This was such a fun book to listen to with my kids on a long car trip. We all enjoyed it (ages 8 to 40- something). ( )

One of my mom's favorites, in fact I think she gave us this copy! It was a really fun and easy read. I enjoyed Richard's writing style. It wasn't too wordy or overly descriptive; he simply told a great bunch of stories. I loved all the characters, but I did keep forgetting the narrator's name... This book is a series of summers two kids spend with their very interesting grandma. Each chapter is a different summer and starts in 1929. Best part for me, it is referring to Central IL! I have been to many of these small towns Richard mentions. This would be a great read-aloud for teachers and parents. ( )

Not a favorite - Grandma Dowdel is a bit too much of a manipulator for me. Interesting setting, though - before and during the Great Depression. ( )

Not bad. Peck's style has a vagueness to it that throws me for a loop sometimes... ( )

What a delightful read! This book consists of short stories about two children's summer visits with their grandma in 1930s Illinois, told from the perspective of the older brother. Their grandmother is an original, a non-conformist, and the children learn to love and emulate her.

The local library has the other two books in the series. I've put in a request to borrow them, and plan to enjoy more about these characters this weekend. ( )