Moving Mama to Town [Hardcover]

Ronder Thomas Young (Author), Ronder Thomas Young (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1997

In 1947, his head filled with the advice and wisdom of his runaway father, thirteen-year-old Freddy moves his mother from their Georgia farm into town and takes on the challenge of holding his family together.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Thirteen-year-old Freddy James keeps his family together when his father runs off, in a story set in 1947 Georgia. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9. It is 1947 in rural Georgia, and 13-year-old Freddy James Johnson's father has run off, leaving him, his mother, and his younger brother, Kenneth Lee, destitute. Freddy has grown up listening to his father's platitudes about manhood and responsibility, and he proves he has been a good listener. Borrowing a neighbor's old truck, the boy drives to the small, sleepy town of Elderton and secures a run-down apartment plus an all-purpose errand-boy job at a tawdry saloon. The big event of the summer is a barbecue for which Freddy has dug a huge pit on the saloon's grounds. Custis Fullbright, a would-be replacement for Big Kenny in Mama's affections, shows up at the event and offers to drive the Johnsons to visit Mama's parents in South Carolina. Even the lure of the ocean is not sufficient to overcome Freddy's distaste for and distrust of Custis. The journey ends in tragedy, adding yet another loss for Freddy. Young has a fine ear for regional speech and creates a strong and positive sense of time and place. Freddy is a likable hero who is forced to grow up way too soon, yet he approaches every day of his life with renewed vigor and a strong sense of always doing the right thing. Where Big Kenny was all big talk but a little man in truth, his son is a young man who quietly grows in stature before readers' eyes.?Jerry D. Flack, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Orchard Books (NY) (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531300250
• ISBN-13: 978-0531300251
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,464,562 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 Freddy James, the main character, will 'tug' at your heart., July 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Moving Mama to Town (Hardcover)

Believable characters, setting, and plot for Georgia in 1947. Main characters are Freddy James Johnson, age 13; his mother-Elenora; and younger brother, Kenny Lee. Supporting characters are 'Big Kenny' - Freddy's father who deserts his family; Ms. Priddy (the town's owner & overseer of all); Theodora, the cook at the saloon; and Ms. Suzanna Doolittle, who gives French lessons to the more elite ladies of their society. It is humorous at times and oddly sad at others. Language & dialect are pure 'Southern'. The main plot consists of the fact that 'Big Kenny' Johnson leaves home one day and never returns. His oldest son, Freddy James-age 13, takes on the responsibility of keeping his family together and providing shelter and food. The best way he sees to do this is to move his Mother and brother to town. They all would rather stay on the family farm - after all its been in their family for generations; however, Freddy knows thats impossible. So, he goes off to town one day - not telling anyone where he is going - and finds a job at the local saloon doing odd jobs. As luck would have it, he finds a room to rent at Ms. Priddy's. To find out what lies ahead for Freddy James and his family, you'll need to read the book. I promise you won't be disappointed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars believable characters, setting, and plot, July 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Moving Mama to Town (Paperback)

I loved this book! There are several reasons for my enthusiasm. It's setting is 1947 on a Georgia farm. I am a history 'buff' and have a rural background. I felt I could relate to Freddy James Johnson (age 13-Protagionist) situation. Freddy's father, Big Kenny, deserts his family and it is up to 13-year old Freddy James to try to keep his family together. Although they would all prefer to stay on the family farm - it is impossible. Freddy James goes into the local town on his own. He finds a job and a place to rent where he, his Mama and younger brother, Kenny Lee, can live. I can't tell you all the 'life situations' Freddy James faces as he tries to keep his family together. I will tell you, however, that he matures throughtout the story. It is a 'must read' for an English class or a History class focusing on this period of time. It will make you cry, laugh, and gain respect for Freddy James Johnson. In my opinion, it is realistic historical fiction at its best. Also, I forgot to mention - I read this book by audiocassette. If you've not tried a recorded book yet, then, it's time you gave it a try.