A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck follows fifteen-year-old Mary Alice, who moves from Chicago to a rural town in 1937 to live with her feisty Grandma Dowdel during the Great Depression. Initially skeptical, Mary Alice's assumptions are challenged through various misadventures and acts of rough justice orchestrated by her grandmother, leading to personal growth and stronger family bonds. 

The story contains instances of bullying and an out-of-wedlock pregnancy.

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck offers a compelling blend of humor and heart, capturing the essence of small-town life during the Great Depression. Critics praise its vivid character portrayal and strong narrative voice. However, some find its episodic structure lacks cohesiveness. Overall, it's a charming, insightful read, especially for young adults.

A reader who would enjoy A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck appreciates historical fiction with humor and strong, quirky characters. This book will attract fans of Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, thanks to its nostalgic setting and heartwarming, coming-of-age themes.

Humorous / Heartwarming / Nostalgic / Emotional / Playful

- A Year Down Yonder won the Newbery Medal in 2001, recognizing it as the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published the previous year.
- The novel is a sequel to Richard Peck's 1998 book A Long Way from Chicago, which was also a Newbery Honor Book, underscoring Peck's acclaim in children's literature.
- Richard Peck was inspired to write historical fiction for young readers as a way to depict the importance of heritage and memory, elements that are central themes in A Year Down Yonder.

Richard Peck

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Prologue-Chapter 1

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Chapters 2-3

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Chapters 4-5

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Chapters 6-8

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A Year Down Yonder

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