Genre 5: Historical Fiction

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard.2000. A YEAR DOWN YONDER. New York: Puffin Books.
ISBN 0142300705

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this sequal to A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO, fifteen year old Mary Alice has to leave her family and her life in Chicago, and stay with her Grandma Dowdel for a year During the recession of 1937, Mary Alice's parents are struggling financially and unable to care for her. Grandma is literally larger than life, and Mary Alice at first hates life in the small town where "Everybody in this town knew everything about you. They knew things that hadn't even happened yet." As Mary Alice tries to cope with attending a high school with only 25 students and her Grandma's legendary toughness, she and her Grandma at first butt heads. Over the year, however, Mary Alice experiences adventures and antics with Grandma Dowdel ranging from outsmarting a gang of teenage pranksters who are trying to upturn her privy, to having an artist of nude models living in their home. As time progresses, Mary Alice finds her Grandma, though seemingly tough, is truly affectionate, compassionate and intuitive, and she learns many of life's most important lessons from her.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The authenticity of Peck's novel is supported through his successful use of setting, characters, plot, theme and style. The setting is described in great details, from the clothes Grandma Dowdel wore, to the privy, to the farm and school life of the day. The characters are fully believable and well formed. As you read, it is easy to picture Mary Alice, and Grandma Dowdel, and what they are experiencing. The plot of the book is also realistic, with the various experiences seeming almost real. When the artist and his nude subject find a large snake in the attic, it is easy to imagine the scene unfolding. The timeless theme of a graddaughter and grandmother's mutual love, and the growth their relationship is fully and successfully explored. Peck's style is one of his strong points that make his novels successful, both as historical fiction, and in general. The dialogue used corresponds perfectly with the times, with vernacular and slang that complements the story. The historical details of the novel are presented smoothly, without being obvious or forced.

4. REVIEW EXCEPRTS
* WINNER OF THE 2001 NEWBERY MEDAL
* PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (STARRED): "In this hilarious and poignant sequel to A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO, Peck once again shows that country life is anything but boring."
* BOOKLIST: "With the same combination of wit, gentleness, and outrageous farce as Peck's Newbery honor book, LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO (1998)...."
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Peck has created a delightful, insightful tale that resounds with a storyteller's wit, humor, and vivid description."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Read other historical fiction novels by Richard Peck, including:
HERE LIES THE LIBRARIAN
ISBN 0803730802
A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO
ISBN 041303522
TEACHER'S FUNERAL
ISBN 0803727364

* Read books about the Depression and how children in particular were affected. Books include:
DUST TO EAT: DROUGHT AND DEPRESSION IN THE 1930S by Michael L. Cooper
ISBN 0618154493
CHILDREN OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION by Russell Freedman
ISBN 0618446303