Moonpie and Ivy

This is storytelling that climbs off the page right into your heart. The kind of book you want to sit down and read in one sitting. The writing seems effortless, but of course it's not, it takes real time and effort to write this well. Can't wait to read her others.

This is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching story with a mesmerizing Southern *voice* that I could read all day long! This is the story of Pearl when she is suddenly abandoned by her flighty, selfish mother to live with Aunt Ivy whom she has never met. Pearl tries to show that she doesn't care, but the author is very skillful at subtly showing the pain Pearl does feel. While staying with her aunt, Pearl gets to know the funny boy next door, Moonpie, who lives with his dying grandmother, and she comes to know what a family can be and the love that is possible. Even though her mother returns at the end of the book, she is still the same hurtful, oblivious person as ever. But Pearl is not the same person she was - and won't ever be again. Pearl's experiences have changed her inside and we know that someday she will carve out a better life for herself.

When Ruby is left at her aunt's house, she thinks it's a temporary arrangement; but soon she begins to wonder if her mother will return. Her feelings of abandonment soften as she becomes used to an unusual boy, the love of an aunt, and the failings of her mother. A fine story of family and friendships.

Twelve year old Pearl is left with her Aunt Ivy one summer, abandoned by her free-willing, self-centered mother, Ruby. I felt as though I was right there with her as she dealt with her pain and confusion. This book draws you in and keeps you there. Barbara O'Connor is right up there with authors like Katherine Paterson and Cynthia Voight. Wonderful read!

This is a heartbreaking and haunting book, that's also full of hope. When Pearl's crazy, cut-off-from-everybody mother dumps her with an unknown aunt on a rundown farm, Pearl is desolate. But her stay with Aunt Ivy is a great opportunity to experience family and stability for the first time. As it dawns on Pearl that her irresponsible mother is really crazy, she also becomes able to give and receive love herself and envision a sane and happy future. This is a novel with no false happy ending, but much real happiness. It treats its young heroine's dilemma with utter honesty. The Buddha said "Truth is the refuge"--not that you'll find any references to him in the story. Often there's a temptaton in children's fiction to make Walt Disney the refuge, to write candy-coated stories where difficulties are glossed over and impossible hopes are flawlessly fulfilled. In this novel, as in life, victories are hard-earned and incomplete--but there's a beauty and a refuge in its truth that will stay with young readers and sustain them through their own hard times.