Robert D. Hale

This is the story of a young boy growing up in a most curious circumstance. His mother being ill, David is sent to live with his Aunt Maude, who is head cook at the County Home. Although it is never clearly explained (since everything is seen through the eyes of a child), the Home seems to fill roles of Social Services, mental institution and orphanage all in one. David roams the buildings and landscape making unlikely friends such as Rose, committed for killing her husband, and Adeline, a black girl who practices voodoo. He raises ducks and causes trouble, struggles in school, tries to deal with bullies, and thoroughly enjoys life. While his aunt can't always keep track of him, David finds friendship and guidance from other residents of the Home- some whose advice and teaching aren't exactly conventional. This is a touching, often amusing story. It view humanity from the inside out- through the eyes of an innocent boy learning about life from some uncommon people who care about him deeply, each in their own way.

From The Dog Ear Diary… (more)