Midwest Book Review on “What Happened to Chester?”

The Social Issues Shelf

Synopsis: Rory, an adventurous, take-charge young girl, meets her match in Hobblety Wobblety Chester McDeer. She soon learns that her friend can jump over any obstacle, despite his disability, and make a big difference to family and friends. Colorful, fun illustrations by the artistic team of Noah Hrbek and Lydia Whitehouse fully enhance children’s author Lauren Persons picture book story for young readers.

Critique: Original, fun, and with a special value for children ages 8-11 with reference to animal (and by inference, kids) disabilities and the importance self-esteem, “What Happened to Chester?: An En-deer-ing Tale of Hope and Healing” is an especially recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that “What Happened to Chester?: An En-deer-ing Tale of Hope and Healing” is also available in a paperback edition (9781615997008, $15.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.95).


What Happened to Chester?
Lauren Persons, author
Noah Hrbek & Lydia Whitehouse, illustrators
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.lovinghealing.com
9781615997015, $27.95, HC, 22pp

The SideRoad Kids - Book 3

SKU 978-1-61599-828-9
$19.95
NEW!
Life as U.P. Adults
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-828-9
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Audiobook: Audible, iTunes
Edition: 1st
Author: Sharon M. Kennedy
Illustrator: Joanna Walitato
Pages: 188
Publication Date: 09/01/2021

In this third and final installment of The SideRoad Kids, the boys and girls say goodbye to their childhood. As such, this book contains themes and imagery unsuitable for young audiences. Each of the nine stories is told by one adult character. Blew, Flint, and some of their friends joined the U.S. Army and served their country during the Viet Nam War. When they came home, they realized the war had changed them. They were men now. They had seen death up close and would never be the same. Some coped better than others. Some married, some started families, some divorced. Katie, the most independent of the bunch became a lost soul and spent time in the Peace Corps upon graduating from college. Shirley escaped the confinement of the small country town of Brimley, MI. The gravel road, so familiar to these individuals, was unaware of the turmoil surrounding it. Grass grew, birds sang, and the river kept its secrets.

"Once again, Kennedy whisks readers into the rural past of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Through beautiful prose and memorable characters, each evocative story, complete in itself, also links to the series as a whole. The author's deft artistry forges visceral and spiritual links that define community. The SideRoad Kids trilogy stands as a celebration of victories despite brokenness, love despite rejection, and forgiveness. These books deserve high praise and elevate Kennedy to a most honored place among Michigan writers." --Sue Harrison, national best-selling author of The Midwife's Touch

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The SideRoad Kids - Book 3

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