2001 Newbery Honor Award

Peck, R. (2000). A year down yonder. New York: Puffins Books.

A Year Down Yonder was a very heart-warming story. Mary Alice must go to live with her Grandma Dowdel because her family's money problems. The story takes place during a time when the Depression had many people wondering where their meal would come from. Mary Alice regrets having to leave Chicago to go to a small, rural town in Illinois. She enrolls in school and her nightmare begins. This will not be the last time that she will encounter bad situations, but each time Grandma Dowdel is close by to help out. Mary Alice learns so many life skills from her, even though she does not always behave ladylike, she is still as positive influence. Mary Alice and Grandma Dowdel learn to love each other, but not necessarily through words.

When I started reading the book, I thought that I had made a bad choice, but when Grandma Dowdel was introduced into the story it inspired me to read on. The title and the front cover actually caught my eye and curiosity got the best of me and I had to buy it. A Year Down Yonder is the sequel to A Long Way From Chicago, which will probably be as inspiring as this one. This book was very touching and packed with memories and experiences that will allow many readers to make connections and even cherish their family memories.

I think what influenced my reaction to the book is that I have many fond memories of loved ones that are no longer with me. Those memories become more and more precious as I get older. Sometimes, you really do not know what you have until it is gone. This book just reiterates the idea that you need to cherish everyday, good or bad and that everyday is a new opportunity to create memories.

A Year Down Yonder is the first book that I have read from Richard Peck. I am sure that all of Richard Peck's book will be as inspiring and clearly reflects quality literature. My next Richard Peck book will be A Long Way From Chicago and Remembering the Good Times, which is also a Newbery Honor book.

This book would be a great story to share with upper elementary student. Mary Alice made a tremendous transformation because of the time that she spent with her Grandma Dowdel. Children and adult sometimes need to be reminded that situations and people do not always turn out like you think. Mary Alice was dreading spending time with her Grandma, but in the end that was the place that she wanted to be the most. Not all situations that we think might be bad turn out the way we think they will. Sometimes, you will be amazingly surprise how situation work out, so seize each day and live it as if it was your last.