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Tumbleweed Skies
The moment Ellie and her father pull up in front of Grandmother Acklebee's farm in Weyboldt, Saskatchewan, Ellie knows she isn't wanted. But Ellie's father has just taken a job s a traveling salesman, and he has no other choice. The road is no place for a nine-year old. Ellie doesn't know her grandmother, but she learns quickly that the older woman blames her son-in-law and granddaughter for her daughter's death. And although her Uncle Roger is a kind man, Ellie is quickly cowed by the angry old woman, who shows her litle kindness and no affection. Determined to survive the situation with her dignity intact, Ellie isn't about to show her grandmother that she can be hurt.
124 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2009
2 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Sherrard
37 books68 followersI was born in 1957 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and grew up in various parts of Canada. My dad was in the Air Force so the family moved often, and was sent to live in Lahr, West Germany, when I was eleven. It was there that a teacher encouraged me toward writing. I didn't rush into it, though. It wasn't until 2002 that my first book was released, but since then I've had several dozen books for young people published.
One reason I chose to write for children and teens was my experience in working with them. Over the years I fostered about 70 teens in my home, and I also worked as the Director of a group home for teens in my community for more than a decade.
One reason I chose to write for children and teens was my experience in working with them. Over the years I fostered about 70 teens in my home, and I also worked as the Director of a group home for teens in my community for more than a decade.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 4, 2023
While Valerie Sherrard's middle grade novel (set in 1950s Saskatchewan) Tumbleweed Skies does most definitely present some rather heavy-duty themes that might be (and especially for sensitive readers) rather painful and saddening, I for one do very much appreciate the story's general sense of and scope for realism. And indeed that Ellie's grandmother actually openly accuses Ellie and her father of having been the death of her daughter, of having basically killed Ellie's mother (as Grandmother Acklebee is and remains massively bitter at Ellie's father and by extension also at her granddaughter Ellie because the mother, Grandmother Acklebee's only daughter, eloped and then later died giving birth to Ellie), although this is of course a very much supremely nasty as well as a completely unjust accusation (and especially horrid as the grandmother loudly and directly tells this to Ellie's face), but I for one very much do feel that the author, that Valerie Sherrard refusing to render the grandmother of Tumbleweed Skies more restrained and careful with regard to her bitterness and animosity is in many ways truly a breath of fresh although at the same time also painfully bracing air (albeit I do have to admit that I sometimes wish that Uncle Roger would interfere a bit more when the grandmother's insults become a trifle too much and too vicious, but then again, this wishful thinking on my part, would also not be all that realistic if one considers how hard and bitter Grandmother Acklebee really is and how much Uncle Roger always strives to avoid conflict and/or upsetting his mother, and which is certainly one of the main and most important, essential presented themes of Tumbleweed Skies).
Now in many ways (and in particular with regard to how Valerie Sherrard has chosen to depict and present her main characters of Grandmother Acklebee, Uncle Roger and Ellie), Tumbleweed Skies does rather obviously (and for me in fact very much delightfully) remind me of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Emily of New Moon series (and indeed, especially the first novel). For Uncle Roger is in my humble opinion both as a character and how he behaves and reacts very much akin and alike to Emily Byrd Starr's Cousin Jimmy and basically, Grandmother Acklebee also has some very obvious and intense similarities to Emily's Aunt Elizabeth, only very very slowly and painfully warming up to her granddaughter Ellie, who like Emily Byrd Starr, is also the daughter of a marriage that went against family wishes and dictates. And furthermore, just like with Lucy Maud Montgomery's Emily of New Moon series, Valerie Sherrard also does present in her Tumbleweed Skies a set of main characters who are both intricately nuanced and well developed, realistically, humanely rendered (and with necessary backstories to which we as readers can relate, which we can understand and even consider as being possible reality).
Therefore, while we might well find Grandmother Acklebee's negativity towards Ellie difficult to stomach, to understand and accept, because Valerie Sherrard generally provides necessary information and details as to why and how the grandmother has most likely become so very much bitter, withdrawn and angry, and even though it still of course makes us feel so very much sorry for Ellie being for all intents and purposes rather verbally abused at times (and rightfully saddened and infuriated by Grandmother Acklebee because of this), we always do in Tumbleweed Skies receive and get an understanding of her as a person, and also realise and see the differences in general character and personality between Ellie's grandmother and Ellie's Uncle Roger (who although he has had his face permanently scarred by burns has always kept a positive outlook, which both helps Ellie cope with her grandmother's at best curmudgeonly disposition and also gracefully presents an important lesson that a positive outlook is both necessary and a helpful mechanism for managing life's problems, potential tragedies and sadnesses).
