Review Detail

I was lucky enough to have read this book back when it was a manuscript (Im on a writers listserve with the lovely author, Kristin ODonnell Tubb). I liked it then and I like it even better now.

Autumn is a delightful character and, while fictional, she gives us a glimpse into our countrys past. She and her family live in Cades Cove, a beautiful place just full of natural wonders. Its located on the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Autumn likes to do things different and has a lot of spunk. She loves Cades Cove, but shes been looking forward to moving to Knoxville to rejoin her Pop, who had to move their for work. Besides, stuff happens in Knoxville! Nothing ever happens in Cades Cove.

Thats about to change and shes got her Gramps partially to thank (or not) for that. Looks like the U.S. Government is interested in turning their land into a national park and Gramps thinks theres some money to be made from the tourists. Meanwhile, theres a bunch of logging companies thatd like to come in and cut down all the trees. Whats the right thing? And can Autumn, with all her gumption and get-uppedness, do anything about it?

This is a story filled with folksy charm and lots of historically correct (and entertaining!) details about Appalachian life. You dont have to be interested in history to enjoy this book (you just need a sense of humor), but teachers will find this a great book for classroom use. Youll like Autumn and her dynamite-stealing ways, trust me. Recommended for readers aged 8 or 9 and up.