Red Sky at Morning [Library Binding]

Andrea Wyman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1991 | Age Level: 9 and up

In Indiana in 1909, Callie finds that she must grow up quickly when death and other hardships leave her alone on the family farm with her ailing grandfather Opa.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

On an Indiana farm in 1909, Callie Common's life is worn threadbare by hardship and strengthened by endurance. Her mother dies an untimely death during childbirth and Callie finds suggestions of her father's betrayal in a letter. Her pain is intensified by the strain of a forced separation from her older sister, the cruelty of her Aunt Mary, a diphtheria epidemic that claims close friends and her beloved grandfather's nearly fatal heart attack. Though young readers may be discouraged at this deluge of tragedy, more telling are the many powerful images that will linger in their minds--the way Callie's German grandfather twists the English language and softens the harsh daily routine with humor; the sweetness and strength of community in working the fields; the innocent yet exciting romance of a laconic blacksmith and an aspiring teacher. Wyman has so well integrated the historic details of time and place that they seep into the nooks and crannies of her story. The ending is full and on target, and it opens toward the future, suggesting a sequel or series for this talented writer. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-- Callie Common's life on an Indiana farm in 1909 takes an unhappy turn when her mother dies in childbirth. Her father has gone to look for farm land in Oregon, and Callie and her older sister Katherine are left in the care of Opa, their aging grandfather, a German immigrant. Their difficulties are portrayed poignantly, yet without sentimentality, as the sisters labor long hours to help Opa run their farm and feed the family. The joys and trials of rural life are all here, from soap-making to spelling bees and fairs. Katherine has finished eighth grade and must find work. Unable to get a teaching job, she goes to work for a stern, bitter aunt at her boardinghouse, and experiences the seamier side of life. Meanwhile, Callie and Opa help deal with a neighborhood diphtheria epidemic. Wyman's writing is smooth and her dialogue keen as she weaves the many details of this family's lives into her story. Her characters are fully realized, especially Callie and Katherine, who glow with a unique combination of innocence and hard-won experience. Opa is a gruff, charming old geezer who frequently lapses into German. (A list of the German phrases and expressions he uses appear at the beginning of the book). The girls' father reappears at the end of the story to take them all away to Oregon, portrayed as a dream come true. The ends are all tied up a little too neatly and easily at this point, but the book as a whole is an excellent first novel. --Joyce Adams Burner, formerly at Spring Hill Middle School, KS
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 230 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (October 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823409031
• ISBN-13: 978-0823409037
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,156,581 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 Good book., July 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Red Sky at Morning (An Avon Camelot Book) (Paperback)

Callie lives on a farm in Indiana in the early 1900s. Her father went to buy the family a new farm in Oregon. Then her mother died in childbirth, and her sister Catherine left home to get a job. Callie is left alone with her ailing grandfather during a diptheria epidemic and must find courage in the face of hardship.