White, Ruth. A Month of Sundays.

White, Ruth.  A Month of Sundays.   Farrar Strauss see Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, 2011.  168p  $16.99 ISBN 978-0-374-39912-2     elm/ms (Grades 4-7)     VG-BN Realistic Fiction

     When her mom decides to look for work in Florida, April Garnet Rose is left with the family of her father’s sister.  Her father left before she was born, and she has never met these relatives, but she finds real love and acceptance with them.  Her aunt is searching for Jesus and tries a different church each Sunday.  At one church April meets Silver Shepherd.  They are attracted to each other.  As their friendship grows, we learn that Aunt June has cancer and is really looking for a faith cure.  As the story ends, April’s father returns from his current wanderings and meets his daughter for the first time.  When mom comes from Florida to pick up April, her parents find they have a great deal of misunderstanding to straighten out.  The story ends with hopeful hints.  This is a gentle story.
     It is well written and the story flows smoothly.  The characters ring true.  The turmoil of different feelings experienced by April are well written.  It is tender and sweet.  Early teen girls will love it.                  

Joan Theal