Blackberries in the Dark
CCBC Review:
After the death of his grandfather, Austin's first visit to Grandma's home is filled with painful memories and an acute sense of loss for both her and the boy. After Austin and Grandma make a few attempts to comfort each other, they begin anew while going fly fishing, one of Grandpa's favorite pastimes. Jukes's expert uses of word imagery conveys deep emotions. Simple acts depict character and give remarkable depth to this short story so welcome now that it's back in print once again. Allen's occasional artwork rendered in black and white underscores the love wrapped around every page of a warmly created summer story perfect for newly independent readers, and originally published in 1985. ©2002 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Thomas B. Allen
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 7-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Grandmothers
Grief and Loss
Hope and Healing
Publisher:
Alfred A. Knopf
Publish Year: 2002
Pages: 48
ISBN: 0394875990
CCBC Location: Fiction, Jukes