Finding Daddy: A Story of the Great Depression [Hardcover]

Jo Harper (Author), Josephine Harper (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Bonnie loves to sing while her father plays a fiddle. In better times, the family was happy in its modest home. But hard times took away Bonnie's father's job, then their house, and then even her father's fiddle. Hearing the unkind remarks of a neighbor, Bonnie's father leaves to search for work at the nearby port and to relieve the economic burden on his wife, who has started to take in laundry. A distraught Bonnie determines to take her dog, Caesar, and go find her daddy! In her search, Bonnie discovers the pivotal part she can play in rescuing her family and restoring their lives.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4–Bonnie's life quickly changes from security and warmth to worry as her family moves from their cozy home to a dreary shack and her father leaves to search for work. Devastated, Bonnie sets out to find him and in the process finds a way to earn a little money. Interwoven into this story is the role music plays both as a celebration of family bonds and a possible source of income. The two themes coexist awkwardly, resulting in a story line that occasionally feels forced. However, despite a few unlikely moments in the plot, the book succeeds in illustrating how the Great Depression affected children. The illustrations, rendered in oil and acrylic, are noteworthy, capturing the transition from happiness to sorrow to hope through the use of color. The endnotes and the endpapers serve as a jumping-off point for further research. The glossary, for example, includes many terms that are not in the story but are relevant to the period in general, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Dust Bowl. Similarly, there is a photographic time line; the lyrics to Happy Days Are Here Again, which the girl sings with her father after they are reunited; a list of other popular songs from the era; photographs of popular entertainers; and an author's note. This book offers a way to make history more personal. Consider it a supplemental purchase.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. With the feel of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" and other popular songs of the Depression, this handsome picture book pulls out all the stops with the poignant story of a young girl whose beloved dad abandons the family because he is ashamed that he cannot support them. Expressive, full-page oil-and-acrylic illustrations in rich sepia tones show the bond between Bonnie and Daddy, especially when he plays the fiddle and she sings. Then he has no work, they move to a shanty, and Mom takes in laundry. They sing "Happy Days Are Here Again," but the words are not true. Daddy leaves, and Bonnie searches for him everywhere. When she finds him at last, their embrace is heartbreaking. The book begins with captioned photos that make up a time line, and it ends with notes about movies and songs of the time, including the lyrics and music of "Happy Days." Adults will want to share this with children and sing the old songs. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Turtle Books (March 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890515310
• ISBN-13: 978-1890515317
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #980,948 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book - Great Book for Teaching, January 3, 2010

By 

L. Frase "tigerlily" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finding Daddy: A Story of the Great Depression (Hardcover)

This is one of my favorite picture books to use in the classroom. It's what I call a book with mileage. The story is compelling. The kids really enjoy it and I find they tend to check out books on the Great Depression after hearing this story. It's beautifully written and illustrated and packed with teaching opportunities. I've used this book over and over again, revisiting it throughout the year to teach plot, character development, theme, the Great Depression, and more. The first time I read this book it was to a group of 2nd graders. Several children were moved to tears (not in a bad way). They were touched by the book and were able to make some nice text to self connections. I just can't say enough about this wonderful book. I think every teacher should have a copy and every school library should have a copy.