Author: Cynthia Rylant
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Major Awards: Newbery Honor
Age Group: 5th - 8th
Summary: Life for Summer and her uncle Ob changed when her aunt, May, died during the winter. May had served as a mother figure for Summer because her mom had died long ago, but left her lots of love. Once May had died, Ob didn't want to create any of his whirligigs anymore and seemed like he was going to die, really die. Anything they felt, a wind blown, message, whisper, any sign from the world would let them feel like it was May telling them what they need to do next. As they continue to go on with their lives, they wait for the sign they think May is supposed to give them. They soon realize that it is okay for Summer and Ob to continue missing May, but they have to continue living.
Evaluation & Comments:
I thought this book was interesting, but it wouldn't suit young grades because I would consider it to be a little sensitive to the students below the fourth grade. The book talks about dealing with grievances and loss of loved ones throughout the whole story, so I think that it might be a touchy subject. Despite it all, there are some activities that can be done in class after reading it. Once we finish reading it as a read aloud or even listening to the recording on video, we can discuss several things, for example, how Summer dealt with her loved ones death. A more fun alternative can be in the form of arts and crafts, where students draw a picture of Summer's home in west Virginia.
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