Phyllis Ayer Sowers

This is an older book written for young readers (6 -9). It is about a brother and sister that survived drowning with their parents and was taken in by a couple in the gorges. The man dies and the children run away from the abusive wife. Written in the 1920-1930's time frame, it covers some interesting cultural facts for young readers about that time frame. Warning: not friendly to little girls. At one point in the story a relative adopts the boy but not the girl. He wants to give her money and send her away but is convinced to keep her as a servant. Also, a couple of direct qoutes: "Her father and mother had very much wanted a son, and had been very much disappointed because the last baby to arrive in their family had been only another girl." (Child's name was "Call a Brother" two other girls were Trouble and Worthless) "Her family hadn't wanter her very much when they gave her that name, and they hadn't changed it, though Trouble had grown to be very useful." As a parent you might want to read through the book first to foster conversations after your child is done reading the book.… (more)