Richard Peck (1934–2018)

While I didn't agree with every thing Peck had to say about writing for young adults, I still found this book very helpful to my process as a writer of young adult fiction. It was more accessible than any other non-technique oriented book on writing that I have attempted to read and more thought-provoking than I had anticipated. The strongest feature of this book was its ability to inspire me to flesh out my own YA writing paradigm and consider how my past experiences & roles have shaped this viewpoint. I highly recommend this book to any fledgling YA writers.… (plus d'informations)

This book is one of a set of three and as good as the other two.

The Barnhart family has recently moved from Terre Haute to a small, rural town. The Reverend, his wife and their three kids — Phyllis, Bob and Ruth Ann. Being new in a small town is tough, but being a preacher’s family makes it more difficult.

The Methodist Conference had provided the house for the family…a pretty rundown, saggy structure. It just happened to be next to an older house that was the last house in town. Their neighbour was Mrs. Dowdel, a widow, who had lived there the majority of her life and knew everyone and all their business. A gruff, not-very-sociable, no-nonsense person was what she was. But there was more to her than she showed.

The story is told by Bob, age 12, and is the story of the family’s time there. The toughness of being accepted by the town and the people who lived there.

Phyllis has a passion for Elvis (it is 1958) and she is in her teen years. Ruth Ann, the youngest, fascinated by Mrs. Dowdel and her activities, soon becomes Mrs. Dowdel’s shadow. The parents are busy with raising the kids but also restoring the church building that is not in the best of shape.

There is humour to be found in the telling of events, in this small town. Lessons are learned and friends are made.

Peck writes of an earlier time when things were simpler and slower, but common sense was important…sometimes seasoned with humour.… (plus d'informations)

Archer has been in two weddings, he tells us, and beginning with the first in which he has a hilarious mishap as ringbearer, and ending with the second in which he is the best man, gives us an account of his life so far between them.

Like Peck's historical fiction, this contemporary story set in Chicago has great characters, funny over-the-top moments, and a lot of heart. Archer's voice is unique and carries you along in his storytelling. His role models are his dad, his grandpa, and his Uncle Paul, and I enjoyed the relationships he has with each man. The story missed a few beats for me in its lack of direction. Archer meanders through 1-4 grade before the meat of the story, which primarily covers 5th and 6th. And he doesn't really pick up on things so the astute reader will have no problem figuring out certain things long before Archer does, such as that his Uncle Paul is gay. Finally, there are references to YouTube and a "hashtag" and such that felt a little too forced in trying to sound current. A solid read overall, but not my favorite of Peck's.… (plus d'informations)