A Year Down Yonder
Author: Richard Peck
Publisher: Puffin Books
Copyright: 2000
Pages: 130
Reading Level: 5
Genre: Childrens Fiction
Rating: *****

Summary:
Mary Alice’s family like many was hit hard by the depression. With money scare and the budget tight her brother was sent off to work and Mary Alice was sent to Illinois to live with Grandma. Grandma Dowell isn’t just any grandma either, she can rough it and tough it with the best of them. Arriving at the station her in Illinois she was rushed off to school and form that day till the very last things never failed to be interesting. As time goes on though, Mary Alice learns just how much she never realizes about Grandma through the many adventures they have. From fox trapping, cooking pies for the town and “picking” pecan for the pies, to tripping the local Halloween terrorizers her and Grandma grow closer and closer. And in time, Mary Alice finds she is ending up more like Grandma each and every day than she ever would have thought. The time finally comes though, when Mary Alice’s father has gotten a job, and is able to bring her home…but does she want to go? No. She would rather be with grandma. Grandma, being the good woman she is though kindly shows her the door but reminders that she never locks it. Years later, Mary Alice is back in grandma’s living room only with wedding bells. Marrying her one true love she met thanks to coming to live with grandma, and they live happily ever after.

Who would benefit from reading this?
Anybody who has a grandma that is a force to reckon with would love reading this book because it will remind them of their own grandma. This is also a great book for kids who like an adventure when they read, but a classic very relatable adventure. A great book for anyone and everyone I think.

Potential problems/conflicts:
Some of the tricks grandma can pull can be a little graphic and the words shared between her and a neighbor can be less than kind but there isn’t anything I don’t think a kid can’t read. Also if you are against hunting…some parts in this book might be hard to stomach. You could also consider some actions of grandma’s against the law.

My reaction:
I loved this book!! I reminded me of my grandma to a t. This grandma is as tough as nails, and witty beyond compare, but loves everyone and would do anything for those she loves and those around her. All throughout the book I couldn’t help but laugh at the pranks and things her grandma pulls, and smile at the impact her grandmother has on her, not only then but for the rest of her life. This book was better than I expected. I would strongly encourage everyone to read it! Especially if your grandma is one of those strong, independent woman it will feel like you are reading a book all about your own grandma! Read it!! I recommend it! No more needs to be said.