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Search - Our Only May Amelia
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Our Only May Amelia Author: |
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Book Information
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged)
Book Description:
The only daughter in a family of eight children, May Amelia is a bit of a tomboy who enjoys fishing and doing farmyard chores. When her family decides that it is time for May Amelia to begin acting like a lady, she is not fond of the idea, and rebels. This story, set in 19th-century Washington State, is based on the life of the author's aunt.
Outside the window the sky is black and the stars are winking at me. I watch the fireflies dancing in the field and realize my birthday is nearly over, and I haven't made my secret birthday wish yet. Mamma says that a wish made on a birthday always comes true. I don't know about that, though, Last year I wished for Kaarlo to stop being so mean to me all the time, but he's still the same mean old Kaarlo. Still, it can't hurt to try. I think hard but it's an easy wish. I can't tell anyone, not even Wilbert and he is my very best brother. I can't tell him because he'll never understand what it is like to be me, May Amelia Jackson, the only Jackson girl, and the only girl in Nasel. I squeeze my eyes tight and wish hard with my heart that Mamma has a little baby girl so that I can have a sister. I just made my birthday wish, I whisper, But Wilbert and Wendell aren't listening to me. They're too busy snoring.
Outside the window the sky is black and the stars are winking at me. I watch the fireflies dancing in the field and realize my birthday is nearly over, and I haven't made my secret birthday wish yet. Mamma says that a wish made on a birthday always comes true. I don't know about that, though, Last year I wished for Kaarlo to stop being so mean to me all the time, but he's still the same mean old Kaarlo. Still, it can't hurt to try. I think hard but it's an easy wish. I can't tell anyone, not even Wilbert and he is my very best brother. I can't tell him because he'll never understand what it is like to be me, May Amelia Jackson, the only Jackson girl, and the only girl in Nasel. I squeeze my eyes tight and wish hard with my heart that Mamma has a little baby girl so that I can have a sister. I just made my birthday wish, I whisper, But Wilbert and Wendell aren't listening to me. They're too busy snoring.
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Please Rate these Book Reviews
Donna E. (This book is a lot of fun - and - a lot of information about the Finns who settled in Washington state.
Annotation
As the only girl in a Finnish American family of seven brothers, May Amelia Jackson resents being expected to act like a lady while growing up in Washington state in 1899.
From the Publisher
Inspired by the diaries of her great-aunt, the real May Amelia, first-time novelist Jennifer Holm has given us a beautifully crafted tale of one young girl whose unique spirit captures the courage, humour, passion and depth of the American pioneer experience.
*Newbery Honour Book (USA), 2000
From The Critics
Publishers Weekly
"An unforgettable heroine intelligently narrates Holm's debut novel set in 1899 Washington State," said PW in its Best Books of 1999 citation. Ages 9-up. (Mar.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Children's Literature
Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm may be a miracle to her family but her goal is to be like her seven brothers. Inspired by the diary of her Finnish-American grandaunt, Ms. Holm brings to life a fearless, high-spirited girl at the turn of the last century. From fishing with her brothers, to helping them make fishnets, to convincing the loggers that she can warn villagers by yelling when the logs are coming down the river, she is her own person. She mothers her baby sister when her mother is ill and when the baby dies, she is devastated. She runs away to her aunt and uncle's in Astoria and stays there for many months working through her grief. The story is filled with action, details of life in Washington State in 1899, and family love. It is not surprising that it was awarded a Newbery Honor Medal. 1999, HarperCollins, Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
Newberry Honor book, ALA Notable book, and Parents' Choice Silver Award winner
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