A Room Made of Windows

"A Room Made of Windows" is told in the simple and straightforward style of a children's book, but its subject matter is subtle and complex enough to be savored by older readers as well. Eleanor Cameron paints a vivid picture of a few months in the life of a twelve-year-old girl who is dealing with her changing world. The chapter illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman are beautiful as well. This is a lyrical gem about writing, living and moving on.

I loved this book when I first read it 25 years ago and it's still as wonderful today. It will be especially wonderful for readers wishing to become writers and people who love to observe the world and discover the small mysteries of life.Twelve year old Julia is struggling with changes in her family and in herself. This is a book about thoughts and dreams as well as growing up. Eleanor Cameron fills the book with vivid descriptions of nature and people. There are memorable scenes between Julia and several special people: Daddy Chandler, a lovable, funny old man; Mrs. Moore, an elegant and mysterious former concert pianist; Paul, a kind 14 year old boy; and Leslie, another aspiring writer. There are also moments of pain and fear, especially Julia's encounters with the "disfunctional" family of her best friend Addie. But these moments are handled well and add to the plot. A host of living, complicated people live in this book and you will come to feel part of the family. As part of the family, you will laugh and cry with Julia and never forget this remarkable book, nor look at the world in the same way.

This was the best and most intriguing book I have ever read in my whole life. Even though I am almost 15 I absolutely loved this book! The way Eleanor Cameron desribes every little detail in the book makes Julia's world so perfect and beautiful!! Julia lives in the most enchanting world ever imaginable. I would just love to switch lives with her. She doesn't even realize how grand her life is!! I would recommend this book to anybody, old or young.