A Year Down Yonder (2000)

Mary Alice is forced to move in with her grandmother during the great depression. During their time together Grandmother teaches Mary Alice many things about country living. Mary Alice starts to see just how hard her Grandmother works to make a living. She learns a lot about helping out and respecting the people around her. Grandmother is very honest to everyone about everything and isn't afraid to tell anyone she meets. (Vocab. can be tricky 5 and up novel study) ( )

Mary alice and her family are having a difficult time during the great depression. Mary alice is sent off to live with her grandma in the country. It is a different lifestyle for Mary alice and grandma is not used to living with someone else. Throughut the story they both get used to each other and start building a great relationship. This is a good story for students to compare and contrast lifestyles during the great depression in the city and in the country. ( )

I love his crisp language, dry humor, and characters. ( )

It’s the Depression, and Mary Alice is fifteen. Her dad has just lost his job. Consequently, the family needs to move from their apartment in Chicago to a “room with light housework”. Her brother joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to plant trees. Mary Alice must go stay with her grandma. Wabash is a big change from Chicago! No tv, electricity or indoor bathrooms. How will she survive?

This is a well-written and hilarious story. The characters are all well-defined, especially Grandma Dowdel. This is a light story that takes place during the Depression, and it is an unforgettable one! ( )

Sequel to "A Long Way From Chicago". During the recession of 1937, 15-year-old Mary Alice is sent to live with her feisty, larger-than-life grandmother in rural Illinois and comes to a better understanding of this fearsome woman.