Eleven-year-old April Sloane has never set foot in a school before, and now that President Hoover and his wife are building a one-room schoolhouse ...
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reviews
Oct 10, 2011
Quite depressing, but probably realistic story about the rural mountains of Virginia during the Depression era. President Hoover has a summer home "Rapidan" and orders that a school be built in the area.
Tow-headed, pale April wants very badly to attend the new school, with the new, fancy-dressed, kind teacher (Miss Vest), but her mother is set against it. She needs more help than ever around the house, with her husband traveling to get work, and her young son having died i More...
Tow-headed, pale April wants very badly to attend the new school, with the new, fancy-dressed, kind teacher (Miss Vest), but her mother is set against it. She needs more help than ever around the house, with her husband traveling to get work, and her young son having died i More...
Jul 27, 2011
Sherrie
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As I was searching for color books, this one popped up. I know it's an easy book. But it is so well told and easy to read. The author takes you on trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains and you feel like your there. I just wanted to give April a big hug and tell her she was beautiful. April has a very rocky relationship with her mother, she doesn't feel like she's loved or wanted. The the big secret April has been keeping gets out and her mother tells her to leave. So April moves in with the Miss Vest
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Jun 01, 2010
Kristine
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I picked up this book on a whim from the library in the young adult fiction section. It was a quick read, with characters based on real people who did in fact live and make this school in West Virginia. The author did a good job in describing the life of poverty and ignorance that is most of these families' fate, including what happens to one family when they are not able handle their grief after losing a child. The mother of the main character, April, is incredibly unlikeable and frustrating, b
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Oct 20, 2009
Cheryl
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I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with an intriguing story. It is historical fiction which is the author's specialty. She created a wonderful story from letters she found written by the real-life teacher portrayed in the story. I enjoyed learning about how President and Mrs. Hoover changed the lives of so many children with the school they provided for the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It would be interesting to go see the site of where the story took place.
Sep 15, 2010
Jazzie
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I read this book in eighth grade. If I actually read its always a horror kind of book. This story is not one of those books but I found it to be one hell of story. I remember the story crystal clear. Its kind of a sad book but it gets exciting throughout the book. When i read this book I cried, laughed, I felt like part of it. The author does a good job narrating the book with a southern accent which makes the book fun to read.
Feb 05, 2012
Karen
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A beautifully written book based on the true story of teacher Christine Vest, who comes to teach at the Mountain School built by President Hoover, near where he had a summer home. Set in the Appalachian Mountains, the story gives a clear picture of what life was like for families in this secluded area.
Oct 23, 2009
Jennifer
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Interesting yet depressing look at the families that were effected by President Hoover's Mountain Schools and eventually displaced as the Shenendoah National Park was created. Well written drawing on actual events and real people.
Sep 15, 2011
Jenny
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Really liked how much the girl yearned for an education and was willing to sacrifice so much for it.
Oct 25, 2008
Jami
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Sep 08, 2011
Sarah
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I loved this book mainly because I live at the foot of The Blue Ridge Mountains. I could also relate to the main character because my mother and I never really got a long. I also love history and found the facts accurate. It's a good easy read.
Jun 14, 2008
Lia
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This is a story that gets harder and harder. It is based on real people and events concerning the first school built in the Blue Ridge Mountain area. It subtly addresses the hardness that enters a person when blame and lack of forgiveness are the standard mode of operation.
Oct 31, 2008
Debra
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I enjoyed this book because I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. It portrays many of the hardships the people had to endure during the depression. Gave me some insight into why my grandparents were such hard working and self reliant people. Good read!
Nov 29, 2011
Kassie
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Really liked this book...will nominate it for our Rappin' Readers' Book Club for 2011...even though it's a girlie story....it's interesting for the historical value for the boys, too.
Dec 16, 2009
Jennifer
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Fun read about the hills of VA and a town getting their first school. I'd recommend it. 4th/5th grade reading level but as an adult I enjoyed it.
Nov 23, 2011
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