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Sparrow Road
It's the summer before seventh grade, and twelve-year- old Raine O'Rourke's mother suddenly takes a job hours from home at mysterious Sparrow Road- a creepy, dilapidated mansion that houses an eccentric group of artists. As Raine tries to make sense of her new surroundings, she forges friendships with a cast of quirky characters including the outrageous and funky Josie.
Together, Raine and Josie decide to solve the mysteries of Sparrow Road-from its haunting history as an orphanage to the secrets of its silent, brooding owner, Viktor. But it's an unexpected secret from Raine's own life that changes her forever.
An affecting and beautifully written story of family and forgiveness, Sparrow Road is an incredible gift.
Together, Raine and Josie decide to solve the mysteries of Sparrow Road-from its haunting history as an orphanage to the secrets of its silent, brooding owner, Viktor. But it's an unexpected secret from Raine's own life that changes her forever.
An affecting and beautifully written story of family and forgiveness, Sparrow Road is an incredible gift.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2011
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2146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
August 28, 2016
Full review on Cracking the Cover
“Sparrow Road” is an unexpected yet welcome surprise. Author Sheila O’Connor doesn’t rely on popular themes or storytelling trickery. Rather she uses her skills in character and scene development to tell a mature and engrossing story that celebrates middle readers’ intelligence.
O’Connor’s characters come to life under her careful tutelage. Josie, with her “rainbow colored hair” and patchwork dresses, is so full of life, she seems to jump off the page. And Diego becomes both a teacher and father figure to Raine as she learns to live with both the choices made for her and those she makes for herself.
One of the best things about “Sparrow Road” is that not all questions are answered. Yes, some things are rapped up in a nice little package, but it’s also clear O’Connor’s characters are not perfect and they will continue to grow beyond the pages of this book.
“Sparrow Road” is a heartfelt story that reads like a modern classic, making it a perfect choice for fans of reading of all ages.
“Sparrow Road” is an unexpected yet welcome surprise. Author Sheila O’Connor doesn’t rely on popular themes or storytelling trickery. Rather she uses her skills in character and scene development to tell a mature and engrossing story that celebrates middle readers’ intelligence.
O’Connor’s characters come to life under her careful tutelage. Josie, with her “rainbow colored hair” and patchwork dresses, is so full of life, she seems to jump off the page. And Diego becomes both a teacher and father figure to Raine as she learns to live with both the choices made for her and those she makes for herself.
One of the best things about “Sparrow Road” is that not all questions are answered. Yes, some things are rapped up in a nice little package, but it’s also clear O’Connor’s characters are not perfect and they will continue to grow beyond the pages of this book.
“Sparrow Road” is a heartfelt story that reads like a modern classic, making it a perfect choice for fans of reading of all ages.
November 1, 2015
I wish I could give this book a "blizzard of stars".
If there is one book you read this summer. This is it. This is the book that made me fall in love with reading again. 12-year-old Raine has an unexpected summer that at first she resists and as she transforms, and the people she meets transforms - it changes her life forever.
I read this coming-of-age book every free chance I got over two days. It is so beautifully written, like riding a slow, golden wave that builds and builds and covers all in its beauty to rest finally at a peaceful shore. O'Connor creates such an amazing scene and set of so many characters with such sparse, poetic prose. It's written in the first person, which I usually don't enjoy, but this is written so elegantly it FEELS like third person as we see and feel how all the characters are thru Raine's eyes and heart.
It's a book about searching for something you don't know. It's about love, hope, redemption, getting left behind - and doing the leaving yourself when ready. I cried many times reading this book. I flipped back to pages to re-read the scenes that painted my heart with wonder and feeling.
Don't miss out on this book. I can't wait to read more of O'Connor's books.
If there is one book you read this summer. This is it. This is the book that made me fall in love with reading again. 12-year-old Raine has an unexpected summer that at first she resists and as she transforms, and the people she meets transforms - it changes her life forever.
I read this coming-of-age book every free chance I got over two days. It is so beautifully written, like riding a slow, golden wave that builds and builds and covers all in its beauty to rest finally at a peaceful shore. O'Connor creates such an amazing scene and set of so many characters with such sparse, poetic prose. It's written in the first person, which I usually don't enjoy, but this is written so elegantly it FEELS like third person as we see and feel how all the characters are thru Raine's eyes and heart.
It's a book about searching for something you don't know. It's about love, hope, redemption, getting left behind - and doing the leaving yourself when ready. I cried many times reading this book. I flipped back to pages to re-read the scenes that painted my heart with wonder and feeling.
Don't miss out on this book. I can't wait to read more of O'Connor's books.
June 9, 2011
My daughter is reading this book, and I cannot get it out of her hands to read it myself. "I LOVE this book" is all she will say before returning to the basement to continue the story. Later: I really enjoyed this book, with its many mysteries that are carefully unfolded, like delicate origami papers, chapter after chapter. The heart of the book reminds me of Kate DiCamillio's Tiger Rising, as there is an eclectic group of adults supporting the coming-of-age girl, and the climax of the book is a party that brings these people all together. O'Connor's writing is clear and provocative but age appropriate, as are the short chapters that let the child reader feel a great sense of accomplishment. I hope this becomes a staple in 4th-7th grade classes, as it would provoke some good discussions about absent and inadequate parents, creativity, and finding one's place in the world.
