Steps in Time (Especially For Girls) by Ruth Wallace-Brodeur

Sixteen-year-old Evangeline and her grandmother have never been very close, but a summer spent together on an island off the coast of Maine strengthens the ties of their relationship

Grade 6-10 A sensitive and gentle story of the gradual understanding between a 16-year-old girl and her grandmother. Evan spends the summer on an island with her temperamental, gruff grandmother who is just coming to terms with the death of her husband. Evan had always adored her grandfather, and is convinced that her grandmother doesn't love her as much as she does her brother and sister. Character development is sure and steady, with reasons for Gran's outlook on life and why she has withdrawn from island life emerging gradually and naturally. Gran is a peppery old lady, and a most convincing character, and Evan, too, is a strong protagonist. It's a summer of change and growth for Evan, as she comes to understand how alike she and her grandmother are, and as she falls in love for the first time. This is an unusual book that goes beyond the typical problem novel, particularly in its ability to show how past experiences shape present attitudes and emotions. Not a page turner, but there are many teens who will read this more than once and find something new in it each time. Trev Jones, ``School Library Journal''
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.