We listened to this one together as a family. The kids enjoyed the antics of Mrs. Dowdel, and I liked that it taught some lessons about rural life around the time of the Great Depression. ( )

Richard Peck's ability to create strong characters in such a short book astounds me. I love the spirit in A Year Down Yonder just as much as in A Long Way From Chicago. Both books are collections of incidents and mishaps around Grandma Dowdle. She is a delightful, funny, strong character. Richard Peck portrays her through the eyes of her grandchildren - in this case, Mary Alice - and it's interesting to see her transform in their opinions.

I also like the hints of a darker, sadder backstory behind her. If Richard Peck wanted, he could have written about Grandma Dowdle before she was Grandma (maybe he did?) and still have a thoughtful, exciting story.

Because the tone is so light, this book is the perfect length. I enjoyed it and would add it to my collection. ( )

Loved it. ( )

Hmph. I _thought_ she was imitating Grandma Dowdel a little too well. Now there's two of them running their little plots. Interesting but not enjoyable, for me - if you don't mind manipulators, you might like it better. ( )

Although the vagueness remains, I still was in stitches during Mary Alice's first attempt to "study" with Royce McNabb. Hilarious. ( )