February 21, 2018
I think that the book Sparrow Road is a fantastic book. Sparrow Road is filled with exciting unexpected events. Raine finds out that she and her mother must go for the summer for a job. Let me tell you that a lot of things happen at this place called Sparrow Road.
I recommend this book 4 out of 5 stars also to any middle school readers. It is an mid range book and the words aren’t too big or too small. The book isn’t too hard to understand and isn’t to easy.
I recommend this book 4 out of 5 stars also to any middle school readers. It is an mid range book and the words aren’t too big or too small. The book isn’t too hard to understand and isn’t to easy.
October 11, 2011
Things I liked:
1. The suspense of why Raine and her mother go to Sparrow Road for the summer. As I've said before, with everyday life fiction like this, it helps a lot to have some kind of mystery driving the plot and this really worked. Of course, the mystery is solved halfway through, but then you can kind of coast on the strength of the characters and relationships.
2. Raine's development as a writer. The way she asks herself questions like "What was and what will be?' and creates a character, Lyman, that's sort of like an imaginary friend. This book could really inspire kids to write and create art.
3. The writing was very solid. Pretty without being flowery. Raine had a distinct voice.
4. The meditations on being on orphan and what an orphanage is like. There are so many orphans in kid lit and I thought this book offered a very down-to-earth, sad, grounded look at something that, weirdly, can be kind of glamorized in fantasy novels.
1. The suspense of why Raine and her mother go to Sparrow Road for the summer. As I've said before, with everyday life fiction like this, it helps a lot to have some kind of mystery driving the plot and this really worked. Of course, the mystery is solved halfway through, but then you can kind of coast on the strength of the characters and relationships.
2. Raine's development as a writer. The way she asks herself questions like "What was and what will be?' and creates a character, Lyman, that's sort of like an imaginary friend. This book could really inspire kids to write and create art.
3. The writing was very solid. Pretty without being flowery. Raine had a distinct voice.
4. The meditations on being on orphan and what an orphanage is like. There are so many orphans in kid lit and I thought this book offered a very down-to-earth, sad, grounded look at something that, weirdly, can be kind of glamorized in fantasy novels.
September 25, 2011
The History major in me is dying to know. When does this story take place? Here's my breakdown:
First, no mention of cellphones or internet= time <1995
Mama's "hippie" stint in Amsterdam= time >1969
Several mentions of "paisley" and peasant blouses= 1970's
Raine is 12, going on 13 + Mom (hippie)= late 70's to early 80's
Final result= 1978-1989
Still, it is a range.
Next, my major, major problem with this story is that it features a bunch of non-functioning adults who rely too much on a 12 year-old. A 12 year-old that they do not tell the truth to, and then expect her to make mature decisions. HUH? Several times, I wanted to reach into this book and punch the mother. Was she not the most immature woman EVER? She sneaks her kid away from her loving grandfather, without telling her why, tells Raine her father wants to meet her, and then dumps the whole thing in the kid's lap. No one, with the exception of Diego, ever asks Raine how she feels or if she is okay. It is all about their own agendas!
Josie, another grown woman, involves Raine in a project to reunite the orphans of Sparrow Road, Viktor gives Raine a job watching a woman who is loosing her mental capacities, and everyone assumes that if Raine is busying working on "art" she will grow as a person. How about treating her like one?
Even the ending (not really a spoiler), Mama asks Raine if they should stay at Sparrow Road, or return to the city. In this way, Mama would not have to be a "waitress" anymore. What?!?! How about what is best for your kid, lady?
I cannot think of one kid I know from the library, or my own daughters who could appreciate this story. Is it a thinly veiled criticism of the foster care system, a reflection on single parenting? Who knows.
What I did love was Raine. Why did I love her? Because I am an adult. She speaks and thinks like an adult. She has more empathy for the ghosts of orphans in the attic, than the adults around her have for her. So, as a child reader, could they relate to Raine? Would this story have made more sense if Raine had been 15 or 16, I think it would have.
First, no mention of cellphones or internet= time <1995
Mama's "hippie" stint in Amsterdam= time >1969
Several mentions of "paisley" and peasant blouses= 1970's
Raine is 12, going on 13 + Mom (hippie)= late 70's to early 80's
Final result= 1978-1989
Still, it is a range.
Next, my major, major problem with this story is that it features a bunch of non-functioning adults who rely too much on a 12 year-old. A 12 year-old that they do not tell the truth to, and then expect her to make mature decisions. HUH? Several times, I wanted to reach into this book and punch the mother. Was she not the most immature woman EVER? She sneaks her kid away from her loving grandfather, without telling her why, tells Raine her father wants to meet her, and then dumps the whole thing in the kid's lap. No one, with the exception of Diego, ever asks Raine how she feels or if she is okay. It is all about their own agendas!
Josie, another grown woman, involves Raine in a project to reunite the orphans of Sparrow Road, Viktor gives Raine a job watching a woman who is loosing her mental capacities, and everyone assumes that if Raine is busying working on "art" she will grow as a person. How about treating her like one?
Even the ending (not really a spoiler), Mama asks Raine if they should stay at Sparrow Road, or return to the city. In this way, Mama would not have to be a "waitress" anymore. What?!?! How about what is best for your kid, lady?
I cannot think of one kid I know from the library, or my own daughters who could appreciate this story. Is it a thinly veiled criticism of the foster care system, a reflection on single parenting? Who knows.
What I did love was Raine. Why did I love her? Because I am an adult. She speaks and thinks like an adult. She has more empathy for the ghosts of orphans in the attic, than the adults around her have for her. So, as a child reader, could they relate to Raine? Would this story have made more sense if Raine had been 15 or 16, I think it would have.
