All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall

All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall

For every book I want to read on my Kindle, I've decided to read one that's been sitting out there for awhile, skipped over and unread.  I don't want any of the books I've selected to feel unwanted.

All of the Above was one of those that I'd ignored.  I've read other titles by Shelly Pearsall and have always enjoyed them.  Yes, I know they are middle grade books aimed at middle schoolers.  But that has never stopped me from enjoying a good book.

Mr. Collins struggles to spark some interest in math in his students.  He comes up with the idea of constructing a tetrahedron (whatever that is, I had to look it up, so see I learned something already).  The students feign disinterest at first.  James Harris III is an artistic tough guy who puts himself in charge of color coordinating the triangular pieces.  Marcel helps his father at his barbecue restaurant when he would rather be building the tetrahedron. Rhondell is quietly and systematically headed to college.  And Sharice is the neglected foster child who sees the project as a safe warm, place to stay when the current foster mother locks her out of the house each night.

Pearsall is a wonderful writer with diverse characters who have depth.  Their stories are real.  So if you're looking for a change of pace, don't shy away stories that are classified as middle grade or young adult.  You may find a hidden gem and learn about something new.  All of the Above checked all the boxes for me.  

Crooked River by Shelley Pearsall

Crooked River by Shelley Pearsall

My sister who lives in Cleveland told me about Shelley Pearsall after she met her at an elementary school presentation where Shelley talked to the kids about her books.  She showed the kids all of her rejection letters as she tried to get her work published.  Shelley writes about Ohio, a state which I am nuts about. As a writer too, I'm always happy to know I am not alone in my struggle to be published. What better reason than those to read a book.

Crooked River is a young adult novel set in 1812 in a settlement in Ohio.  The story is told through the eyes of thirteen year old, Rebecca and Indian John who is shackled in the loft of the family's cabin.  Her angry and demanding father, Major Carver has charge of the Indian accused of murdering a trapper, while awaiting trial. Her mother died in childbirth.  She and her sister, Laura keep the household running and care for their little sister, Mercy.  Rebecca is described as the one in the family with the soft heart and without a common language, she befriends Indian John by bringing him small gifts of a feather or acorn along with a bowl of food.

This is a beautifully written story.  It is a story of injustice but also one of love and the strength of the human spirit.  In each chapter the reader first hears Rebecca's point of view.  And then Indian John tells his side of story through gorgeous poetry. The prose and the poetry compliment each other perfectly. 

The author has done extensive research which she details at the end of the story.  Her dedication to the historical side of this story is what brought it to life.  I became a pioneer in Ohio in 1812, alongside Rebecca, gathering eggs, washing clothes, sweeping the dirt floors.  Shelley Pearsall has a gift as a writer. 

As a reviewer, I never like to reveal too much of the storyline.  As a reader, I like the element of surprise.  I like to tell a reader about the writing style and if the story is interesting and engaging.  Crooked River is full of history and set in a time of change and struggle. And the story is full of emotion that will tug at your heartstrings.  You won't want to put it down.