Summary: Mary Alice a 15-year-old Chicago city girl is sent to live in the country with her Grandma Dowdel as her parents try and make their living situation better during the Great Depression in 1937. Instead of making Mary Alice live in the streets they sent her away. At first, Mary Alice doesn’t understand her unique grandmother. She was not affectionate; she seemed to have no mercy and was feared by half of the town. After time Mary Alice recognizes the good in her grandmother as she helps her get rid of the school bully, Milred. Soon Mary Alice enjoys the adventures they have together as they catch August Fluke who is about to destroy their privy, sell food at the Turkey Shot and have the Legion Auxiliary meeting at her grandma’s house. Throughout the story Grandma Dowdel shows her love by working hard to buy her brother a train ticket to come and visit for Christmas, buying Mary Alice new shoes for Christmas and helping her with her costume with the Christmas play, and much more.

My Reaction: I thought this was a cute book. It is another quick read and something you wouldn't be ashamed of your mother reading. I thought it was a compelling story of a grandma who loves her grand daughter and how it changed their lives.

Copyright date: 2000; Number of pages: 144