Three and a half stars, but not yet quite four stars (as while I have in fact and most definitely very much enjoyed Tumbleweed Skies and do highly recommend it, I have to admit that I find that entire episode with Sammy, of Ellie rescuing and later setting free a wild magpie a bit artificially tacked on so to speak, and that yes indeed, especially Ellie's "friend" Marcy is just a tad too one dimensionally and tediously negative for my tastes, especially if she is compared to the delicate nuance and character development shown, featured in and with regard to Ellie, Uncle Roger and Grandmother Acklebee).
Now in many ways (and in particular with regard to how Valerie Sherrard has chosen to depict and present her main characters of Grandmother Acklebee, Uncle Roger and Ellie), Tumbleweed Skies does rather obviously (and for me in fact very much delightfully) remind me of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Emily of New Moon series (and indeed, especially the first novel). For Uncle Roger is in my humble opinion both as a character and how he behaves and reacts very much akin and alike to Emily Byrd Starr's Cousin Jimmy and basically, Grandmother Acklebee also has some very obvious and intense similarities to Emily's Aunt Elizabeth, only very very slowly and painfully warming up to her granddaughter Ellie, who like Emily Byrd Starr, is also the daughter of a marriage that went against family wishes and dictates. And furthermore, just like with Lucy Maud Montgomery's Emily of New Moon series, Valerie Sherrard also does present in her Tumbleweed Skies a set of main characters who are both intricately nuanced and well developed, realistically, humanely rendered (and with necessary backstories to which we as readers can relate, which we can understand and even consider as being possible reality).
Therefore, while we might well find Grandmother Acklebee's negativity towards Ellie difficult to stomach, to understand and accept, because Valerie Sherrard generally provides necessary information and details as to why and how the grandmother has most likely become so very much bitter, withdrawn and angry, and even though it still of course makes us feel so very much sorry for Ellie being for all intents and purposes rather verbally abused at times (and rightfully saddened and infuriated by Grandmother Acklebee because of this), we always do in Tumbleweed Skies receive and get an understanding of her as a person, and also realise and see the differences in general character and personality between Ellie's grandmother and Ellie's Uncle Roger (who although he has had his face permanently scarred by burns has always kept a positive outlook, which both helps Ellie cope with her grandmother's at best curmudgeonly disposition and also gracefully presents an important lesson that a positive outlook is both necessary and a helpful mechanism for managing life's problems, potential tragedies and sadnesses).
Three and a half stars, but not yet quite four stars (as while I have in fact and most definitely very much enjoyed Tumbleweed Skies and do highly recommend it, I have to admit that I find that entire episode with Sammy, of Ellie rescuing and later setting free a wild magpie a bit artificially tacked on so to speak, and that yes indeed, especially Ellie's "friend" Marcy is just a tad too one dimensionally and tediously negative for my tastes, especially if she is compared to the delicate nuance and character development shown, featured in and with regard to Ellie, Uncle Roger and Grandmother Acklebee).
March 16, 2023
gonna reread this like tmr, but i feel like the book ended too quickly and i rly wish i got to see ellie and her grandmothers relationship develop more
November 14, 2011
Ellie and her dad go to her Grandmas house so Ellie can stay while her dad goes away to work.Ellie's Grandma does not want her to stay.
I would like my friend to read this book because it is a good book. I admire Ellie because she is brave,polite,and loving. Ellie is nice. I would like a friend like Ellie.
Ella
Grade 2
Read
February 7, 2012Reviewed by Lisa Doucet
From the moment that Ellie sets foot in her grandma’s dark, dreary house and encounters her grandmother’s unmistakable hostility, she knows for certain that neither house nor grandmother want anything to do with her. But her Daddy has fallen on hard times and is desperate. He needs a place for Ellie to stay while he tries his hand as a traveling salesman. There is nowhere else for her to go. So she winds up here — with Grandma and Uncle Roger — waiting with every bit of longing in her heart for her Daddy to come back for her.
Grandma is stern and harsh. Thankfully, Uncle Roger is there to offer kindness and encouragement, stories about her mother when she was a little girl and even occasional insights that help to explain why Grandma is the way that she is. When Daddy finally returns, Ellie is overjoyed. She is also surprised to discover that maybe she and her Grandmother have each found a way into a little corner of the other’s heart.
Tumbleweed Skies is a sweet and special book, the kind that touches the hearts of young readers and lingers in the minds and hearts of older ones. Sherrard paints a vivid picture of the prairie landscape; her evocative prose transports young readers to a place and time that may be unfamiliar but in which they feel immediately at home. She has skillfully rendered every character, but especially Ellie — whose earnest voice tells her story simply, truthfully and in a way that is heartbreakingly sweet. Like many stories, the words that are unspoken are nearly as powerful as those that are. But the words that are spoken render a heartfelt, achingly lovely and poignant tale with a heroine who deserves to be remembered and cherished.
