Twisters, Bronc Riders, and Cherry Pie

A young boy spends summers helping on his grandparents' farm in Guthrie County, Iowa, and there he learns the value of honesty, respect, loyalty, and hard work

Gr 5 Up--In 16 brief chapters, Junior reminisces about his childhood visits to his grandfather's farm in Iowa and the valuable life lessons he learned there. His grandfather teaches Junior about treating other people with respect through his own actions, especially in his dealings with a neighbor whose poor work ethic and slovenliness never cease to shock the boy. The elderly man hopes that his grandson will eventually take over the farm; instead, Junior joins the navy, and his interest in returning to the farm fades away. As an adult, Junior has no interest in his grandfather, who dies in a nursing home at 95. This is particularly sad, since most of the book describes his love and respect for the man. This nostalgic look at life on an Iowa farm will have very limited appeal to young readers; it is definitely written from an adult "good old days" perspective. Although it is a carefully crafted reminiscence, there is a didactic quality and lack of warmth that is disappointing. For all of his protestations of affection, the main character's lack of contact with his grandparents later in life makes for a disappointing ending.

Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

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