47 pages • 1 hour read
Richard PeckA Year Down Yonder
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read A Year Down Yonder?
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.
Recommended
Reading Age
9-12yearsLexile Level
670LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Historical Fiction
Humor
Great Depression
Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Relationships: Grandparents