Finding Daddy: A Story of the Great Depression (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Josephine Harper (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4–Bonnie's life quickly changes from security and warmth to worry as her family moves from their cozy home to a dreary shack and her father leaves to search for work. Devastated, Bonnie sets out to find him and in the process finds a way to earn a little money. Interwoven into this story is the role music plays both as a celebration of family bonds and a possible source of income. The two themes coexist awkwardly, resulting in a story line that occasionally feels forced. However, despite a few unlikely moments in the plot, the book succeeds in illustrating how the Great Depression affected children. The illustrations, rendered in oil and acrylic, are noteworthy, capturing the transition from happiness to sorrow to hope through the use of color. The endnotes and the endpapers serve as a jumping-off point for further research. The glossary, for example, includes many terms that are not in the story but are relevant to the period in general, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Dust Bowl. Similarly, there is a photographic time line; the lyrics to Happy Days Are Here Again, which the girl sings with her father after they are reunited; a list of other popular songs from the era; photographs of popular entertainers; and an author's note. This book offers a way to make history more personal. Consider it a supplemental purchase.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
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From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. With the feel of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" and other popular songs of the Depression, this handsome picture book pulls out all the stops with the poignant story of a young girl whose beloved dad abandons the family because he is ashamed that he cannot support them. Expressive, full-page oil-and-acrylic illustrations in rich sepia tones show the bond between Bonnie and Daddy, especially when he plays the fiddle and she sings. Then he has no work, they move to a shanty, and Mom takes in laundry. They sing "Happy Days Are Here Again," but the words are not true. Daddy leaves, and Bonnie searches for him everywhere. When she finds him at last, their embrace is heartbreaking. The book begins with captioned photos that make up a time line, and it ends with notes about movies and songs of the time, including the lyrics and music of "Happy Days." Adults will want to share this with children and sing the old songs. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Turtle Books (March 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890515310
• ISBN-13: 978-1890515317
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #916,218 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)