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Book Review of Our Only May Amelia

Our Only May Amelia
Our Only May Amelia
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 552 more book reviews


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