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Available
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Publication
Delacorte Books for Young Readers (1999), Hardcover, 128 pages
Description
Thirteen-year-old Lena and her younger sister Dion mourn the death of their mother as they hitchhike from Ohio to Kentucky while running away from their abusive father.
User reviews
LibraryThing member KarenBall
13-year-old Lena takes her little sister Dion and runs away from their abusive father, hitchhiking in the wintertime from Ohio to Kentucky. Their goal is to reach their dead mother's hometown, hoping to find some of her family there that would take them in. As they travel, Lena uses all of her
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intelligence to protect herself and Dion as best she can. Compassionate strangers help them as well, from a truck driver who gives them money to a waitress who tells them that she understands exactly what's happened to them. When Miz Lily picks them up, she takes them home with her and although she sees straight through the lies Lena tells to protect them, Miz Lily lets the girls come to trust her on their own terms, and see that friends can become family. Courage, kindness, and compassion for others are key to this beautifully written tale that will leave you thinking about it long after you close the book. 7th grade and up. Show Less
LibraryThing member Whisper1
Shifting gears from two books recently read that lacked depth and were trite and emotionless, this stellar book by Woodson was an insightful story of two young girls who tragically were abused by their father after the death of their mother.
When Lena, the oldest child, learns that her younger
While the ending seemed trite, still, I highly recommend the books of Jacqueline Woodson. She is a three-time Newbery Honor Award winning author and only a few young adult writers can write with as much poetry and poignancy as she does.
When Lena, the oldest child, learns that her younger
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sister is becoming the target of their father, she decides it is time to run away. Traveling on the road from Ohio to Kentucky, the young children are scared, hungry and weary.While the ending seemed trite, still, I highly recommend the books of Jacqueline Woodson. She is a three-time Newbery Honor Award winning author and only a few young adult writers can write with as much poetry and poignancy as she does.
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LibraryThing member LaurenDoubleU
5Q, 4P
Rich character development, compelling plot, great descriptions (language)-- speaks to many different kids of reader appeals. Treats very heavy subjects-- sexual abuse, running away, loss-- seriously and frankly and does not cross into sensationalism or condescension.
Rich character development, compelling plot, great descriptions (language)-- speaks to many different kids of reader appeals. Treats very heavy subjects-- sexual abuse, running away, loss-- seriously and frankly and does not cross into sensationalism or condescension.
LibraryThing member cabaty
Though easily read, this is not what I would call an easy read. The story of two young girls running away from their abusive father is not lightly told. Woodson draws the attention of readers of varying ages by making the reader feel for the girls in the story. So that my heart would only break a
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little at a time, rather than all at once, I had to take breaks while reading. Every pain was worth it because I got to be a part of these girls lives and feel their pain, longing and appreciation for bubble baths. Show Less
LibraryThing member JerseyGirl21
Beautifully written. Got teary eyed towards the end. :)
Awards
Language
Physical description
128 p.; 6 inches
ISBN
0385323085 / 9780385323086
Local notes
OCLC = 1065
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