book is morose in spots. I can not believe that this author's Babysitter's Club had this kind of lack of joy and humor. Perhaps the goal was to make young people feel better about their own lives. The other problem is the episodic nature of the book which many times skips ahead six months to a year between chapters - this is the author's choice but I felt we were rushing to get to a certain stage of the main character's life before the book ended.. Maybe book two in the series will be more upbeat but read this one on a rainy day. ( )

This follows the story of Abby and her family who live in a small town in Maine during the Great Depression. Abby's father is not a pleasant person and her mother is fragile and weak. Abby is as you would expect a smart, strong heroine who has no problems standing up to him. The story follows Abby from age eight to age 22.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This is a solid piece of middle grade historical fiction. I say this having removed my nostalgia goggles. Abby goes through a lot for a relatively short book. I was not sure how Martin would handle the transition for pre-teen to teenager and adult because the Babysitters Club members are forever thirteen! The story progresses through describing events on specific dates.

This is an e-galley from Netgalley. ( )