Customer Reviews

The Hard-Times Jar

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There may be episodes in our lives, where we experience some hard times. These may be due to family issues, school related problems, misunderstanding between friends, or financial problems as it is in Emma's situation. Emma is a seven year old girl who lives with her family. Emma wishes to own a real book from the store, but realizes that the money in the hard times jar that her mother has is to be used in difficult times. Despite the fact that Emma is not able to buy any books, she finds her way around and decides to write during her free time in order to create her own book.
Emma who enjoys picking apples with her family is suddenly told by her mother that she will soon attend school. Emma becomes nervous after learning about her mother's decision. Once in school Emma notices that she is the only chocolate brown student in Miss Miller's class. This surprised her because back home in Florida there was still segregation. All her worries suddenly vanish when she is introduced to her school library. Enthusiastic to have books available, Emma disobeys the class rules and takes books home for the weekend. After her mother finds out about the books, she talks to Emma about being dishonest and advises her to tell her teacher. Emma then finds courage and explains what happens to Miss. Miller.
This book conveys a message of honesty and perseverance, and reminds me of "A chair for my mother," by Vera Williams, where her characters support each other to reach a goal as they do in Emma's family. After reading this wonderful book that contains rich descriptive language with wonderful illustrations, I was able to transport myself into the Pennsylvania setting. The way Ethel Smothers pictures the crops allows the text to run smoothly. It also reminds me of the visits to my uncle's farms back in Ecuador, where the sun was always bright and the climate was so inspiring and calm. I was able to connect to Emma in the same way she did with her family. They were close to one another, looked out for each other, and encouraged each other to be honest no matter what the circumstances, as I am with my family. In addition, the facial expressions on the characters where also very interesting. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about being determined, honest, and supportive in order to reach a goal.

Ethel F. Smothers' The Hard Times Jar is the story of Emma and her poor, migrant working family who do not have access to Emma's one true love: books. Although the theme resounds with readers and depicts the experiences of some children today, major issues such as discrimination and segregation, which are briefly mentioned when Emma enters an all white school, are not dealt with thoroughly. The author's use of descriptive language does, however, allow the reader to connect to Emma's longing for books and provides the reader with an opportunity to appreciate what is so easily taken for granted.

Learning life's lessons can be hard at times, but sometimes the hard times make us strong and patient.