One of children’s literature’s most memorable characters returns in this Christmastime companion to the Newbery Medal-winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor-winning A Long Way from Chicago.
The eccentric, larger-than-life Grandma Dowdel is back in this heart-warming tale. Set 20 years after the events of A Year Down Yonder, it is now 1958 and a new family has moved in next door: a Methodist minister and his wife and kids. Soon Grandma Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm on all of them: ten-year-old Bob Barnhart, who is shy on courage in a town full of bullies; his two fascinating sisters; and even his parents, who are amazed to discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital.
As Christmas rolls around, the Barnhart family realizes that they’ve found a true home, and a neighbor who gives gifts that will last a lifetime.
“Pitch-perfect prose, laced with humor and poignancy, strong characterization and a clear development of the theme of gifts one person can offer make this one of Peck’s best novels yet—and that’s saying something.”—Kirkus (starred review)
“The type of down-home humor and vibrant characterizations Peck fans have come to adore re-emerge in full.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“With a storyteller’s sure tone, Peck has once again created a whole world in one small Illinois town, a place where the folksy wisdom and generosity of one gruff old woman can change lives.”—School Library Journal (starred review)
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
Booklist Editors’ Choice
-
Sexual Content - /5
/5
-
Violence - 1/5
1/5
-
Language - 1/5
1/5
-
Drugs and Alcohol - /5
/5
Summary
Richard Peck is one of my favorite Young Adult authors. His books A Year Down Yonder (Newberry winner) and A Long Way From Chicago (Newberry honor) cut straight to the heart and leave you wanting for more. In A Season of Gifts he brings back a favorite character, Grandma Dowdel, a fiercely independent widow who commands the respect and fear from everyone in town. A preacher and his family move in next door and don't quite know what to think of her curious ways. After some time, the children realize Grandma Dowdel is a kindred spirit with an incredibly generous heart. She'll help you remember to look for the gifts that don't come tied up in a bow.