Status Updates From Tumbleweed Skies

Really a great story, but as I mentioned before, it packs quite an emotional punch. The theme (and even some of the characters) remind me a bit of "Emily of New Moon" (except it takes place on the prairies), but the grandmother is much harsher than Aunt Elizabeth will ever be, and Uncle Roger is nice, but not as sympathetic as Cousin Jimmie. I love the first-person narrative, Ellie's voice is strong and beautiful.

This books packs quite an emotional punch. I cannot believe that the grandmother actually told Ellie (her granddaughter) to her face that her father and Ellie killed her mother (who is the grandmother's estranged daughter and died when Ellie was born). How can anyone say that to a child? And I am glad that it makes Ellie want to physically strike her grandmother (she does not, but she feels like it, and so do I).