No Promises in the Wind

Irene Hunt has such a simple yet powerful writing style. She does not use eloquent language, rather, her characters talk like normal people so that readers can step into their shoes and imagine themselves saying those very words.
I greatly enjoyed this book. It gives a detailed account of two boys' journey to make a lives for themselves during the United State's darkest time - the Great Depression. The hardships they face, the trials they bear, and the joys they experience are beautifully written. The reader becomes very attached to the characters, feeling heartbreak when Josh and Joey and must leave them and move on.
I highly recommend "No Promises in the Wind".

After many years, I picked up this book, looking forward to a good reread, and hoping I'd like it as much as I did when I first read it, in 1971. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did the story hold up after so many years, but that there were some depths to this book that I'd not noticed before.

The year is 1932, the place is Chicago in the depths of the Great Depression, as told through the eyes of Josh, a 15 year old who is tired of his father's temper over inconsequential things. He decides to run away, only to find his little brother Joey tagging along.

As the boys make their way through a weary land, Josh finds himself in the father role, making sure that Joey is fed and clothed as much as he is able. How he does this show more and how they survive makes for an entertaining and thought-provoking read. show less

I'll be teaching this novel next year to my 8th graders---really enjoyed this one. I cried at the beginning, cried at the end; the ingredients for a good read. This novel really communicates the norms of the depression well--I hope my students appreciate it.

I really enjoy teaching this book to my 8th graders. Students like it because it shows adolescents with a lot of independence. Teachers like it because it inspires great discussions about the Great Depression, today's economy, family dynamics, and forgiveness.

Irene Hunt is a safe author. It seems that no matter what subject she tackles, you are guaranteed a good story. This is the story of two brothers struggling to make it on their own through the very hard times of the Depression. Very good history in here, told in way that you are unaware you are learning anything. It has been some time since I read it, but I believe that tissues were involved at some point.

Three boys setting off to make it on their own in 1930's USA, feeling like burdens to their starving families. Train hopping, death, starvation and illnesses drag the boys down and make it a tough but good read. This is a short book, worth an afternoon of reading.

In 1932, American's dreams were simple: a job, food to eat, a place to sleep, and shoes without holes. But for millions of people these simple needs were nothing more than dreams. At fifteen years of age, Josh has to make his own way through a country of angry and frightened people. This is the story of a young man's struggle to find a life for himself in the most turbulent of times.