Blue Willow

I remember reading this book when I was in the third grade in 1955, and I plan to give copies as gifts to the young ladies among my friends and family. I also plan to buy a copy for myself and read it again. As other reviewers have said, it is a very well written book with important themes for children.

The book Blue Willow is about a girl named Janey. She was sad and had a friend name Lupe. Janey had to move a lot and she had a plate that reminded her about her great-great grand father. When she moved she had to leave the plate behind. She saw a place that remind her of the plate. I think that the book is trying to tell you about hard work. It's hard work moving to a different house. The author's purpose is to entertain you, so you could read more of it because it's a good book. My opinion about the book is that other kids should read it, because it's a super good book to read. I like it because her teacher was kind and friendly. Janey couldn't see her friend Lupe so she has to meet new friends. My favorite part of the story is that Janey caught a horned toad.

I began reading this book aloud to my daughters, ages 6 and 7. I was very impressed with the quality of writing, and the plot held the attention of all three of us. The best read-alouds are the ones in which the children beg for "one more chapter" and the adult reader enthusiastically complies. This book met both criteria.The most impressive aspect of this book was its ability to be a very upbeat, positive story while not shrinking away from the sad details of poverty. The family was uncomfortable and sometimes sad in the midst of poor housing, a starvation diet, and ill health, while still enjoying the stability and joy of an intact family. It also has a wonderful (but slightly unbelievable) happy ending.

I enjoyed reading this book with my 8 year old daughter. It is a very touching story about a family who lives on the move and does not have many of the things that families take for granted...like a real home, friends, the reassuring familiarity of school and daily routines. It is a thought provoking look at a very different sort of life. I think it made my daughter appreciate some of the things she just assumed that everyone has. It's an advanced read. More of a book to read together as the words are somewhat difficult and the storyline sometimes needs some explanation. But the characters are wonderful and good triumphs over evil in the end. We love a happy ending! I'm sure we will read it often over the years.

Blue Willow is one of the books that I keep in my bookcase and read on a monthly basis because the basic truths it reveals bring you back to real life. It describes clearly the depth of a child's emotions and reminds adults that very few children live in a child's world nowadays. The world is a lot greyer with much less black and white to make decisions easier. I read this and "The Little Princess" often to keep my perspective. It also sets an excellent example of personal integrity. I wish there had been a follow up book with more of Janey's personality explored.