1957 Newbery Medal winner

Another one I know nothing about...but I see that it has illustrations, which I always enjoy.

Here's another copy on my shelf.

I'm a sucker for this type of story, so I really enjoyed this: both the nature bits and the family story.

It's not specifically said, but given that this book won the Newbery in 1957, I'm guessing that Marly's father was supposed to have been a Korean War POW. Although the story doesn't focus on what Dale is going through, his difficulty readjusting to a "normal" life is a large part of the reason for the family's time at Maple Hill.

The country lifestyle that Marly's family experiences in this story is probably less common than it was when this book first came out..but unfortunately I'm sure there are still a lot of people dealing with family members who have trouble adjusting after their wartime experiences.

As a result, I would think that this book is still relevant for kids today even though it was first published more than 50 years ago. And Maple Hill sounds like a fun place anyway. :)

Reserved for spacedog's Newbery bookrings - round 6.

Ring order:

spacedog (MA_
knitwit (PA) (skipped)
tostle (UT)
elissamay (NY)
knitwit (PA; second try)

COMPLETE!

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This book is going to Massachusetts as part of a Newbery book ring! It's the wrong season for sugaring, but I hope you enjoy the story anyway. :)

got a couple of days ago. thanks.

yikes! it's already been 4 months!

i've been trying to finish this book for a while, but i just found it to be so slow. very little happens, and although the protagonist's portrayal as a whiny kid was intentional, for the majority of the book i felt as annoyed with her as her brother does. the episodic format and the touchy-feely parts didn't help either. the book does bring up some serious and semi-serious issues, though, and although the resolutions to them are somewhat evasive and have a pollyanna optimism that "everything will turn out fine", for the time period and for the intended audience i can commend more than complain. all in all this reminds me a bit of strawberry girl but ranks lower for me.

I received this book! Thanks for sending it and thanks for sharing this Newberry Bookring!

Oh, I enjoyed reading this old, old story. What a tale of sadness...and resilency. Thanks for sharing.
I will get this off to the next reader!

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This book is off to elissamay...finally! Happy travels!

Received as part of spacedog's Newbery bookring. Thank you!

A sweet gentle Newbery winner that I'm glad to have read (but probably wouldn't have picked up otherwise). It's doubling back one step in the book ring then on its way home...

Arrived safely on Wednesday. I shall get to it as quickly as I can.

Sweet seems to be the single word that describes this book the best. But the "back to the farm" aspect is powerful. I keep thinking I should just chuck life in the suburbs and go raise sheep somewhere. I know the healing powers of farms are romanticized and overrated but they certainly are appealing.

Heading home today after an extended stay at my house.

This came home to me just in time to be put aside for the big give-away we're planning at the Hawaii Book and Music Festival next month.

This book was set free to find a new reader; I'm so glad you've found it!

If you're new to Bookcrossing, I hope you will take some time to explore this wonderful free and anonymous community and learn about what it has to offer.

Free your books - help spread the words!