About This Book
Parents should reach for this book when their child is navigating a major life transition, particularly one involving a move or a change in family structure due to financial hardship. Set during the Great Depression, this story follows fifteen-year-old Mary Alice as she is sent to live with her formidable, eccentric grandmother in a small Illinois town. It is a masterclass in resilience and the hidden depth of family bonds, showing how a situation that feels like a punishment can evolve into a profound sense of belonging. While the setting is historical, the emotional core of feeling like an outsider and discovering the quiet strength of an elder is timeless. It is a heartwarming, often hilarious choice for middle schoolers who appreciate dry wit and stories about finding their footing in a new environment.
