Winter cottage Author:Carol Ryrie Brink It is the fall of 1930, the beginning of the great depression. Thirteen-year-old Minty Sparkes is already aware that she has a large responsibility for her family's well being, for although she loves her poetry-quoting father, both he and she realize that his verses and charm will not feed or house them and Eggs. Minty's younger sister. — How th... more »e Sparkes family manage during this penniless winter--and the unusual experiences they have--make a story that young firls will read with understanding, sympathy, and delight. A double-surprising ending adds to the reader's pleasure, and the handsome drawings by Fermin Rocker capture the feeling of the characters and the locale.« less