Skylark.

Cassidy, Sara.  Skylark.  Orca  2014  130p  $9.95  ISBN 978-1-4598-0590-3  ms/hs      Conflict  VG-BN

In this short, reader-friendly novel, Angela is a teenage girl who lives with her mother and brother Clem in their Buick Skylark, as they are unable to afford an apartment or house.  Dad left a few months ago to look for work in another city, and Mom is unable to do much since her accident.  Things are looking pretty grim.  But then Angela discovers poetry slams, and finds that she has a gift for poetry.  Both she and Clem have found interests and activities that take them away from their sadness.  By pursuing these interests and actively working at maintaining their ties as a family, Angela, Clem and their parents manage to find hope and rise above their situation.  The novel ends on a hopeful note as the family prepares to reunite and move into public housing.       

Summary: Angela lives with her brother and mother in their Buick Skylark.  Ever since Mom had her accident and Dad moved away, they have been unable to live in an apartment or house.  But when Angela discovers poetry slams, her life starts to turn around.     

Homelessness-Fiction, Poetry-Fiction                        --Carol Kennedy

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