May 30, 2013
When I saw that Sheila O'Connor was a professor at Hamline University where Gary Schmidt and Anne Ursu work I wondered if she would have strong characters like they do in their middle grade and young adult novels. She does. It is the main strength in this novel along with beautiful writing. The emotional arc of twelve-year-old Raine and the character development of secondary characters kept me going in this book. The plot was predictable and the action minimal, but the subplot had surprises and the ending was strong. Much of the tension is centered on adult issues and this will appeal to students who like realistic fiction that tug at emotions. The messages of missing people, addiction, abandonment, artistic creations, and dealing with conflict (between adults) make for good discussions.
Raine has come to Sparrow Road, an artists' retreat, with her mother for two months in the summer. Here mother is going to cook for the artists working on projects. Raine dreads coming and is mad at her mother for uprooting her from Milwaukee where they live with Grandpa Mac. When Viktor, owner of Sparrow Road, picks them up and explains the Silence Rule, no talking during the day so artists can work, Raine has a fit. Her mother didn't tell her about that ridiculous rule. Her mother has been secretive since they left and it fuels Raine's anger. On the first day, her mother goes to town with Viktor and when Raine begs to go along, her mother says, "No" telling her to lock herself in the cottage. Raine is a teenager and in the middle of nowhere and I thought this didn't seem very normal; not to mention not bringing Raine into town. When Raine's mom tells her to stay by the cottage so she can see her I did some more head-scratching, but eventually the plot unfolds and Mom's actions become clear.
As Raine settles into life in the big house, she makes friends with the artists; all interesting characters in their own right. "Suddenly Josie marched into the kitchen, her long, sure steps reminding me of the cowboys in the westerns Grandpa watched."Lillian is not quite right in the head even those she's sweeter than ice cream and the wise Diego is comic relief. The subplot where Raine starts to write and comes up with an imaginary friend based on an orphan, Lyman Chase, who drew a picture is an interesting way to show her emotional arc of figuring out what is going on with the adults around her, as well as, show the creative process. At first she struggles to write until Diego gives her the prompt, "What was or what could be..." When her imaginary character, Lyman, develops a voice of his own I wondered if this is what it is like for writers creating characters in their stories.
When they have an Art Extravaganza and Raine is terrified to read her piece out loud it made me think of fears of speaking in front of others and risks taken when doing anything public. Doubts creep into the mind and terror can reach out like tendrils through the body wracking up visions of people laughing or looking stupid. It is hard developing a thick skin and while nothing goes horribly wrong for Raine, she still has to get over her fears and vulnerability by stepping in front of family and friends. Blogging is that way for me. I feel vulnerable because it is a public domain. Am I learning and changing and getting better with analyzing books? I hope so. But I also know I have a lot of bad reviews. Perhaps when I hit my 10,000 hour mark that Malcolm Gladwell talks about in "Outliers" I will feel confident and not so self-conscious.
The plot is predictable which was probably okay because the mom seemed out-of-character in the beginning. Once it appeared her mom knew Viktor, I connected the dots as to what was going to happen next. While this takes a bit of the tension out, I didn't feel disappointed because the characters move the pace along and I anxiously anticipated what was going to happen next. I credit O'Connor's terrific writing to keep me going. I am not a very patient reader and don't like this type of book as a matter of personal taste. Another tweak I'd make is I think that the book had too much of an adult focus versus a child focus. Raine is dealing mainly with adult problems and there is no other kid that is her age to interact with in the storyline, only an imaginary friend. While she is surrounded by loving, supportive adults, I would have liked some other kids.
The character, Lillian sounds like a teacher even though she has the beginning of dementia. She talks about all children being brilliant and her love for her students is obvious. She is a teacher who sees the potential in students and her voice seemed very authentic to me. I wonder if the author taught young students before becoming a university professor. The emotional arc of Raine is well-written with nice depth as she deals with not growing up with a dad and having empathy for the orphans who once lived at Sparrow Road. Diego gives Raine some good advice when it comes to writing, "Just pick a piece closest to your heart. That's all art really is. Your feelings sent out to someone else." When Raine says she wants her piece to be really good (sounds like a clear case of writer's block), Diego responds, "Good will goof you up from the beginning. Art just has to be. Dream your dreams. Trust the words that come." Good advice, wouldn't you say?
Raine has come to Sparrow Road, an artists' retreat, with her mother for two months in the summer. Here mother is going to cook for the artists working on projects. Raine dreads coming and is mad at her mother for uprooting her from Milwaukee where they live with Grandpa Mac. When Viktor, owner of Sparrow Road, picks them up and explains the Silence Rule, no talking during the day so artists can work, Raine has a fit. Her mother didn't tell her about that ridiculous rule. Her mother has been secretive since they left and it fuels Raine's anger. On the first day, her mother goes to town with Viktor and when Raine begs to go along, her mother says, "No" telling her to lock herself in the cottage. Raine is a teenager and in the middle of nowhere and I thought this didn't seem very normal; not to mention not bringing Raine into town. When Raine's mom tells her to stay by the cottage so she can see her I did some more head-scratching, but eventually the plot unfolds and Mom's actions become clear.
