From Publishers Weekly
Caldwell's first novel, told from the perspective of 11-year-old Elizabeth Lawson, offers an insightful yet somewhat limited view of a reticent foster child. Recently adopted, Elizabeth is overwhelmed when she, her three new siblings and a mass of Sheridan cousins gather for an annual month-long visit at Grandmother Sheridan's house by the sea. Elizabeth feels like an outsider and, though quietly cooperative during the reunion, she refuses to participate in family rituals and games. Her favorite times are spent by herself at the ocean, perched on a rock while the others swim and play on the beach. Most of the Sheridans are frustrated by Elizabeth's seeming indifference, but perceptive, firm Grandmother (whom Elizabeth secretly calls "Iron Woman") and youngest cousin Petey never give up trying to draw her out of her shell. At first, readers may, like Elizabeth, find it difficult to differentiate individual personalities from among the crowd of happy, bubbly Sheridan children; but as the story progresses, the characters' distinguishing traits become visible. Still, the occasionally overwritten narrative (e.g., when Elizabeth offers to help Petey with his homework, "Hope warred against disbelief in his eyes. Hope won, and he nodded") leaves many questions unanswered concerning the protagonist herself. Little information is given about her past, nor is much evidence offered as to why her new parents are so eager to adopt her. Yet her discomfort and yearning to belong somewhere will be strongly felt. If Elizabeth's motivations and history are muddy, her emotions are crystal clear. Ages 8-13. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Grade 6-9-An insightful story filled with all of the mundane details that make a novel rich and real. Elizabeth and the Sheridan children are on a holiday visit with "Grandma." While the others are noisy, Elizabeth is silent. When the others trade stories of previous years, she has no such memories. As the novel progresses, readers learn that she is a foster child, that her parents died when she was five, and that she has endured six years in the foster-care system. The girl withdraws from each display of affection and refuses to join in family activities; she hides whenever she can, refusing to talk unless forced. But she watches carefully. Each event, each family crisis, is appraised by this bright and thoughtful child. It's Petey, the four-year-old, who calls her "Turtle" because she has a hard shell, who finally cracks that shell and touches the real Elizabeth. It will take a mature reader to understand Elizabeth's reticence in joining this happy family and to follow the almost stream-of-consciousness narration. The author's agenda shows occasionally, but the emotions and actions always ring true.
Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
