Gracie
Gracie is a twelve-year-old girl, living in 1930’s rural Ireland. The only life she’s ever known changes suddenly when she is sent to live with her widowed aunt, Peg. This historical fiction novel explores family values, societal expectations and the impacts of poverty.
Gracie is one of seven children who live in her family’s small cottage. Through the varied roles that the siblings take on and in the ways they each help out around the home, the reader can see traditional Irish society reflected. Gracie’s eldest brother Gerry who is due to take over the family farm, works with their father whereas Eileen the eldest girl, mainly helps take care of the small children. Through Eileen readers also gain understanding of how inadequately equipped Irish society was at the time for people with disabilities, and how disabilities were discussed within the home.
When Gracie is suddenly forced to stay at Aunt Peg’s house, she finds herself torn between missing her old life and enjoying her new one. Despite her growing closeness to her aunt, Gracie longs for a friend as she struggles to understand why her cousin Nora isn’t allowed to speak to her. The final portion of the novel dives right into the world of the Traveling Players, where Gracie finds herself welcomed with open arms by her new friend, Liliana and her family. Readers will see Gracie come into her own and be celebrated for her talents.
Overall, a heartfelt and immersive novel with a very sweet ending young readers will enjoy.
