Even though the main character, Ruby, is dealing with guilt and deep sadness over her grandfather's death, I still found this book delightful. The character and setting development, the imagery, and the general writing/sentence structure are superb. I wanted to walk the dusty Mississippi roads with Ruby, converse with her grandmother, pick black eye susans with her, and meet her chickens. This book reminds a bit of Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.
Ruby loves her grandmother Miss Eula who lives next door in the Pink Palace, and is devastated when Miss Eula leaves Halleluia, Mississippi to visit her new granddaughter in Hawaii. Who will protect from spiteful Melba Jane? New friends and new perspectives allow Ruby to mature and forgive. Many letters between Ruby and Miss Eula assist in the story telling.
Warnings/points to discuss: Ruby's grandfather and Melba's father died in a car accident-Melba Jane blames Ruby, a hateful relationship between Ruby and Melba Jane, death, chicks die after Melba Jane throws rocks at Ruby's chickens
*Highly recommend (but see warnings).
-Borrowed from the library.
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