A Newbery Honor Book
A summer they'll never forget.
Each summer Joey and his sister, Mary Alice--two city slickers from
Chicago--visit Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town. Soon
enough, they find that it's far from sleepy...and Grandma is far from
your typical grandmother. From seeing their first corpse (and he isn't
resting easy) to helping Grandma trespass, catch the sheriff in his
underwear, and feed the hungry--all in one day--Joey and Mary Alice have
nine summers they'll never forget!
A rollicking celebration of an eccentric grandmother and childhood
memories. --School Library Journal, starred review
Each tale is a small masterpiece of storytelling. --The Horn Book,
starred review
Grandma Dowdel embodies not only the heart of a small town but the
spirit of an era gone by...Remarkable and fine. --Kirkus Reviews,
starred review
A Newbery Honor Book
A National Book Award Finalist
An ALA Notable Book
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults