Richard Peck (1934–2018)

This is "juvenile literature". I think juvenile is used as a synonym for children's literature, but used in the sense of a genre categorisation, eg literature about topics that appeal to young readers.

So more specifically, I would call this Young Adult (categorisation by age not genre) - ages 13-18. Although I note that one of the commentators below says she would have enjoyed this as a middle grader, ages 8-12.

About a boy who is the best man at a wedding. Holding my attention mostly due to the narration by Michael Crouch. He's a discovery.

The first person narrator of the novel, Archer, is looking back? at a period from First to Sixth Grade, so the blurb says. The narrator Crouch sounds about 14, 12 at the minimum - I'm not sure what age he is when he is doing the narrating. That's the downside of an audiobook - you can't flick back to see information you've missed or forgotten.… (lisätietoja)

This book centers around 14 year old Eleanor McGrath, who is mainly interested in automobiles, largely due to the influence of her older brother, Jake. Together, they share the dream of building their own automobile and winning the county fair race with it.

Their world is turned upside down when four women from Indianapolis, all trained in the library sciences, come to their greenhorn town. Most notable of these women are Irene Ridpath and Grace Strutz. It is through the relationships to these women that the lives of Eleanor and Jake are changed.

This book was a lighthearted read, and it was perfect for a Sunday afternoon reading session. However, I can't say that it necessarily struck me in any way emotionally nor was it inherently thought-provoking. In short: it was a charming story from historical fiction. It reminded me, in a way, of the Sideways Stories from Wayside School.

Would I read this book again? Probably not. Will I gift it to my librarian friend who will find more enjoyment out of it? Absolutely I will. :)… (lisätietoja)