THE BREAD WINNER

by Arvella Whitmore ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1990

It's 1932, the depths of the Depression; 12-year-old Sarah's parents have lost their midwestern farm and are living in a shack in a small nearby town. Sarah's initial excitement about the move evaporates as reality and neighborhood toughs destroy her naive fantasies about town living. Meanwhile, neither parent can find work; Sarah's father leaves to search elsewhere; and the situation is critical until Sarah discovers that she can sell her prize-winning bread. With indomitable courage, she overcomes all obstacles (bullies, a thief, a skeptical landlord), and finally--returning from his fruitless trip--her father joins Sarah and her mother in their successful venture. Despite the stilted dialogue, oversimplification, lack of development, and some unlikely events, Sarah is a strong female protagonist and the well-structured story fast paced, while Whitmore's evocation of the period allows readers to share the desperation of hard-working, decent people. An acceptable purchase, useful for an integrated curriculum.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 144

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S