Flora is nine years old. It is 1972 and the Vietnam war has just ended. Emma Jean Smallwood, Flora's mother, and Forster Smallwood, her dad have settled the family in Rosetown, Indiana. As the story opens the family dog Laurence has passed away.
"They all knew Laurence was fading. But no one believed, really, that he would ever not be with them anymore. Especially Flora, who had held on to his collar ever since she took her first steps. ... Everyone was, in some way, still holding on to Laurence's collar."
Being nine means Flora is now entering fourth grade. While others seem to have gained a new confidence, Flora feels lost. Luckily a new boy arrives in her class. His name is Yury. He has come from Eastern Europe from Ukraine. He is a clever boy and an absolutely wonderful friend to Flora. Such is the power of this writing and relationship I really now want Yury to be my friend too!
Flora has to juggle living in two houses. This is quite difficult at times but a wonderful thing happens. Flora helps to rescue an abandoned cat. She names her Serenity and each week Serenity travels between the two houses making this arrangement much easier for Flora. Things are good for Yury too because one of his father's patients gifts him a puppy. Yury names him Friday and he invites Flora to assist at the puppy class run behind the hardware store each Saturday afternoon. I love the name of these classes - The Good Manners for Good Dogs dog school.
So many special but small things happen to Flora over the course of this year. She has a wonderful friend called Nessy, she loves helping with Friday, her dad takes her to his photo shoots, her mum encourages her to try piano lessons and her teacher Mr Cooper notices her special talent.
Cynthia Rylant paints a delightful picture of this small town and this is reflected in her choice of names for each shop/business:
Shops
Wings and a Chair Used Books - This is where Flora's mother works three afternoons each week and it is where Flora and Yuri enjoy reading vintage children's books. I have made a list below because I was curious to discover if these were real books and I was thrilled to discover they are. In this shop there is a fabulous purple velveteen chair where Flora loves to sit and read.
"And this is the story of any proudly owned used-book shop: that someone, at some time, has stumbled upon a kind of buried treasure within its shelves. But unlike shiny gold, which is taken instantly, this treasure - a vintage book. ... Then arrives the day when it becomes clear that that vintage book should belong to a certain someone."
The Windy Day Diner where Flora and her mother often eat their lunch or supper.
Southwell's Barbershop the place where she first sees little Serenity the cat with the fluffy tail.
The Peaceable Buns Bakery where Flora and her mother share poetry books and a love of words.
Four Part Harmony - the music store filled with every musical instrument you can imagine and where Flora and Nessy go for weekly piano lessons.
Mars Comics - Yury loves this shop
Book titles (Yes they are real!)
- The Boy Allies
- Meg and the disappearing Diamonds
- Nora Force at Raven Rock
- Stories for Children - inscribed To Christopher 1929
- The Girl from Tim's Place - inscribed to John L 1906
- The Walton Boys in Rapids Ahead published in 1958
Two other things I loved in this story were the idea of encyclopedia hour. At this time, once each week, the children are allowed to explore the twenty-two volumes of the World Book Encyclopedia. It is a little out of date being the 1962 edition but Flora loves exploring each volume. The second thing I would like to know more about is April Lyrid. It's a meteor shower that happens once a year.
I love the fact there there is no conflict in this quiet story. There are no bullies and there is no meanness just observations of life by Flora. She simply gives us insights into the changes in her own life and her reactions to these changes told in an honest and open way.This is a small story but a very meaningful one which young, sensitive readers will enjoy.
I am a huge fan of Cynthia Rylant so when I saw this little volume many months ago I just knew I had to read it. Sadly here in Australia this little book was priced at $25 so I decided to wait. Last week I found a copy for just under $20 and when it arrived yesterday I read the whole book straight away even though I knew I should really slow down and savour its delights.
You can hear part of the first chapter here. Here is a review with more plot details.
There is a mention in this book of Cricket Magazine - I have a few old copies and I treasure them. Here is an early cover from the 1970s.
I don't think that anywhere as idyllic as Rosetown ever existed, but I certainly want to move there and be the middle school librarian! Ms Yingling
There is no stunning plot twist, no over-the-top drama, no “cosmic experiences.” In Rosetown, there is simply life – in all of its complexities and beauty. There are blooming friendships. There are waning friendships. There are shared interests. There is room for independent pursuits. And there are cats. And there are dogs. Katie Reviews Books
"Flora watched the dove-gray clouds move over the fields and farms. She looked towards the horizon dividing the brown soil from the blue sky. And deep inside she suddenly became aware of a feeling of expectation."
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