As Raine settles into life in the big house, she makes friends with the artists; all interesting characters in their own right. "Suddenly Josie marched into the kitchen, her long, sure steps reminding me of the cowboys in the westerns Grandpa watched."Lillian is not quite right in the head even those she's sweeter than ice cream and the wise Diego is comic relief. The subplot where Raine starts to write and comes up with an imaginary friend based on an orphan, Lyman Chase, who drew a picture is an interesting way to show her emotional arc of figuring out what is going on with the adults around her, as well as, show the creative process. At first she struggles to write until Diego gives her the prompt, "What was or what could be..." When her imaginary character, Lyman, develops a voice of his own I wondered if this is what it is like for writers creating characters in their stories.
When they have an Art Extravaganza and Raine is terrified to read her piece out loud it made me think of fears of speaking in front of others and risks taken when doing anything public. Doubts creep into the mind and terror can reach out like tendrils through the body wracking up visions of people laughing or looking stupid. It is hard developing a thick skin and while nothing goes horribly wrong for Raine, she still has to get over her fears and vulnerability by stepping in front of family and friends. Blogging is that way for me. I feel vulnerable because it is a public domain. Am I learning and changing and getting better with analyzing books? I hope so. But I also know I have a lot of bad reviews. Perhaps when I hit my 10,000 hour mark that Malcolm Gladwell talks about in "Outliers" I will feel confident and not so self-conscious.
The plot is predictable which was probably okay because the mom seemed out-of-character in the beginning. Once it appeared her mom knew Viktor, I connected the dots as to what was going to happen next. While this takes a bit of the tension out, I didn't feel disappointed because the characters move the pace along and I anxiously anticipated what was going to happen next. I credit O'Connor's terrific writing to keep me going. I am not a very patient reader and don't like this type of book as a matter of personal taste. Another tweak I'd make is I think that the book had too much of an adult focus versus a child focus. Raine is dealing mainly with adult problems and there is no other kid that is her age to interact with in the storyline, only an imaginary friend. While she is surrounded by loving, supportive adults, I would have liked some other kids.
The character, Lillian sounds like a teacher even though she has the beginning of dementia. She talks about all children being brilliant and her love for her students is obvious. She is a teacher who sees the potential in students and her voice seemed very authentic to me. I wonder if the author taught young students before becoming a university professor. The emotional arc of Raine is well-written with nice depth as she deals with not growing up with a dad and having empathy for the orphans who once lived at Sparrow Road. Diego gives Raine some good advice when it comes to writing, "Just pick a piece closest to your heart. That's all art really is. Your feelings sent out to someone else." When Raine says she wants her piece to be really good (sounds like a clear case of writer's block), Diego responds, "Good will goof you up from the beginning. Art just has to be. Dream your dreams. Trust the words that come." Good advice, wouldn't you say?
July 5, 2011
4.5 stars
Sparrow Road is a beautifully written, fulfilling read. It's not often I feel well connected to both the characters and the setting with a middle grade read from the get go like I was with with this book. Sheila O'Connor has a talent for writing prose and a magical ability to make her characters and the world they're apart of come to life. There are so many elements I liked about the story that I truly enjoyed every moment of this book.
One of the things I love about Sparrow Road is the way this story unravels. Little by little Sheila carefully unravels a beautiful story full of mystery with both it's characters, and the setting's history, that ends up becoming a relatable coming of age story. Though I wanted answers right away, I loved how engaged this made me feel with the book. I wanted to know more. Sheila is a brilliant story teller, because she doesn't tell me everything about her story, she shows me. I really enjoyed the way she allowed me to become apart of her story and introduced each of the characters, including the main character twelve year old Raine.
Raine is a character I loved. She's innocent, and strong, open minded and well grounded. I found it easy to relate to her through her story, though I never experienced a lot of the things she does. She's a character who grows a lot over the course of the book. I sympothized with her when her mom up and moves her from Milwaukee to a sleepy little town in Michigan. She leaves behind her beloved Grandpa Mac, and finds her life turned upside down when she learns she's spending the summer at Sparrow Road, a quiet, get away for artists to come to. With no tv, radio or talking during most hours of the day, I would have problems with that as much as Raine does.
Surrounded by wonderful character Raine's story comes full circle as she learns to embrace who is she and the person she's becoming. She learns about love, forgiveness, friendship and the true meaning of family. One of my favorite characters in the story is Grandpa Mac. What a lovely supporting character he is. There are a lot of characters I enjoyed getting to know, and the way they're introduced, but for the sake of spoilers I won't say anything else. I really enjoyed the story. It's a wonderful, clean cut read that tweens, teens and adults will enjoy reading. This is one of those books that would be great for middle grade english teachers and book clubs, as there are so many aspects of this book to be discussed. On a side note, I love this cover. It is such a great fit for the story.
Sparrow Road is a beautifully written, fulfilling read. It's not often I feel well connected to both the characters and the setting with a middle grade read from the get go like I was with with this book. Sheila O'Connor has a talent for writing prose and a magical ability to make her characters and the world they're apart of come to life. There are so many elements I liked about the story that I truly enjoyed every moment of this book.
One of the things I love about Sparrow Road is the way this story unravels. Little by little Sheila carefully unravels a beautiful story full of mystery with both it's characters, and the setting's history, that ends up becoming a relatable coming of age story. Though I wanted answers right away, I loved how engaged this made me feel with the book. I wanted to know more. Sheila is a brilliant story teller, because she doesn't tell me everything about her story, she shows me. I really enjoyed the way she allowed me to become apart of her story and introduced each of the characters, including the main character twelve year old Raine.
