Cindy Baldwin's Where the Watermelons Grow writes a heartfelt, lyrical middle-grade novel that deeply resonates with readers through its exploration of family and mental illness. The book's vivid, evocative prose and realistic portrayal of its young protagonist evoke empathy. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow at times and the ending somewhat predictable. Overall, it is a moving and thoughtfully crafted narrative.

Readers who enjoy Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin are typically preteens and young adults who appreciate heartfelt stories about family, resilience, and personal growth. Fans of Bridge to Terabithia or Because of Winn-Dixie will likely find similar emotional depth and relatable characters in Baldwin's work.

Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin follows 12-year-old Della Kelly as she navigates the challenges posed by her mother's schizophrenia while managing the family farm and maintaining friendships. As Della searches for a way to alleviate her family's struggles, she learns valuable lessons about love, acceptance, and resilience. This novel contains depictions of a person with mental health challenges and a child in emotional distress.

Melancholic / Emotional / Contemplative / Heartwarming

**Della Kelly**  
The 12-year-old protagonist and narrator, navigating her mother's mental illness and the pressures it places on her family while seeking comfort in simple pleasures like watermelon and her friendship with Arden.

**Mama (Suzanne Kelly)**  
Della and Mylie's mother, whose struggle with schizophrenia significantly affects her family's dynamics and challenges Della as she perceives her mother's changing condition.

**Daddy (Miles Kelly)**  
Della and Mylie's father, who manages the family farm and grapples with the stresses of organic farming and his wife's mental health, striving to support his daughters through their challenges.

**Arden**  
Della's best friend, whose supportive and trusting nature provides Della with a sense of friendship and loyalty during difficult times.

 Cindy Baldwin

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Where The Watermelons Grow Background

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Chapters 1-5

Where The Watermelons Grow Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-11

Where The Watermelons Grow Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-16

Where The Watermelons Grow Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-22

Where The Watermelons Grow Chapters 17-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-27

Where The Watermelons Grow Chapters 23-27 Summary & Analysis

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Where The Watermelons Grow Character Analysis

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Where The Watermelons Grow

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