Not sure how I feel about this one. It's one of those books that I'm enjoying more now that I've finished than while I was reading it. Is this a sign of relief or appreciation?

Regardless, it's a lot to chew on - different time periods, a number of characters, multiple perspectives, the Depression, World World I, the KKK, Orphan Trains, Prohibition. I'm just not sure what kid would read this book and absorb and enjoy it (so much of it is adults talking), especially if this adult reader had difficulties keeping things straight.

And while juggling all of these elements, Vanderpool seems to sacrifice interesting characters (the protagonist Abilene is a bit blah and her portions drag) and, at times, logic -- having a mystery for mystery's sake. No one in town wouldn't really tell Abilene about her dad??? Just how powerful is Miss Sadie's divining powers? Towards the end, it's referred to as more an intuition, but then she conjures up a flashback within a flashback?

I don't know. "A" for effort, but Newbery-worthy? I think not.