Calhoun, Dia. Eva of the Farm.

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Calhoun, Dia.     Eva of the Farm.  Simon & Schuster/Atheneum     256p  $16.99  978-1-44241-7007      elm/ms            VG      Realistic fiction

Twelve-year-old Eva’s family has owned a farm in Washington state for many generations. The economy is poor, and her baby brother’s severe illness has left the family in great debt.  As a result, the family is faced with foreclosure and losing the farm.

Eva is a very talented poet, and she uses her writing to cope with her feelings during this difficult time.  She tries selling her poetry to raise money for the struggling family, but she cannot earn enough money in time.  As the family faces the impending foreclosure, her talent is discovered in an unlikely place and manner, and this helps the family resolve the farm’s crisis.

Written in the first person, the entire story is told in poetry.  Dia Calhoun has created an exciting and engaging piece of fiction that is lively and entertaining.  Although it is written as poetry, the narrative unfolds in a story fashion; it is a non-threatening page turner that will entice young and reluctant readers.

This clever, well-written book will resonate with and entertain both young and reluctant readers.  It is recommended as an essential book for any elementary or middle school.   -- Virginia McGarvey

Poetry – Fiction, Realistic fiction, Farms – Fiction  -- Virginia McGarvey