A heartwarming family story set during the Depression that reads like a classic.
Everyone's been down on their luck since the Depress... read full description
Everyone's been down on their luck since the Depress... read full description
reviews
Mar 16, 2010
Rebecca
rated it: 
Writing this review weeks after reading so review might be a little sketchy. This was disappointing because when I first started reading this I loved it and was recommending it. Then I finished. Plot summary: Bayliss, a girl growing up in the Depression, is as content as could be until a tragic accident involving her and her beloved brother turns her world inside out. The accident affects everyone in the family but, eventually, a rhythm of sorts is established. Then Bayliss' father announc
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Jan 03, 2012
Cinnamon
rated it: 
Mary Bayliss has worshiped her older brother, Leo, ever since she could toddle after him. The two were well known in their community for all the pranks they have pulled. They were the best of friends. Then tragedy struck, Leo died and Bayliss was severely injured. Now no one will talk about Leo anymore and the whole family treats Bayliss like she might break. It's like everyone wants to forget about Leo.
And didn't Bayliss die as well? The nurses and doctors call her a miracle. The nu More...
And didn't Bayliss die as well? The nurses and doctors call her a miracle. The nu More...
Nov 15, 2009
Erin
rated it: 
A sad, beautiful book set in small-town Alabama during the Depression. 12-year-old Bayliss is spunky and headstrong and loves hanging out with her older brother Leo, whether it's sneaking out of the house at night with him to pull pranks like putting their grandmother's underwear on a neighbor's scarecrow or tagging along to help at their outspoken grandmother's farm. So when Leo drowns in a freak accident and Bayliss breaks her back trying to save him, putting their family's life back together
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Sep 30, 2009
carissa
rated it:
Recommended Ages: grades 5-8
Everyone's been down on their luck since the Depression hit. But as long as Mary Bayliss Pettigrew has her beloved older brother, Leo, to pull pranks with, even the hardest times can be fun. Then one day, there’s a terrible accident, and when Bayliss wakes up afterward, she must face the heartbreaking prospect of life without Leo.
And that’s when her parents break the news: they’re going to be fostering two homeless little girls, and Bayliss ca More...
Everyone's been down on their luck since the Depression hit. But as long as Mary Bayliss Pettigrew has her beloved older brother, Leo, to pull pranks with, even the hardest times can be fun. Then one day, there’s a terrible accident, and when Bayliss wakes up afterward, she must face the heartbreaking prospect of life without Leo.
And that’s when her parents break the news: they’re going to be fostering two homeless little girls, and Bayliss ca More...
May 11, 2011
Donquierafaber
rated it:
"Then I twisted the napkins into bunny faces like I'd seen in the Easter issue of Miz Burdeshaw's Ladies' Home Journal, but for some reason, all the bunnies ended up with just one ear, a real long one. Still, I thought they turned out pretty good for my first try.
Then Daddy sat down and reached for his napkin. He gave it an odd look and said, 'Helen, why is this napkin tied up in knots?'
'Heaven only knows,' Mother said, pinning me down with her eyes. 'I guess it's just More...
Then Daddy sat down and reached for his napkin. He gave it an odd look and said, 'Helen, why is this napkin tied up in knots?'
'Heaven only knows,' Mother said, pinning me down with her eyes. 'I guess it's just More...
Jan 19, 2011
Mr. Steve
rated it:
This book surprised me quite a bit. When I started reading it, I didn't know quite what to expect. The prologue already mentions that Leo, Mary's brother, has died and Mary Bayliss miraculously survived. Then we learn the story, slowly, of what happened that afternoon. The power of this story, set during the Great Depression, is in the aftermath of Leo's death - as Mary recovers physically and the family attempts to come to grips with Leo's death.
It is a very emotional story, especi More...
It is a very emotional story, especi More...
Feb 17, 2010
Susan P
rated it:
I liked this. It's historical fiction and also good story about the death of a sibling. Mary Bayliss's beloved older brother Leo has recently died and Bayliss herself was severely injured. During her recovery, no one in her family talks about Leo - they think it will make her too upset. But really, it's what she needs most. The book takes place during the depression, and since they now have an empty bedroom, Bayliss's parents volunteer to take in two young sisters who are homeless. It's ha
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Feb 02, 2011
Valeria
rated it:
I really liked this book. It was sad and had alot of meaning in it.it was the so good it made me cry of sadness and hapiness. i couldnt stop reading until i finished at 12:36 P.M! but it was worth it. this book talked about a story that could happen to you in real life. i loved this book!
Aug 13, 2011
Leisy
rated it:
Loved this book. It's a juvenile fiction book- but it was wonderful. About a little girl named Bayliss who is dealing with losing her brother. It was pretty sad at parts- but had a great message and I really loved the characters!
Jan 19, 2010
Kerri
rated it:
A heartwarming, tear-jerking story about coping with the loss of a loved one, set in a small town during the Depression.
Jun 24, 2010
Crystal
rated it:
Very moving and realistic story about a girl recovering from the death of her brother.
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