SAVING GRACE

The Great Depression destroys Grace McFarland’s family. Papa’s unemployed, Mama’s pregnant, big brother Pete is sick, and soon the family is on the street. Pete goes to a tuberculosis hospital; Grace and her two younger brothers to a children’s home. Grace prays Mama will return for them, but instead rescue comes from two ladies who invite her to spend Christmas at the boarding house they run. Grace’s deprivations dissolve in a surfeit of food, dresses, and attention. She makes friends and begins to feel comfortable. After Mama has the baby, reclaims the younger boys, and moves to her father’s farm in Ohio, Miss Louise offers to adopt Grace. Grace’s choice feels less than compelling, because she doesn’t seem attached to the Hammonds. Her desire for material things sometimes seems selfish. But Pete’s death strikes a true chord. The vivid rendition of the Depression era makes this a valuable addition to the genre. (Historical fiction. 8-12)