Shannon Wiersbitzky

Delia is a character children can relate to--she has troubles, she has spunk, and she has clear likes and dislikes. Her growth throughout the book is almost sneaky, catching the reader by surprise when they realize just how much has occurred, and all the more real for it. Her family troubles, unfortunately, almost seem to fall to the wayside, and this is a shame as readers wonder if they have been forgotten by the author; the readers certainly have not forgotten and will likely find this frustrating. The best part of this book is the end--just as readers think they're going to be left disappointed, a satisfying conclusion peeks out at them, all the more gratifying for its surprise.… (more)

Some of my favourite stories are the ones that make me cry over something heartwarming. Wiersbitzky has written a very touching novel revolving around the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. The Summer of Hammers and Angels takes place over one sweltering-hot summer in Tucker’s Ferry, West Virginia. Delia and her mother have enjoyed a good mother-daughter relationship, but when Cassie Burns is struck unconscious by lightning, it is up to Delia to hold down the fort. Empowered by her best friend, Mae, and the kindness of her neighbours—who range from motherly Miss Martha to crotchety Old Red Clancy—Delia finds a way to save the only life she’s ever known. Along the way, she discovers a new set of family members just waiting to welcome her. I dare you make it through pages 125-6 with a dry eye.

Plot & Pacing: 9
At 150 pages long, this novel is a very quick read, but it still packs an emotional wallop. You can read it in one sitting, as I did, as you’ll enjoy reading about the different ways that Delia struggles to cope with the aftermath of the lightning strike.

Characters: 9
Delia is charming, endearing, and very nicely written. Wiersbitzky gives all her readers distinctive voices, so it’s very easy to picture them and differentiate amongst the residents of Tucker’s Ferry. I wish there were more details about Tommy’s character, but perhaps a sequel is on the way to dig into his character more.

Setting: 8
Tucker’s Ferry is like a character on its own. The author gives many details about the various places in the tiny town that you can’t help but feeling like you’re there.

Style & Writing: 8
I really enjoyed the fact that Wiersbitzky gave each character his/her own set of colloquialisms and idiosyncratic behaviour. Her writing is free of errors, and her prose is simple but effective.

Learnability & Teachability: 8
There are many themes here for a teacher to explore, but the general YA reader will enjoy this charming story.

POTENTIAL TEACHABLES
Lightning and its properties; regulations and procedures involved with inspecting and condemning houses; friendship between Delia and May; true character of Tommy; creating distinctive character voices; using details to determine “hidden” details of characters and their lives; West Virginia; various Christian denominations; carpentry tools; fried chicken (and other) recipes; sunflowers; meanings of various flowers.… (more)