Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com
In a small town in New York in the 1960's lives Amelia Earhart Rye. She has no friends, her mother's mean, her father is MIA, her brother is in jail, and her sister is in an insane asylum. Her only bright piece of hope is her grandfather.
Her grandfather tells her all the time that she only needs one true friend to make her life better. When Fancy Nelson moves into town, the first African-American that Amelia has ever seen, the two become friends and Amelia begins to take a serious look at her home situation. As the two spend more and more time together, however, Amelia begins to see bullies cutting off Fancy's braids to insult her and other racial acts that are cruel.
Instead of being knocked down and offended by them, though, Fancy stands tall and looks on the bright side of things. Can Amelia take a page out of Fancy's book and rise above her situation, as well?
THE PRIVATE THOUGHTS OF AMELIA E. RYE is a touching coming-of-age novel. The characters are multi-dimensional and memorable. The plot is well-developed and engaging, and the message in the novel is timeless. Those who like historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and friendship tales will all enjoy reading this book.
In a small town in New York in the 1960's lives Amelia Earhart Rye. She has no friends, her mother's mean, her father is MIA, her brother is in jail, and her sister is in an insane asylum. Her only bright piece of hope is her grandfather.
Her grandfather tells her all the time that she only needs one true friend to make her life better. When Fancy Nelson moves into town, the first African-American that Amelia has ever seen, the two become friends and Amelia begins to take a serious look at her home situation. As the two spend more and more time together, however, Amelia begins to see bullies cutting off Fancy's braids to insult her and other racial acts that are cruel.
Instead of being knocked down and offended by them, though, Fancy stands tall and looks on the bright side of things. Can Amelia take a page out of Fancy's book and rise above her situation, as well?
THE PRIVATE THOUGHTS OF AMELIA E. RYE is a touching coming-of-age novel. The characters are multi-dimensional and memorable. The plot is well-developed and engaging, and the message in the novel is timeless. Those who like historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and friendship tales will all enjoy reading this book.
