When the Bough Breaks

by Irene N. Watts

Millie’s is a small family — just a mother, a father, a small brother, Hamish, and her. Both her parents had been orphaned (and were introduced in Watts’ novel Flower ), but the family they created was tight-knit and loving. When Millie’s mother announces that she is pregnant, it seems life is perfect. They have each other, and, although the Great Depression has brought hard times to their small town, Millie’s father’s services as a blacksmith are still in demand. But when her mother dies, suddenly everything changes. Her father retreats into depression and Millie, only thirteen, finds herself responsible for a newborn baby. When a stranger appears and threatens the remnants of the family even further, Millie musters courage she never dreamed she had to rebuild the home that means so much to her.

Irene N. Watts’ memorable story is as complex and as comforting as family life itself.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Irene N. Watts is a German-born Canadian writer and educator. She was born in Berlin in 1931 and lived there for seven years. She moved to the United Kingdom by way of Kindertransport and was educated in England and Wales. Watts earned degrees in English literature and modern history at Cardiff University.

Reviews

[Ang · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so fast-paced and corny and kind of reminded me of a Wattpad story. Never blindly picking a book from my school's library again. Why was he kidnapped by a witch hobo and why was the dad chill with it? Why did the mother die and like that was it? Nothing was ever really done. Dad never really showed any sadness and was never there for them but it was never discussed in any kind of emotional way. It was just plain and simple, he was not there. This gives me hope that I can write a novel. Did this even sell? There is no possible way this sold. It is set in the Great Depression and its genre is labeled as historical fiction on the back, but nothing in this book besides the fact that they were poor even shows that. If I read this book without knowing it was during the Great Depression, I'd definitely have to really think about it and connect poverty and hobos together and get the Great Depression. The characters were all written to be so unlikable. I had the narrator, I don't care that she is only thirteen and has a dead mother, how she was written was so annoying. I hate when a text uses "!" at the end of an internal thought. What are you yelling for??? What are you that excited about in your head??? No one talked to me for three days my brain has been rotted by this novel.

[Sofia Chirila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved this book as a child, but it’s pretty predictable and doesn’t really bring up many thoughts/debates/opinions. A good (but is it an accurate) look into history???? Idk. Good read, but it’s a kids book so

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written Review
Rating: R
Grade: 4-7
Author: Irene Watts
Title: When the Bough Breaks
Publisher: Tundra Books
Copyright: 2007
Price: 9.95

# ISBN-10: 0887768210
# ISBN-13: 978-0887768217

Reviewer: Jenn Good Date: 02/01/2009

This is a sad and touching story about a Canadian girl, Millie, during the Great Depression. Her mother announces being with child, and despite the hard times, things seem extraordinarily happy for Millie’s family. Shortly after the birth, Millie’s mother dies. This tragic event forces Millie to bear the heavy burdens both of having lost her mother who was so precious to her and of assuming a role for which she is not yet ready. This story takes us through Millie’s struggle to keep a weekend job, raise two brothers, and keep an ailing family in tact. Almost impossibly, Millie summons even more courage and strength when a strange fortunetelling, wandering women appears and tests the family to the limit. This exciting and emotional read is recommended for any child in this age group.

[Maya20 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it boring. The book didn't make much sense to me.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. made me remember acutely the war stories my mother relates about her childhood in the Uk.

[Kat]

Certainly not very original. A predictable plot line. But still an enjoyable book. Reminds me of little house on the prairie. A nice escape from the real world.