Halfway to the Sky

Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: I bought this book for my 9 year old daughter without knowing anything about it because she had enjoyed other works by this author (Ruthie's gift and Weaver's daughter). It was a surprise to me when my daughter suggested I read it too. I did, and was stunned to learn the brother had died of muscular dystrophy, as my son (her brother) has this disease as well. It spurred a probably long overdue discussion of his prognosis with my daughter--something I had not really ever done but I guess she was ready for. I cried through most of the book because it hit home to me how life threatening diseases affect the other children in your home (especially genetic ones). She was unusually nice to him for a few days, then went back to the normal sibling rivalry. The author handles the subject of disability, death, divorce, remarriage etc. incredibly well, at a level that's very appropriate for children.

Rating:
Summary: C'mon mom just a couple more minutes
Review: When I picked up this book I couldn't put it down. I guess it maybe because I love to hike. Well any how this book was great. Dani has real courage and strength. I know this review is short because you have nothing else to say but "WOW". If you start this book make sure your mom will let you stay up late because like I said you cant put this book down.

Rating:
Summary: C'mon mom just a couple more minutes
Review: When twelve-year-old Dani runs away to the Appalachian Trail where her parents met, she isn't expecting her mother to go with her, but she does. Ms Bradley convincingly portrays both the emotions of a young girl and the pain of her divorced parents. There is adventure and pathos and a lot of growing up in this story of a family learning to know one another better and to live with a shared grief. Even minor characters are well drawn, full of goodness and frailty. The realistic portrayal of distance hiking in the Appalachian Mountains makes me itch to take to the woods with my own daughters.

Rating:
Summary: A Long Walk to Growing Up
Review: When twelve-year-old Dani runs away to the Appalachian Trail where her parents met, she isn't expecting her mother to go with her, but she does. Ms Bradley convincingly portrays both the emotions of a young girl and the pain of her divorced parents. There is adventure and pathos and a lot of growing up in this story of a family learning to know one another better and to live with a shared grief. Even minor characters are well drawn, full of goodness and frailty. The realistic portrayal of distance hiking in the Appalachian Mountains makes me itch to take to the woods with my own daughters.