Raine is a character I loved. She's innocent, and strong, open minded and well grounded. I found it easy to relate to her through her story, though I never experienced a lot of the things she does. She's a character who grows a lot over the course of the book. I sympothized with her when her mom up and moves her from Milwaukee to a sleepy little town in Michigan. She leaves behind her beloved Grandpa Mac, and finds her life turned upside down when she learns she's spending the summer at Sparrow Road, a quiet, get away for artists to come to. With no tv, radio or talking during most hours of the day, I would have problems with that as much as Raine does.
Surrounded by wonderful character Raine's story comes full circle as she learns to embrace who is she and the person she's becoming. She learns about love, forgiveness, friendship and the true meaning of family. One of my favorite characters in the story is Grandpa Mac. What a lovely supporting character he is. There are a lot of characters I enjoyed getting to know, and the way they're introduced, but for the sake of spoilers I won't say anything else. I really enjoyed the story. It's a wonderful, clean cut read that tweens, teens and adults will enjoy reading. This is one of those books that would be great for middle grade english teachers and book clubs, as there are so many aspects of this book to be discussed. On a side note, I love this cover. It is such a great fit for the story.
June 27, 2014
It really is a beautiful book. The writing is beautiful, the setting is the best, the characters are pitch-perfect. I never wanted it to end!
The summary on the back of the book lied to me! I thought I was getting into a spooky house mystery adventure thing. But instead, I got something better: this!
This book probably deserves 5 stars. But I jut wanted a few things to happen and they never did, so I knocked one off.
I wanted Eleanor to play a better role. Her final scene about dreams and stuff was nice, but I was thinking more along the lines of a huge, emotional breakthrough where the reason for her crudeness is revealed and she becomes nice. Instead, I just got a sad little departure. And, yes, I was sad for her to leave.
Lillian was great. Her spot at the orphanage was never fully revealed, but it was good enough. When she said after the Art Extravaganza that she needed a nap, I was POSITIVE she was going to die in her sleep. POSITIVE! It'd be an ultimate climax for the ending.
I loved Josie! The gap in her teeth really made her character come alive. And Diego.
I thought Viktor would also have a bigger role, but I didn't really care for his character so it's fine that he didn't.
The part of the story with Gray was really touching and meaningful. He never really got to full "Dad" status, but I think he's getting there.
I didn't want Raine to leave Sparrow Road. Grandpa Mac should've come live with them in the cottage! That would have been the perfect ending!
I picked up this book because I was waiting for a better one to be available. But I found a great book, better than the one I was waiting for. Highly recommend.
Alternate rating: A
The summary on the back of the book lied to me! I thought I was getting into a spooky house mystery adventure thing. But instead, I got something better: this!
This book probably deserves 5 stars. But I jut wanted a few things to happen and they never did, so I knocked one off.
I wanted Eleanor to play a better role. Her final scene about dreams and stuff was nice, but I was thinking more along the lines of a huge, emotional breakthrough where the reason for her crudeness is revealed and she becomes nice. Instead, I just got a sad little departure. And, yes, I was sad for her to leave.
Lillian was great. Her spot at the orphanage was never fully revealed, but it was good enough. When she said after the Art Extravaganza that she needed a nap, I was POSITIVE she was going to die in her sleep. POSITIVE! It'd be an ultimate climax for the ending.
I loved Josie! The gap in her teeth really made her character come alive. And Diego.
I thought Viktor would also have a bigger role, but I didn't really care for his character so it's fine that he didn't.
The part of the story with Gray was really touching and meaningful. He never really got to full "Dad" status, but I think he's getting there.
I didn't want Raine to leave Sparrow Road. Grandpa Mac should've come live with them in the cottage! That would have been the perfect ending!
I picked up this book because I was waiting for a better one to be available. But I found a great book, better than the one I was waiting for. Highly recommend.
Alternate rating: A
July 25, 2018
I would definitely recommend this book to 10 year olds and up. A sweet story about artists, family and a little mystery.
July 23, 2011
Twelve-year-old Raine is not happy. Her mother just took a summer job at an artist's sanctuary called Sparrow Road and she's forcing Raine to go with her. Raine would rather stay in Milwaukee with her Grandpa Mac, working in his store and eating all the candy she can get her hands on. It's always been that way, and she doesn't understand why it has to change now. To make matters worse, Sparrow Road has all sorts of rules, the worst being that you are not allowed to talk except for after dinner and on Sundays. As soon as Rainne arrives, she is devising an escape plan. Surely her mother won't make her stay here all summer. Maybe she can convince Grandpa Mac to come get her. As Rainne settles in at Sparrow Road, she gets to know some of the quirky artists and writers that reside there, and she begins tapping into some of her own unknown talents. She also learns that Sparrow Road used to be an orphanage and there are many secrets waiting to be discovered. As the days pass, and Rainne settles in with the artists, a number of things begin taking place that Rainne doesn't understand. Why does she get the feeling that her mother knows Viktor, the caretaker, better than she lets on? Why is Rainne not allowed to go into town with her mother when she runs errands? Why do the residents of Sparrow Road still talk about the orphans that used to live there as if they still exist? As the summer progresses, Rainne will uncover the answers to these questions, and some of them will change her life forever.
I fell in love with this book from the very first page. The prose is fluid and very descriptive. Every scene is painted so vividly I felt as if I was there. The characters are all well-drawn and realistic, and the story itself is filled with enough humor, mischief, mystery and hope to keep the reader wanting more. The story is told from Rainne's point-of-view, but the rest of the characters are just as colorful and very important in moving the story forward. Though the novel is geared toward middle-grade readers, adults and young adults alike will find much to love in Ms. O'Connor's story of family, self-discovery and forgiveness. This is the perfect book to take to the beach, or to curl up with under a tree this summer.
I fell in love with this book from the very first page. The prose is fluid and very descriptive. Every scene is painted so vividly I felt as if I was there. The characters are all well-drawn and realistic, and the story itself is filled with enough humor, mischief, mystery and hope to keep the reader wanting more. The story is told from Rainne's point-of-view, but the rest of the characters are just as colorful and very important in moving the story forward. Though the novel is geared toward middle-grade readers, adults and young adults alike will find much to love in Ms. O'Connor's story of family, self-discovery and forgiveness. This is the perfect book to take to the beach, or to curl up with under a tree this summer.
July 5, 2020
Sparrow Road is a very touching book about a 12 year old girl who's life is suddenly disrupted. Her mother has taken a new job at an artist's retreat and Raine is dragged along away from her grandfather and her home in Milwaukee to a place she does not want to be. Ice cold Viktor instantly lays down the rules....no talking except on Sunday....what? No talking, no TV, no newspapers....what kind of place has her mother brought her to? Luckily the artists living at the compound understand how Raine might be feeling and they ease the transition the best they can. But Raine has so many questions her mother won't answer....why did they have to move here? Who is Viktor and how does he know her mother? Why won't her mother let her go off the grounds and into town? There's definitely something going on that Raine needs to find out. If her mother won't answer her then she'll ask the artists and anyone else to help her solve the mystery.
When Raine learns that the old building used to be an orphanage as one of the artsist's, Josie, takes her on a tour to see the attic where the boys lived, everything changes for her. She starts to envision the life the orphans must have lead. Fueled by a drawing on the wall by one of the boys she begins to question and communicate with him trying to find his story. Raine writes his story or is she writing her own story? Secrets from her mother's past are finally revealed causing Raine to have even more questions. A summer of artists, new ideas, mysteries and revelations has Raine growing and learning about herself.
When Raine learns that the old building used to be an orphanage as one of the artsist's, Josie, takes her on a tour to see the attic where the boys lived, everything changes for her. She starts to envision the life the orphans must have lead. Fueled by a drawing on the wall by one of the boys she begins to question and communicate with him trying to find his story. Raine writes his story or is she writing her own story? Secrets from her mother's past are finally revealed causing Raine to have even more questions. A summer of artists, new ideas, mysteries and revelations has Raine growing and learning about herself.
January 9, 2011
The jacket talks about the mystery of Sparrow Road, but the book is less about that than about Raine's transition from little girl to preteen. Sparrow Road was a mansion, then an orphanage, and is now a Yaddo-like artists residence (with rules like "no talking until dinner" and cabins for artistic creation). Raine isn't happy about being taken away from her Milwaukee home, less happy about the rules, and even less happy about Viktor and his mysterious relationship with Molly, Raine's mother.
Of course, rules are meant to be broken and soon Raine is talking with the artists, exploring the grounds, and finding her own artistic expression (writing). She's also puzzling out what the fate of the orphans was, and how Lillian and possibly Viktor are related to them. And then there's Gray... By the end of the summer, the orphan's story has been told (somewhat), and Raine has learned to make peace with her mother and her newly rediscovered father - it's one of those "growing up" (not quite coming-of-age) books.
My guess is that anticipated audience won't get the significance of the nearby town being named Comfort, but they will understand how a summer in the country, away from one's normal life, can help change people.
ARC provided by publisher.
Of course, rules are meant to be broken and soon Raine is talking with the artists, exploring the grounds, and finding her own artistic expression (writing). She's also puzzling out what the fate of the orphans was, and how Lillian and possibly Viktor are related to them. And then there's Gray... By the end of the summer, the orphan's story has been told (somewhat), and Raine has learned to make peace with her mother and her newly rediscovered father - it's one of those "growing up" (not quite coming-of-age) books.
My guess is that anticipated audience won't get the significance of the nearby town being named Comfort, but they will understand how a summer in the country, away from one's normal life, can help change people.
ARC provided by publisher.
June 13, 2013
This was one of those really intriguing children's books that has the type of atmospheric tone that makes it a classic. Descriptive, evocotive, if this had been out when I was a child, it would have been on my favorites shelf between Behind the Attic Wall & Daphne's Book. Raine is a twelve year old girl who comes across as much younger due to being held back by overprotective Mom & Grandpa...until her mother mysteriously takes a job at a run down artist's retreat as a cook. Raine is left to wander the grounds and discover for herself why they are really there. I really liked Raine, although as a parent, I cringed in the beginning of the book when she follows a strange Hispanic man upstairs alone to the tower...I wondered why her overprotective mom didn't warn her about the dangers of being alone with adult men you don't know. (Just another thought as an adult reading this book..it probably wouldn't occur to a child). Raine learns and grows throughout this book, although I knind of wish she had chosen to stay at Sparrow Road instead of going back to the city, although I can also understand her not wanting to be the new girl at school "with a bunch of country kids". Really good book. Will save it for my daughter's shelf.
March 6, 2012
It’s the summer before seventh grade,and twelve-year-old Raine O’Rourke’s mother suddenly takes a job hours away from home at mysterious Sparrow Road. At first Raine thinks its a creepy,weird mansion that houses eccentric group of artists. While Raine’s mother works as a cook and housekeeper Raine is left to figure out why she had really come to Sparrow Road.
