Switching Well [Hardcover]

Peni R. Griffin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

The two of them live in the same town--Amber in 1991, and Ada in 1891--and they both have real problems. Amber's parents are getting divorced, and she seems to be the last to know. Ada's father doesn't think women have minds of their own. So the two troubled girls hit on the same solution: they each go to the Haunted Well and make an impulsive wish. Suddenly, Amber finds herself in 1891, and Ada in 1991. They would do anything to return home--but it may be impossible to cross time again.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A twist of magic sends Ada Bauer, a native of San Antonio, Tex., 100 years into the future, from the late 19th century to the present. Simultaneously, Amber Burak, a teenager in contemporary San Antonio, travels 100 years back, to Ada's time. Struggling to return home, each is almost lost in the social service network of the other's era. Griffin's story is especially fascinating in its exploration of changing mores and folkways. She also proves to have an exceptional ear for the conversational tics of both the 19th and the 20th centuries. Her intelligent, engaging heroines respond to their new circumstances with great resourcefulness, each discovering within herself the capacity to do good. Highly original, and a true page-turner. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-- In this captivating time-travel fantasy, two girls from different centuries inadvertently trade places for several weeks. Sitting by an old well near her San Antonio home in 1891, 13-year-old Ada wishes herself 100 years into the future. Simultaneously, in 1991, Amber, another discontented young teen seated by the same well, wishes herself back in time, when, she believes, life was simpler. They both learn that no era is without its problems, and that only their nature changes. Both girls resourcefully manipulate their way through the welfare systems of the day, having adventures but longing for home. Ada is befriended by a black girl who has monumental difficulties of her own. Amber, placed in an orphanage, discovers that a friend's brother is not feeble-minded, as the teachers believe, but deaf as a result of scarlet fever. Griffin skillfully uses the dual viewpoints to compare and contrast the manners and mores of two very different time periods. The story is rich in details. Its underlying message flows freely and clearly from the plot line. Descriptions of clothing, food, the role of women and children, and societal attitudes about race and religion bring authenticity to the girls' experiences. The ending is particularly clever. Both girls are plucky, intelligent characters who are believable and easy to like. Even minor characters appear as well-developed individuals. A thought-provoking book that makes for enjoyable and informative reading, both as historical fiction and fantasy. --Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (April 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689505817
• ISBN-13: 978-0689505812
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,679,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, February 22, 2001

By 

Jessica (Melbourne,FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Switching Well (Paperback)

I thought this boom would be very bnoring at the start, because this was an assignment given to me by a teacher. Then, I began to read it, and I couldn't put it down! I always thought that "old time" books were about cowboys and rights and hard labor, but this one probably covered everything! It also has a lot of humor, suspense, and funny words.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unbeilevably amazing, October 13, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Switching Well (Paperback)

Switching Well, written by Peni R. Griffin is an outstanding narrative about two girls who switch centuries in a magic well and can't reach their times. Ada is a 13 year old girl with a peaceful and normal personality. Amber is a spunkier girl but feels sad when she finds out her parents are divorcing. They meet new friends, people that aren't very nice, and have to lie along the way, but somehow tell the truth. The girls learn about one another because people think they're missing. I recomend this book... it's absalutly fastinating.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Read" Book, October 28, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Switching Well (Paperback)

Yes, you must read it. This book tells about two girls that live 100 years apart that think that life in 100 years or 100 years ago will be better than the life they lead. So, while Amber is transported back in time, Ada is transported forward in time with the help of a mysterious wishing well. Both girls must go to orphanages, as they have no family in this strange time, and both figure out that life in either time isn't what they thought it would be. Now they long for home. But they have one problem. How in the world are they going to get home?
A book filled with suspense and fantasy is the best book, in my mind. The only thing wrong with this one: the author never reveals what creature was in the well. Still, I would highly recomend this book for anyone who loves fantasy.