Audio read by Denise Wilbanks (in a great southern accent)Listening Library, 2003
4 unabridged cds
4 hrs. 3 min.
240 pages
Rating: 4.5
I listened to this story. At first I was just a tiny bit put off by the very southern accent, but Denise Wilbanks did a superior job. The story is set in rural Tennessee, and that accent really accentuated the setting. (ha - good one, right?)
Maddie lives in the East Tennesse Children's Home. She has been in a number of foster homes since her birth, and she's a great, philosophical kid. Her best friend is a six-year old named Ricky Ray, another great kid who she cares about a lot. Then one day a new girl arrives. Murphy is different, and Maddie is mesmerized by her. Murphy has been places, has seen things, and has magical ideas and dreams.
Throughout her life, Maddie has been creating a "book of houses" and a "book of people." It sounds like they're created from those black-marble-ized journals. She has cut-out pictures of houses and people lovingly glued in. She and Ricky Ray create story after story of happy times in loving homes.
So five good friends decide to create a "house" of their own. With help, they build a fort in the woods that becomes their haven. But naturally, the course of life is not always smooth. Bumps appear. Foster homes, real parents coming out of rehab, possible adoption.....and decisions. Tough decisions for 11 and 12 year olds.
Great story. Almost a five....there are a few places that might have had a bit more detail. I loved it.
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