thomysav33's review
5.0
I read this book a long time ago when I was in Elementary school, but I remember liking it a lot. It was a very fun book and the grandma was a real character.
thepastelnerd's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
matchhead's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
grandma dowdel ran so madea could walk
emilyalbertelli's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kricketa's review
3.0
How to describe this book? Cute. I loved the character of the Grandma, but not in a "she's so hilarious" way-- more of a "what a nutter" way. Definitely will read the sequel though. Someday.
crystenaq's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this Newberry Honor Book. Starting in 1929, it tells the story of two kids who spend each summer with their grandmother in Illinois. It's full of quirky characters and happenings and lessons, good lessons about caring for others, interdependence, not judging others just to name a few. I really liked it. Great slice of life stories with heart and a dash of historical fiction. The stories were funny and had some twists I didn't see coming!
Definitely recommend!
Definitely recommend!
pagesofpins's review
4.0
Joey and Mary Alice travel by train during the Depression to visit their larger than life, no-one-messes-with-me Grandma who keeps herself to herself and always has a trick up her sleeve. This would be a fun collection if it was just wild tales, but each one reveals a bit more of grandmother's character as the kids get to know who she is. A lot of casual references to Depression era things: Nehi soda, gooseberry pie, vagrants, FDR, outhouses. A great way to introduce kids to the period.
heyjude1965's review
5.0
Where has this book been all my life! It was fantastic!!! I listened to it on audio. The narrator did a great job with all the voices. I wish I had known about this one when my kids were younger. Highly recommended!