Shaker Lane

At first I did not like this book, it seemed like it looked down on poor people. But I think it’s just matter of fact. I don’t generally see representation of families who live this way, with yards that are not sterile and empty.

It addresses how people do treat people on “the wrong sides of the tracks”. It also addresses eminent domain. The erasure of the working poor and pushing aside of them is not something I’ve commonly found either. I would pair this with The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.

Moving, poignant portrayal of people who don't have much of a voice in most books or in real life. I sure do hope they found good new places to settle... but it's also a good thing they're resourceful folks. When I picked it up I was hoping it had something to do with Shakers, but no. It would be a good companion to [b:The 100 Dresses|16143358|The 100 Dresses|Eleanor Estes|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1352679349s/16143358.jpg|1000219] and [b:Letting Swift River Go|355951|Letting Swift River Go|Jane Yolen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1440695567s/355951.jpg|346125].

Thank you to Little Free Libraries for introducing me to books I'd not have seen otherwise. This was found in Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau, Wisconsin, which is show more currently almost empty (I had nothing left to exchange, sorry... but I did drop it off further south in another LFL..). show less

I really like this book. I's peaceful, sad, simple and informative but leaves the reader with a sense of hope of better things to come. The full color painted illustrations are detailed to examine closely and relaxing to view from a distances. The sad story of community destruction by a dam is a story that is relevant for any child experiencing urban development in their community. The unique way the community developed in the first place is a story in itself. Certainly a picture book that a parent and child may want to turn to time after time.

(see if this works with Toddlecreek Post Office by Uri Shulevitz)