Strong character and perspective lead readers to the heart of this story. A young boy follows his older sister obediently, but the reader understands his thoughts as they intersperse the text -- self-doubt and low confidence. Althought he walks in his sister's shadow, he challenges himself to overcome a few obstacles and act in ways usually reserved by those older and wiser. This is a unnique, mea ...

Generosity of spirit colors conquers all else in dire times. Moral beauty abounds in Mama's thinking as she selflessly transforms a gift for those less fortunate that costs far more than money. Her son, feeling a similar generosity but limited by understanding, blossoms by following in his mother's footsteps. Heartwarming, soul-searching, restoring.