I enjoyed this book even more than its predecessor (A Long Way From Chicago)! In A Year Down Yonder, Richard Peck has brought back larger-than-life Grandma Dowdel for a whole year’s worth of new adventures. This book was laugh-out-loud funny, hilariously madcap, and unexpectedly sweet. I found myself growing to love both Grandma Dowdel and Mary Alice more than ever, and I was genuinely sad when the book ended. Although this book does reference and build on some events from A Long Way From Chicago, it would still work great as a stand-alone for those who haven’t read the prequel. A Year Down Yonder is highly recommended for anyone—child or adult—who enjoys historical fiction, great characters, a dash of romance, and hilarious storylines.
Though I should warn you—don’t try to eat or drink while reading this book… the stories are funny enough that it could prove dangerous!
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language:
***
Violence/Gore: A tornado destroys property (no casualties).
Sex/Nudity: Characters flirt; a boy puts his arm around a girl’s shoulders. A very subtle reference is made to a teenage pregnancy. An artist attempts to paint a woman in the nude (no description is given, and the scene is hilariously funny).
Mature Subject Matter:
Financial troubles.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
A character spikes the punch at a party (comprised of adults).
