In this latest addition to the popular series, Evie and her father, former slaves emancipated by their owner's will, struggle to make a home for themselves in pre-Civil War St. Louis Ages 8-12. Pub: 12/97. .
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6?It is a momentous day for the Peach family. Evie and her father, both freed slaves, are going to buy her mother's freedom. A free black person in the state of Missouri in 1857 was in a precarious position, and Evie and her family experience racial injustices typical of that period. The girl is harassed by the Irish boys who live nearby, but feels unable to confide in her father for fear that any action on his part would lead to more trouble. When the boys publicly accuse the Peach family of being runaway slaves, their word is taken as truth. In the shuffle of the crowd, Evie manages to slip away unnoticed and retrieves the papers needed to save her family. Unfortunately, the most climactic moment of the book, when the documents are brought forth at a slave auction, is described only in Evie's closing diary entry. Presumably this is because of the format of the series: all of the action takes place during the course of one day. This construction hinders potential excitement in the story. The third-person narrative and the use of past tense throughout most of the text make the action seem static and serve to distance readers from the events. Also, a potentially confusing typographical error has the final diary entry that frames the story dated months before the Peaches' big day.?Robin L. Gibson, Muskingum County Library System, Zanesville, OH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 3^-6. Despite the series title, American Diaries, this book is not in true diary form, but rather a novel sandwiched between two diary entries. That detail, however, takes nothing away from a story that has a good balance of warm, winning moments and well-plotted dramatic turns. In St. Louis before the Civil War, freed slaves Evie Peach and her father are anxiously anticipating buying the freedom of Evie's mother. Finally, with their hard-earned $750, the Peaches set out to fetch Mama from Master James' estate on the outskirts of town. What should be a joyous day nearly turns to tragedy when spiteful white neighbors plot to steal the family's emancipation papers. It is up to daring 13-year-old Evie to save the day by using her wits and finding some unexpected allies. Denia Hester
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I have published over 80 books for children of all ages and YA/Adult readers. Many have won state and national awards and all of them have brought me the kind of fan mail that writers love to get.
Two from today's email (Jan 27 11)
Dear Ms. Duey,
I am 8 years old and I live in Catalonia (Spain). I just finished reading your book "Moonsilver" with my mom, and I really liked it. I want to ask you, what was your dream in 3rd grade? I'm asking you because at the end of the book, it says that the series of the Unicorn's Secret books is based on a dream you had in 3rd grade. I am in third grade right now, so I'm really curious!!!
Please tell me
(writer's name)
Dear Ms. Duey,
I loved your book the Unicorn's Secret. Me and my mom read it together. I like your books because I like unicorns and your story was very exciting. I like to draw unicorns. They are one of my favorite animals. I have two stuffed animal unicorns. One is named Sparkle. I sleep with her every night. Did you always want to be a writer? Have you ever seen a real unicorn? I am in 1st grade. I love to read. When I grow up I want to be a animal trainer and I want to train unicorns if I can find one.
LOVE , (writer's name)
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YA readers are writing a lot, too. Most say something like this one:
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I know, me, too. Please read below.
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If it is later than 6:30am PST, I am probably writing, even if I am on an airplane. I might be working on a faerie book or writing about unicorns for grade school kids, or I could be lost in something dark, detailed, and strange for YA/adult readers. The third book in the Resurrection of Magic Trilogy is dragging me through the woods. I am working on it every day, and am Skying instead of traveling to schools and libraries until I get it DONE. It's taking wild amazing turns and I love it.
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And more and more... I Skype. It's a wonderful way to meet readers in classrooms and at libraries, I love to drop in on book clubs and critique groups, then get back to work!
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The third book of my YA/adult trilogy is in the works now. I don't have a release date yet because I still writing like MAD. But it will be ASAP, I promise. The story is taking amazing turns and dragging me through the woods the way the first two did. Thanks!!!! to the thousands of people asking when it will come out.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved it!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Evie Peach (Paperback)
This book is about Evie Peach, a free black girl in St. Louis. The day has finally come! Her Papa has saved up to buy Mama freedom. But being free is dangerous, especially when your Irish neighbors are your worst enemy.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Evie Peach (Paperback)
Evie was a slave but when her owner died it was in his will that Evie and her father would be freed. But Mama belonged to a different man. Evie's family saved up to buy Mama but the family's neighbors are determined that they will not be free and Evie and her family discover just how dangerous freedom can be.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellant addition to the series.,
This review is from: Evie Peach (Paperback)
Evie and her father are fortunate - they were slaves, but when their owner, a kind, elderly man, died, it was in his will that they become free. But Evie's mother belonged to a different man, and remained a slave. So for years, Evie's father saved up to buy her freedom, and finally he has enough. But when spitefull, predjudiced boys steal their freedom papers, everything they have worked so hard for is in jeopardy. Now Evie must save her family from a horrible fate - being sold back into slavery. I highly reccomend this book to historical fiction fans.
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