While Meggie and David Blue are from another planet, they're a lot like Earth kids, with similar hopes and dreams, and can't wait to grow up. BUT they also have GROSSLY UNIQUE qualities, such as blue streaks in their hair that pop up randomly and language skills that sound like nothing on this planet. The story takes these alien kids, along with their mother and grandfather, by accident, to a far planet in which the society is not only oppressive but hostile to individual freedom. People are kept submissive through drugs and brainwashing. The Blues, who have spent time in free societies recognize the upside-down-ness of this world. They're almost helpless to do anything, but do what they can, plan their escape, and vow to help others.
When Belle Prater disappears, Belle's boy, Woodrow, comes to live with his grandparents in Coal Station, Virginia. Woodrow's cousin Gypsy is the town beauty, but she has hidden sorrows and secrets of her own. She wonders how Woodrow can accept his mother's disappearance when she's never gotten over her father's death. That's when Woodrow tells Gypsy the secret about his mother.
Tiny Lambert is excited! It is 1956, and today is her first day at Black Gap High School in Virginia. Maybe she will finally make some friends. And a high school with band practice and football games may be just the thing she needs to keep her away from her house-and her stepfather Vern. Tiny feels uncomfortable whenever Vern drinks. He looks at her in a strange, new way. No one else seems to understand why she complains or tries to avoid him-not even Mom. What will Tiny do if she can't tell anyone? Noted author Ruth White won a Newbery Honor for her book, Bell Prater's Boy. In Weeping Willow, she approaches a sensitive issue with warmth and insight. Her moving tale wins the hearts of listeners everywhere with its gentle wisdom and entertaining, true-to-life characters.
Belle Prater is missing. Since she inexplicably disappeared about a year ago, her son, Woodrow, has been living with his grandparents, next door to his cousin Gypsy. The two are best friends, joined by their adventurous sprits and shared love of stories and magic. One night they receive a puzzling phone call, which provides a clue that sends Gypsy and Woodrow on a mission to find Belle. Joining them is Cassie Caulborne, the new girl in school, who, like Woodrow and Gypsy, has experienced the loss of a parent. She is also endowed with a valuable gift-she knows things, things that happened in the past and reveal themselves to her in dreams. Their quest leads them out of their sheltered life in Coal Station, Virginia, and eventually back to Woodrow's home in Crooked Ridge. On the road they meet new people with their own stories to tell. One is Joseph, who has to sit at the back of the buss because he is black. The young people join him in the rear and learn that he, too, is on a search-for his father. They help one another to find what they're looking for and gain friendship along the way.
In 1955, thirteen-year-old Lyric, her older sister Summer, and their widowed father pack the car. Poor yet hopeful, they move from the hills of Virginia to Flint, Michigan, where "Poppy" plans to find factory work. Once they are in Michigan, Lyric and Summer love the excitement of the city. Lyric makes friends at her new school, but Summer feels like an outcast. Soon, the close bond between the two sisters begins to dissolve. Lyric always knew that Summer was a bit odd, but now Summer withdraws more and more into a fantasy world. Filled with love and pain, Memories of Summer is Lyric's story of her sister's descent into mental illness. Newbery Award-winning Ruth White is noted for her ability to capture the conflicts and emotions that affect many young adults. Narrator Kate Forbes'gentle voice captures both the sisters and their changing world. For more by Ruth White, look for Weeping Willow, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults.
