Neither squalor nor near-starvation can vanquish the spirit of Johnny Bill's family as they shift from shanty to shack in a...

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A PLACE FOR JOHNNY BILL

Neither squalor nor near-starvation can vanquish the spirit of Johnny Bill's family as they shift from shanty to shack in a never ending struggle to save money so as to head north. Episodes depicting Papa's quest for money, Johnny Bill's sporadic schooling, the children's acquisition of their dog Gooney, Mama's loving patience all reflect the solidarity that oddly permeates the rootless existence of this family of migrant workers. Although their plight is handled realistically, the resolution is not. Johnny Bill heroically warns the station master of a bridge crash before the train crosses thus saving many people. News of his deed reaches long lost, propertied Uncle Bill who locates the family and invites them to live on his farm. A genuine situation portrait, a sentimental human one.

Pub Date: April 17, 1961

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Westminster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1961

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