Canadian Children's Book News (Summer 2010, Vol. 33, No. 3)
From the moment that Ellie sets foot in her grandma’s dark, dreary house and encounters her grandmother’s unmistakable hostility, she knows for certain that neither house nor grandmother want anything to do with her. But her Daddy has fallen on hard times and is desperate. He needs a place for Ellie to stay while he tries his hand as a traveling salesman. There is nowhere else for her to go. So she winds up here — with Grandma and Uncle Roger — waiting with every bit of longing in her heart for her Daddy to come back for her.
Grandma is stern and harsh. Thankfully, Uncle Roger is there to offer kindness and encouragement, stories about her mother when she was a little girl and even occasional insights that help to explain why Grandma is the way that she is. When Daddy finally returns, Ellie is overjoyed. She is also surprised to discover that maybe she and her Grandmother have each found a way into a little corner of the other’s heart.
Tumbleweed Skies is a sweet and special book, the kind that touches the hearts of young readers and lingers in the minds and hearts of older ones. Sherrard paints a vivid picture of the prairie landscape; her evocative prose transports young readers to a place and time that may be unfamiliar but in which they feel immediately at home. She has skillfully rendered every character, but especially Ellie — whose earnest voice tells her story simply, truthfully and in a way that is heartbreakingly sweet. Like many stories, the words that are unspoken are nearly as powerful as those that are. But the words that are spoken render a heartfelt, achingly lovely and poignant tale with a heroine who deserves to be remembered and cherished.
Canadian Children's Book News (Summer 2010, Vol. 33, No. 3)
April 4, 2010
Valerie Sherrard's novels are always well-written and entertaining but this one stands out as her best of the best. Tumbleweed Skies is a tale of Ellie, a young girl in 1950s western Canada who must stay with her taciturn grandmother for the summer while her father tries his hand as a traveling salesman. The simplicity of the story lets the complexity of the characters shine through. Ellie herself stands out as a girl with a hard-luck life who refuses to be a victim. I found myself weeping on many occasions while reading this book as Ellie reacted to the rare instances of human kindness. Ellie's grandmother is a tough nut to crack and the novel wouldn't have been true to itself if she relented too easily. I read this novel in a single sitting and as I closed it, I wished I could read more. I would love to know what happens to Ellie as she grows. I know that she will be a remarkable woman. What I really loved about this novel was how Sherrard shows that what you see isn't what you get. Ellie's "friend" Marcie seems to have everything she wants, but she is not happy. Uncle Roger's disfiguration from an accident and his tragic circumstances have only made him kinder and stronger. The same tragic circumstances have made Ellie's grandmother bitter. The novel shows without telling that most people do live with tragedy, but it is up to us whether we take those experiences to make us bitter or better.
Well done.
Well done.
October 7, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date: Tumbleweed Skies/Valerie Sherrard/2010
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback
Plot summary: The moment Ellie and her father pull up in front of Grandmother Acklebee's farm in Weyboldt, Saskatchewan, Ellie knows she isn't wanted. But Ellie's father has just taken a job s a traveling salesman, and he has no other choice. The road is no place for a nine-year old. Ellie doesn't know her grandmother, but she learns quickly that the older woman blames her son-in-law and granddaughter for her daughter's death. And although her Uncle Roger is a kind man, Ellie is quickly cowed by the angry old woman, who shows her litle kindness and no affection. Determined to survive the situation with her dignity intact, Ellie isn't about to show her grandmother that she can be hurt. (GoodReads)
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Deals with issues of financial hardship and strained family relationships.
Review citation: Austin, C. (2011). Tumbleweed Skies (Book Review). School Library Journal, 170-171.
Section source used to find the material: Children's Core Collection, Most Highly Recommended
Recommended age: 8 and up
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback
Plot summary: The moment Ellie and her father pull up in front of Grandmother Acklebee's farm in Weyboldt, Saskatchewan, Ellie knows she isn't wanted. But Ellie's father has just taken a job s a traveling salesman, and he has no other choice. The road is no place for a nine-year old. Ellie doesn't know her grandmother, but she learns quickly that the older woman blames her son-in-law and granddaughter for her daughter's death. And although her Uncle Roger is a kind man, Ellie is quickly cowed by the angry old woman, who shows her litle kindness and no affection. Determined to survive the situation with her dignity intact, Ellie isn't about to show her grandmother that she can be hurt. (GoodReads)
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Deals with issues of financial hardship and strained family relationships.
Review citation: Austin, C. (2011). Tumbleweed Skies (Book Review). School Library Journal, 170-171.
Section source used to find the material: Children's Core Collection, Most Highly Recommended
Recommended age: 8 and up
November 15, 2011
If you read this book, you will really like it. This book is spcial because Ellie's dad really needs grandma to take care of Ellie but grandma does not want Ellie in the house. I think if you read this lovely book you will fall in love with it so much. I like this book because it shows how Saskatchewan used to look in the olden days. I like the history in the book. I like the way grandma let Ellie stay with her. I like the way Uncle Roger teaches Ellie cool things about her mom. I don't like how grandma was so mean. I hate that. You should read this book because it is a lovely book.
