A Season of Gifts

by:  Richard Peck

This is the companion to  Down Yonder and A Long Way From Chicago.  If you liked those two books, you'll love this one!

It's 1958 and a new family has moved in next to Mrs. Dowdel.  She is the kind of grandma every kid wishes they had.  There's never a dull moment with Mrs. Dowdel around.

A fabulous holiday read!

The Teacher's Funeral : A Comedy in Three Parts
by:  Richard Peck

"If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of year for it."  School is only standing in the way of Russell Culver's Dakota dreams. Maybe Hominy Ridge School will shut down for good.

Very good book. 

A Year Down Yonder
by: Richard Peck

Joey and Mary Alice used to go to grandma's house for one week every summer when they were kids. This time is different. Mary is  going because times are hard for her parents at the end of the depression.  Times are hard everywhere, but Grandma Dowdel is more than resourceful, she is very creative at getting money and food and clothing.  Although she acts tough and people fear her, grandma has a soft center and looks out for those that don't have anyone else. Mary learns a lot from grandma and the two grow close.

A Long Way From Chicago
by: Richard Peck

1999 Newbery Honor

Joey and Mary Alice go to stay with their grandmother once a summer for a week.  Joey and Mary live in Chicago and Grandma lives in a small town a long way from Chicago where things are very different.  Grandma does things that Mary and Joey don't even tell their won parent about! Although Mary and Joey don't realize it at the time, those weeks with Grandma will become some of the best memories of their lives.