Candy Dawson Boyd

Last year, at my school, all teachers in grades 3-6 used this book for their read-alouds during the final quarter of the year. This book was chosen because it deals with a young girl (Mattie) and her twin brother (Matt) who are trying to cope with the loss of their father as well as understand their mother's behaviors while grieving her loss as well. This story is very well written and our students were able to relate personally with these characters and their struggles with peers, parents, show more and life. show less

This was a book informing fathers from a child's perspective how important it is to be there. It is explaining to the reader how important a father's role should be. This book brought tears to my eyes, and so many emotions as I read it. As you all know, my husband and I are new parents of a six month old little boy. He is now reaching the age where he is noticing when daddy gets home from work. He is beginning to smile and giggle when he sees his daddy come through the door. So, I will be show more getting this book to share with my husband. I want to remind him the important roles of a father. Parenting can be tough, life can be tough but this book teaches you to be there for the people who mean the most. It makes you realize all the things that matter in the eye of a child. GREAT BOOK! show less

An interesting commentary on obedience and discipline, this book follows the life of Charlie Pippin as she struggles to be true to herself and her ideals and fit into the school's strict Discipline Code as well as her father's expectations. She is an entrepreneur which gets her in trouble at school. Charlie doesn't understand why her father is so bitter about the Vietnam War, so she does a report on Vietnam and peace. She discovers layers of emotion and meaning as she studies. She makes show more choices for which she is willing to take the consequences as long as she can begin to understand herself and her father. show less

This is a book about tragedy and triumph. Some topics in the book include murder, and puberty, perhaps a better read for middle school readers.