1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2001. ALL THE WAY HOME. New York, NY. Random House. ISBN 0440411823
2. SUMMARY
Two young characters begin Giff's work of historical fiction set in 1941. One is Mariel, a girl living with the nurse, Loretta, who took care of her when she was stricken with Polio. They make their home in Brooklyn near Ebbets Field, where the Dodgers play baseball. Brick, the other person in this story, lives on an apple orchard in upstate New York. When a fire destroys the apple orchard Brick's parents must find work elsewhere and send him to live with Loretta, a friend of the family, and Mariel. Loretta became acquainted with Brick's family while working in Brick's hometown as a nurse when Mariel was in the hospital. Brick, although excited to see his beloved Dodgers play, he longs to return back to Windy Hill to help his former neighbors, the Claude's, harvest their crop. Mariel encourages him to go and takes the opportunity to catch up to runaway Brick and find out more information from the hospital about her birth mother and what happened to her.
At the Claude's apple orchard both children work, to get the crop in, after notifying Loretta of their whereabouts. Mariel spends time finding out the truth about her mother and her past. When she is satisfied with her discoveries she returns to Brooklyn, Loretta and the much loved Dodgers.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Two time Newbery Honor winner, Patricia Reilly Giff does a dynamic job weaving the two main characters lives together to bring this piece of historical fiction to life. The author ties in historical events (Mariel's polio with that of President Roosevelt's, the Dodgers winning the pennant, migrant workers) which gives the reader a sense of being in the post depression time period along with the characters. As I was reading I could picture Mariel in her page-boy haircut, 1940's wardrobe and her noticeable limp. Even though the problems each character encounter get solved a little to easily, this book runs the gamete of emotions. The reader can easily sympathize with Mariel and her desire to learn the truth about her beginnings, when polio ran rampant and to also understand Brick's desire to be in the orchard helping get the harvest in. A much needed source of income after coming out of the great depression. It was evident in the writing, that these children had lived through some dark times in American history and persevered.
The writing is simple enough to keep the reader interested and enough eluding to facts without sounding like a textbook. Minimal on historic content, readers are introduced to bits and can research more for facts if they wish. Mariel's polio is the main focus, while others may want to know about the Dodgers, Roosevelt or the time of the great depression. The description used by Giff to paint a picture for the reader of the Back To School party hosted by Mariel's teacher, really set the tone for the era. How girls dressed, behaved and the teachers description really made you feel like you were right their with Mariel in 1941, hiding behind a table to try and stay invisible in your pressed and starched party dress and neatly groomed hair with a bow. Polio may have kept her from running and playing with the rest of the children, but what she lacked in physical strength, her caring ways and inquisitive mind made up for. A great, quick read for the World War II area genre.
4. AWARDS/REVIEWS
WINNER 2002 - Maine Student Book Award
WINNER 2003 - Kentucky Bluegrass Award
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: Giff's writing is filled with wonderful details that appeal to all of the senses. Readers experience the treacherous fire just as realistically as they cheer when Mariel catches a fly ball. A compelling story of two unforgettable youngsters, their strength, and their friendship.
Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools.
BOOKLIST review: Giff delivers a memorable picture of 1940s America, painted with colorful, telling details; believable dialogue; and crisp, flowing language. In her tightly woven, inspirational story, every character counts…. Ellen Mandel
5. CONNECTIONS
The publisher includes an excellent guide for teachers as well as read alikes and other websites of interest.
http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780440411826&view=tg
Students could spend time researching polio, its affects on the body as well as President Franklin Roosevelt and his life with the disease.
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