After being there for a week Raines is thinking of how much she misses her Grandpa Mac and Milwaukee terribly. Soon after she is there for another week she begins to like it there with all the starry nights, rowboat rides on the lake and bike rides to the town. Raine wants to know more about it and the children that used to live there.
Together, Raine and her new friend Josie decide to solve the mysteries of Sparrow Road. Its haunting story as an orphanage, the secrets of its silent, brooding owner, Viktor and the odd friend ship between Viktor and a poet, Lillian. Secrets seem to be everywhere at Sparrow Road, but its unexpected secret from Raines own life that changes her forever.
After being there for a week Raines is thinking of how much she misses her Grandpa Mac and Milwaukee terribly. Soon after she is there for another week she begins to like it there with all the starry nights, rowboat rides on the lake and bike rides to the town. Raine wants to know more about it and the children that used to live there.
Together, Raine and her new friend Josie decide to solve the mysteries of Sparrow Road. Its haunting story as an orphanage, the secrets of its silent, brooding owner, Viktor and the odd friend ship between Viktor and a poet, Lillian. Secrets seem to be everywhere at Sparrow Road, but its unexpected secret from Raines own life that changes her forever.
August 12, 2013
This is Sheila O'Connor's first book for young readers, and it was pretty tepid. While it dealt with SOME real-life issues, most of it was just weird. No character development, strange interactions between characters (unexplained instantaneous friendships between a young girl and some random middle-aged artists, unintentionally creepy conversations about 'art', etc). I didn't care about any of the people, it was disjointed and lacked any real magic or attraction for me. Even the setting, which was supposed to be 'mysterious and magical' was just totally bland and dull.
One interesting point is that there are no real clues as to WHEN this story took place. No mention of cell phones, Internet, computers, etc. The main character wrote letters to her Grampa, and she spoke of missing TV and radio. Based on some of the terminology (five-and-dime) I'd guess it was the late 70's...?
To be fair, I don't read a lot of YA novels, with the exception of Hunger Games, Harry Potter, etc. So maybe this would be enjoyable to a younger audience (age 10-12)?
One interesting point is that there are no real clues as to WHEN this story took place. No mention of cell phones, Internet, computers, etc. The main character wrote letters to her Grampa, and she spoke of missing TV and radio. Based on some of the terminology (five-and-dime) I'd guess it was the late 70's...?
To be fair, I don't read a lot of YA novels, with the exception of Hunger Games, Harry Potter, etc. So maybe this would be enjoyable to a younger audience (age 10-12)?
September 7, 2015
This book perfectly demonstrates why it is so hard to pick books from the Creighton Library shelves. Creighton shelves all their "juvenile" literature together, meaning all picture books, junior fiction, and young adult fiction are all intermixed. So Dr. Seuss books may be right next to The Hunger Games. Sparrow Road was a book that Molly found at the Creighton Library and after she read it and liked it, I decided to read it too. It got good reviews on GoodReads, so I thought it would be good. However, you can't really tell what audience is reviewing it on GoodReads. But this book sounded like an intriguing mystery so I gave it a go. I got half way through still waiting for the big mystery and held out through the rest of the book, but it just didn't have a gripping plot at all, and really no mystery. Molly liked it enough, but I'm guessing that this book would be juvenile fiction, whereas I was hoping for more of a young adult read.
February 5, 2011
Loved this book!!! My daughter is 12 years old and after she read the first chapter she laughed out loud, tapped her finger on the page and said, "this writer really understands girls my age!"
The world so desperately needs more books like Sparrow Road. I really don't think I've ever read anything quite like it. I was one of those girls sitting up in my bedroom feverishly writing poetry until 1 a.m. My parents couldn't quite figure me out. But if there had been a book like Sparrow Road...
The beauty of this book is two-fold: while you're enjoying a story about the magic that happens while art is created in silence and solitude, you are holding in your hands a piece of art that was no doubt created in the magic of silence and solitude. It is a joy to behold. Read Sparrow Road and share it with your kids!
The world so desperately needs more books like Sparrow Road. I really don't think I've ever read anything quite like it. I was one of those girls sitting up in my bedroom feverishly writing poetry until 1 a.m. My parents couldn't quite figure me out. But if there had been a book like Sparrow Road...
The beauty of this book is two-fold: while you're enjoying a story about the magic that happens while art is created in silence and solitude, you are holding in your hands a piece of art that was no doubt created in the magic of silence and solitude. It is a joy to behold. Read Sparrow Road and share it with your kids!
May 30, 2011
Maybe I'd give this one three and a half stars if I could. The story follows 12-year-old Raine O'Rourke who has been unwillingly dragged by her mother to an artist's colony in the middle of nowhere. There's something mysterious about this new job her mother has acquired too. Why does her mom seem to know the owner so well? Why is Raine never allowed to go to town at any point, with or without her mother? And that's before she discovers Sparrow Road's true beginnings as an orphanage, with mysterious rooms still full of their things. The book has heart, no doubt, but as one co-worker of mine put it, she could have put the book down at any time without regrets. I felt the same way. Still, I think O'Connor has a big novel in her somewhere. One to watch for. - B
September 14, 2011
I was blase about this whimsical book that was well reviewed by all the major journals (booklist gave it a star and even kirkus had nice things to say!) A whimsically written realistic fiction book for middle schoolers (probably girls)sends a positive message about art, family, and discovering who we are. Don't know why I didn't like it more. I'm usually a sucker for lyrically written books but I had to make an effort to finish this one. Be that as it may, I"d still give this book to readers who enjoyed Olive's Ocean, Every Soul a Star, or Spinelli's Stargirl-and judge their response before writing it off. It may have just been the right book at the wrong time (I've been dying to get my hands on Selznik's new book Wonderstruck and start Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds...)
