Family Tree #1: Better to Wish

Gr 3–6—The first title (Scholastic, 2013) in Martin's new multigenerational series is told from the perspective of an old woman looking back at her life. As it opens, Abby Nichols is just eight years old and living in Maine. Her mother is mourning the loss of her last two babies and her father is an ambitious carpenter determined to get ahead even during the years of the Great Depression. Through the course of the book, which covers more than 10 years, Abby must deal with a host of challenges, including the extreme prejudices of her father and her mother's growing depression. As a young teenager, she faces the death of a dear friend and watches as her hate-filled father sends her mentally impaired younger brother away to live at a special "school." Told in episodic chapters, the prose is heartfelt and touching. Annalie Gernert does a lovely job of providing unique voices for Abby and the supporting characters, bringing them all to life. Her pacing is just right for the often somber nature of the tale while still capturing the light humor scattered throughout. Loran Raver also does a nice job of providing the introduction as the elderly Abby. Those looking for a contemplative piece of historical fiction will find much to enjoy in this excellent production.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT