A Year Down Yonder

This Newbery Medal-winning novel offers young readers a rich historical journey through the Great Depression era, following fifteen-year-old Mary Alice as she spends a full year with her unconventional grandmother in rural Illinois. Richard Peck masterfully captures the challenges and unexpected joys of small-town life during difficult economic times, creating a vivid portrait of resilience and community. The story unfolds through a series of interconnected episodes that reveal both the hardships and humor of daily life in 1930s America, making history feel immediate and personal for middle grade readers.

What makes this historical fiction stand out is Grandma Dowdel's unforgettable character—a woman whose formidable presence and surprising generosity create ripple effects throughout her community. Young readers who enjoy strong intergenerational relationships and stories about finding one's place will connect deeply with Mary Alice's transformative journey. The novel's episodic structure makes it ideal for readers transitioning to longer chapter books, while its warmth and wit ensure the Depression-era setting feels accessible rather than distant. This coming-of-age story leaves readers with lasting appreciation for family bonds forged through shared experience.