Lexile Level: 550Pages: 166 p.Summary: It's beginning of the New Era. The Great Depression has created hard times for everyone, but with election of a new president, 12 year-old Rachel is hopeful that things will change for her family. Her father will get his job back at the bank, there will be plenty of food for everyone, and times will be easier. However, things usually have to get worse before they get better. There is word of a bank job up north and Pop decides that this could be his chance. This means Rachel, her brother Joey, and sister Cassie (Rachel's mom died long ago), have to leave the city and the life they knew and move to a farm in North Lake. North Lake, a town that has fallen on even harder times than the city. Schools are closed, roadside shacks show communities of homeless drifters, and a farmhouse with holes in the ceiling and no electricity is waiting for Rachel and her family. The job Pop had hoped for is gone and they are back to square one but without the comforts of home including Miss Mitzi, the nurturing co-owner of the flower shop Rachel's mom once owned. Down to their last dime, Pop hears word of a job near the Canadian border but this means leaving the three children at home. There is enough money to last for food and rent while pop is gone and the children need to make it last. Will Pop send money in time? Will Rachel and her sister be able to get along well enough to work together? Can Rachel ever feel the love and security she once felt? Will all three children be able to make it through on their own?Recommendations or Comments:I've read several of Reilly Giff's books and have enjoyed the stories and the main characters of each one. This one is no different. The characters are likeable and relatable almost immediately. The story and theme is one of hope and survival, but the light version. As a historical fiction book I feel that it lightly touches upon the time period's historical facts but really gives the reader a sense of what it must have been like for someone so young. With a low lexile score I can see someone as young as 8 or 9 enjoying this book, all they way up to 12 as a quick read. The letters between Miss Mitzi and Rachel break up the story and the look into each characters emotions from Rachel's point of view make the story thoughtful and sweet.Stars: 4 out of 5Reviewed By: Shannon Kazmierczak A touching historical fiction piece that takes place during the Great Depression. The main character, Rachel, is being raised by a single dad. When her father decides to move to a remote town in order to support the family, their struggle becomes even harder. Rachel's main support is Miss Mitzi, a friend from her former town whom she writes letters to constantly. A wonderful novel that gives insight into how families dealt with the difficulties of the Depression.
Do You like book R My Name Is Rachel (2011)?
Sweet story of courage through the eyes of a young girl.
—pocketpamela
Thank you Kathy for this recommendation! I loved it!
—NikkieLeann
