Small Change [Large Print] [Paperback]

Floriana Hall (Author)

Book Description

Flo writes a moving account of growing up in The Depression. You and your children will be moved to learn how good people are formed who can endure hardship and still be cheery, well-rounded people.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Flo wrote this book so the children of today can identify with older persons and come to understand the many blessings in their life. This book has been used as reading assignments for several fourth grade classes and has achieved Flo's intentions.

From the Back Cover

The factual adventures of Flossie, Robbie, and Juney Burich during the Great Depression, as they moved from city to city, school to school, and overcame adversity with a smile and a prayer. They had fun and enjoyed life even when food was scarce and their father abandoned them. The adult version of SMALL CHANGE is FRANCIS NOT THE SAINT.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: Floriana Hall; 2nd Rep edition (June 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885519052
• ISBN-13: 978-1885519054
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,254,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Story for both Children and Adults, January 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Small Change (Paperback)

Small Change, by Floriana Hall, should be an inspiration to any young person from late elementary school age through college age. It teaches us that life can be felt to be worth living, even cheerfully, in spite of poverty, or obstacles. I myself, of a much older age, have found it inspiring. Many young persons today feel sad and underprivileged, even angry, if they cannot have the latest designer clothes or electronic toy, to keep up with their peers. The heroine in this true-to-life book works from very early age, within and outside the family, to better an unfortunate family situation, later being even able to contriubte to the family's financial resources. Even the father's irresponsible behavior does not demoralize this brave girl. All the way along she makes friends easily, can laugh readily and enjoy life in spite of real hunger and hardships. This book should make our young people appreciate what they have and should be an antidote to what we see as the discontentment in our youth today.
Elizabeth R. Graham

5.0 out of 5 stars SMALL CHANGE A BIG LESSON FOR YOUNGSTERS, February 7, 2005

By 

Jennifer Brown - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Small Change (Paperback)

Goodness knows that memoirs have enjoyed their vogue. Seems like personal stories about growing up in the `20's, `30's, `40's, and `50's abound these days. But how many of them are written for middle school aged children? Not many, but Floriana Hall's SMALL CHANGE is one of them.

SMALL CHANGE tells Floriana's story about growing up during the Great Depression, all the way through her senior graduation in 1945. In this version of her life story, she recalls in great detail not having much food to eat during the Great Depression. She explains what life was like, using an outhouse for a bathroom, surviving illness without the help of a doctor, and even playing Kick the Can for fun.

To children of today, most of the things Floriana did when she was their age seems very foreign. To read about them in a textbook is one thing, but to read someone's personal story is quite another.

SMALL CHANGE is simply written and, with its large type and short chapters, should be easily read by children in the middle school age range. Floriana handles difficult subjects such as shyness around boys and her father's devious behavior very gently and without being sordid or "too adult" for the age range of her readers.

This book would make an excellent tool for report-writing, study guide, or even a read-aloud book for the class. SMALL CHANGE can certainly teach today's children a big lesson about diversity, resilience, and history.

5.0 out of 5 stars Be Thankful Now, February 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Small Change (Paperback)

WOW! You have got to read Small Change, a book by Floriana Hall. Small Change was a book during the "Depression Years". It was about Floriana's life. Gee, it must have been hard for her, but she kept her head held high and her voice strong. She never gave up hope. I learned to never take things for granted and EVERYONE should be thankful for what live with right now. I know life can be hard sometimes, but still. . . we are EXTREMELY lucky now. When Mrs. Odom, Floriana's daughter read this book allowed to us in class, we had nothing but oohh's and aaww's because we know it was a great book and we also know she had a hard life. No matter what, life will never be easy and it will never be hard.Just think of all the great things you have in life now! I know I am lucky! I know everyone in the owrld is. Maybe not everyone, but they're luckier than she was then. I learned a lesson and if you read the book you'll know what I am talking about! You have hands, so use to grab this book!