Spring Begins in March

"Spring begins in March" is, in a way, a sequel to "Mine for keeps", Jean Little's very first book. But while the latter is about Sarah, who has cerebral palsy, "Spring..." is about Sarah's little sister, Meg. Meg, by far the youngest in her family, does not have an easy time, struggling at school for concentration and at home for a place of her own. Having her own room, promised to her for her birthday, is prevented by her grandmother's moving in with the family. Meg gets a dog instead, but that does not change her feeling lonely and isolated. However, with the help, love and reassurance of her family, once she lets herself be helped, Meg finds ways to deal with her difficulties, and to accept them as challenges rather than unsurmountable problems. Through a diary written by her grandmother when a child, she also learns the important lesson that adults, too, are people with a personal and sometimes intrigueing history! Jean Little manages once again to let her characters come to life, and looking up from the book, one wonders why they are not sitting in the same room with oneself and start talking! Her language is, as always, beautiful, simple and fascinatingly rich at the same time. The perspective allows a different view on an already well-known and well-loved family, and Meg is portrayed as much with accuracy as with love, humour, and deep understanding. And on top of that, the solutions for Meg are not only realistic, but recommendable! A wonderful book, not only for springtime!

I have loved this book since I was a child. Beautifully illustrated with rich, realistic line drawings, the story is still as fresh as the first day of spring.Meg Copeland, the youngest Copeland child (whom we first met in "Mine for Keeps") is now in 5th grade. Bored easily, she daydreams her time away with her mischievous friend, Charlotte. Meg's older sister, Sally, is now in high school and proudly declares that she is no longer hampered by having cerebral palsy or having to use crutches. Meg resents her and finds her bossy. Mindy, the oldest Copeland child is in college and Meg has her eye on Mindy's room. Kent, the middle child, is close in age with Sally and spends more time playing outside with other boys his age.Meg's redoubtable grandmother moves in; her dream of having Mindy's room is dashed. The two clash. They finally connect when Meg learns more about her and why she was named after her. After failing miserably the first term, Meg forges her father's name on her report card. Once confronted, a plan for a study group is implemented and her grades rise. Meg still feels left out and wants something that's "just her own," a dog.Meg finally gets a puppy, a Westie like Sally has, a dog she all her own. This is a lovely story with delightful characters that are unforgettable. I especially loved Meg's father who is a gentle, articulate man who appears to have his family's best interest at heart. This book is a treasure.