September 30, 2011
The writing in this is generally great; you can tell O'Connor is an accomplished author, and there's none of the awkwardness you sometimes feel when adult authors try to cross over into juvenile. But somewhere in the second half of the book I felt like the thread of the story got lost and everything was sort of repetitious. That's what kept me from being really enthusiastic about it. I sort of... stopped caring when I saw where things were going.
July 18, 2011
Wanted to like this book better than I did. A young girl spends the summer at an artists' colony, housed in a former orphanage, and finally meets her delinquent dad. I liked the wholesome qualities of the story--lots of forgiveness, creativity, and community celebration--but found the plot contrived, hinging mostly on a mother unwilling to tell her daughter information, and the characters too good.
March 4, 2013
a wonderfully crafted book that will speak to your inner child or your muse. A girl's mother moves them 12 hours away from the city living that she's used to in order to work at a retreat for artistes. She spends the summer finding inspiration from the painters, writers and creative geniuses in the house, trying to find her story that she needs to tell, and trying just to figure out why her mother has moved them to this specific town. And why she's so nervous about it.
June 22, 2011
Honestly? It wasn't as good as it could have been. There was so much that could have been better defined (i.e. the relationship between her mother and father just for starters). It seemed like there was a bigger story here but we were just getting to read the outline. But that;s not to say it wasn't good, I just think it could have been so much more.
September 10, 2015
I loved the book sparrow road. I loved how the main character Raine lived on sparrow road for the summer. The way the author described sparrow road, and all the people that lived there made me feel like I had been their before. I really never wanted this book to end. I thought the ending was a little sad but over all I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more books by this author.
November 12, 2011
A charming story about family secrets, strength, and the power that comes with moving forward. Slow in spots, a strong finish made for a satisfying ending, wrapping up the events of the novel nicely.
May 30, 2011
One Sentence Review: A lovely bit of writing, though it's a pity the focus is so strongly centered on the book's adults and their problems.
January 8, 2012
The first Cool Teacher in Children's Literature will be Lillian.
July 1, 2014
Amazing book! Read it to find out what happens
July 29, 2017
This book was wonderful!
Raine O'Rourke is a twelve-year-old girl who has just arrived at a sleepy little estate nestled in the middle of picturesque rolling hills, Sparrow Road. Raine is immediately enchanted by the artists whose art captures their dreaming personality in every way. There's Diego, the energetic, funny, bright artist who helps Raine connect with "what was" and "what could be" while making art with random found objects. There's Josie a wild, fun-loving, rainbow embodiment of a girl whose perseverance will push her through any situation. There's Lillian a frail, old poet with a mix of jumbled up memories of Sparrow Road when it was an orphanage.
Raine is determined to uncover the history behind Sparrow Road before it was a retreat for summer artists. She and Josie work to learn about the stories of the grown orphans, including an orphan named Lyman, who Raine dreams up a story of. Raine and Josie snoop around in the abandoned attic to find more clues from the past. Raine wants to understand the connection the stoic, cold, owner of Sparrow road, Viktor has with the orphans.
As Raine finds her own voice to share her story with those who are willing to listen, she learns about something that has haunted her dreams for years and has the possibility to change her life forever.
This book was a riveting, page-turner written in easy-to-read yet beautiful prose. Sheila O' Connor has crafted a book that captures what it is like to dream up a life that you have always wanted, and how we must embrace what may come with the faith to forgive. I loved this book and would recommend it for ages 11-14. There are parts more angled towards ages 12-14. Those who read this book won't forget the characters and beautiful setting of Sparrow Road.
Raine O'Rourke is a twelve-year-old girl who has just arrived at a sleepy little estate nestled in the middle of picturesque rolling hills, Sparrow Road. Raine is immediately enchanted by the artists whose art captures their dreaming personality in every way. There's Diego, the energetic, funny, bright artist who helps Raine connect with "what was" and "what could be" while making art with random found objects. There's Josie a wild, fun-loving, rainbow embodiment of a girl whose perseverance will push her through any situation. There's Lillian a frail, old poet with a mix of jumbled up memories of Sparrow Road when it was an orphanage.
Raine is determined to uncover the history behind Sparrow Road before it was a retreat for summer artists. She and Josie work to learn about the stories of the grown orphans, including an orphan named Lyman, who Raine dreams up a story of. Raine and Josie snoop around in the abandoned attic to find more clues from the past. Raine wants to understand the connection the stoic, cold, owner of Sparrow road, Viktor has with the orphans.
As Raine finds her own voice to share her story with those who are willing to listen, she learns about something that has haunted her dreams for years and has the possibility to change her life forever.
This book was a riveting, page-turner written in easy-to-read yet beautiful prose. Sheila O' Connor has crafted a book that captures what it is like to dream up a life that you have always wanted, and how we must embrace what may come with the faith to forgive. I loved this book and would recommend it for ages 11-14. There are parts more angled towards ages 12-14. Those who read this book won't forget the characters and beautiful setting of Sparrow Road.
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