Jade
Grade 2
Jade
Grade 2
November 15, 2011
This book is about a girl whose mom died when she's a baby. Her dad lost his job. Now he is a salesman. Ellie has to stay at her grandma's house. Grandma doesn't like Ellie.
This book was suprising when Grandma Acklebee says that Uncle Roger likes sugar cookies but he says he doesn't, he says those were actually Ellie's mom's favorite. I like the way grandma remembered that Ellie doesn't have a mom and helps Ellie cut the lard. I like the way Uncle Roger sometimes tells funny jokes. I like when Uncle Roger took Ellie to the graveyard to see where Ellie's mom was burried. I don't like the way Marcy says we can only draw one picture for my mom to judge. I don't like when Marcy is snotty to Ellie. This book is fabulous! You should read it!
This book was suprising when Grandma Acklebee says that Uncle Roger likes sugar cookies but he says he doesn't, he says those were actually Ellie's mom's favorite. I like the way grandma remembered that Ellie doesn't have a mom and helps Ellie cut the lard. I like the way Uncle Roger sometimes tells funny jokes. I like when Uncle Roger took Ellie to the graveyard to see where Ellie's mom was burried. I don't like the way Marcy says we can only draw one picture for my mom to judge. I don't like when Marcy is snotty to Ellie. This book is fabulous! You should read it!
Want to read
November 11, 2013Tumbleweed Skies by Valerie Sherrard is about a girl named Ellie who has to live with her grandma who treats her different. I like this book because it teaches people a lesson. Ellie has a friend named Marcy. I would not like a friend like Marcy because she is mean! I think other people should read this book to learn a lesson about being nice!!!!!!!
Lacey Grade 2
Lacey Grade 2
November 16, 2011
Tumbleweed Skies by Valerie Sherrard is about a girl named Ellie who has to live with her grandma who treats her different. I like this book because it teaches people a lesson. Ellie has a friend named Marcy. I would not like a friend like Marcy because she is mean! I think other people should read this book to learn a lesson about being nice!!!!!!!
Lacey Grade 2
Lacey Grade 2
April 14, 2020
This is a book about personality and relationships, and is definitely not one for fans of action and excitement.
It is 1950s rural Canada and Ellie has been left with her maternal grandmother while her travelling salesman dad goes off to try and sell saucepans in order to get them back on their feet again.
Ellie's grandmother clearly doesn't like Ellie and she is immediately put to work and made to feel unwanted.
Fortunately for Ellie, her Uncle Roger looks out for her, and helps her to cope with the difficulties of living with her cold grandmother.
This is ultimately a story of hope and forgiveness... even though the ending doesn't tie up the story as neatly as I would have liked... you have to imagine what might happen yourself.
Definitely one for fans of realistic stories based around people and their relationships with each other.
It is 1950s rural Canada and Ellie has been left with her maternal grandmother while her travelling salesman dad goes off to try and sell saucepans in order to get them back on their feet again.
Ellie's grandmother clearly doesn't like Ellie and she is immediately put to work and made to feel unwanted.
Fortunately for Ellie, her Uncle Roger looks out for her, and helps her to cope with the difficulties of living with her cold grandmother.
This is ultimately a story of hope and forgiveness... even though the ending doesn't tie up the story as neatly as I would have liked... you have to imagine what might happen yourself.
Definitely one for fans of realistic stories based around people and their relationships with each other.
October 18, 2021
My son and I read this book together. Since we live in Saskatchewan, the setting appealed to us, and we thoroughly enjoyed the story of how Ellie managed to live in a place she did not feel loved and wanted.
January 12, 2021
This was such a sweet book. Cute little story any yound girl would like, I just wish it was longer or had more to the story.
June 30, 2012
A nice simple story with excellent character development. Ellie is forced to stay with her Grandma Acklebee while her father tries to make money as a traveling salesman. But Grandma Acklebee doesn't want Ellie and is not very friendly or loving toward her grand daughter. Thank goodness Uncle Roger is loving and helps Ellie to understand her Grandmother and what her mother, who died when Ellie was born, was like. Summer on a farm in Saskatchewan was also very well-described.
June 16, 2016
Sweet story of a motherless young girl who spends time with her grandmother who is still mad that her daughter ran off and got married to Ellie's father. Not sure is there is an audience for this book in my library.
August 7, 2011
While Ellie's father takes a job as a traveling salesman, she is left with her grandmother...her mother's mom who is bitter and difficult to figure out. Ellie some lessons about life in this new environment while she awaits for her father's return.
April 29, 2011
Wished it was longer. I just wanted more from grandma. But I think she did make a change.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews