One of the most adored childrenâs book characters of all time is the eccentric, forceful, bighearted Grandma Dowdel, star of the Newbery Medalâwinning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honorâwinning A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isnât overânot even close.
It is now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdelâa family in desperate need of her help (whether they realize it or not). Thereâs twelve-year-old Bob, shy on courage in a town full of bullies; his Elvis-obsessed older sister, Phyllis, who just might be on the verge of spinning out of control; Bobâs little sister, Ruth Ann, ready and waiting for a larger-than-life role model; and even Bobâs two parents, the young minister and his wife, who are amazed to discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital. As Christmas rolls around, the whole family will realize that theyâve found a true home, and a neighbor with remarkable gifts to share.