Author: Wendy Dunham
Christian Fiction
River Starling is a spunky 12 year old whose life is anything but normal! She lives with her grandmother because her parents, who adopted her on a whim, gave her up and walked out of her life when she was only two. River is certain her parents will come back and yet is afraid that her grandmother may also decide that she is too much trouble and abandon her too.
When her life is uprooted by Gram’s decision to move to Birdsong, West Virginia, River makes an unlikely friendship with an unusual boy. William/Billy is a patient, kind hearted, handicapped student with a positive attitude toward life. He has learned to adapt to his handicap and always persevere. Billy and River are assigned to work on a school project together and from this project their friendship grows. Together they confront a bully, search for answers to life’s tough questions, and work together to build a place of peace for everyone in town to enjoy. River’s grandmother is equally inspired by their relocation, giving up smoking, starting physical therapy, and agreeing to attend church. When tragedy strikes, River and her grandmother witness firsthand what true love, faith and forgiveness look like.
This heart-warming, honest, hope-filled, and witty story was full of twists and turns that will keep readers interested through the very last page!
Is the story well written? Yes, the story is engaging and easy to follow. Dialogue is humorous and realistic.
Are the characters well developed, realistic and relatable? Yes. Billy and River seem like complete opposites but their relationship is genuine and realistic. Billy is a kind hearted, patient boy but doesn’t come across as fake. Story is consistent with its setting in 1980.
Does the book present positive role models? Yes, Billy’s father is a pastor, Gram is a “rough” character but obviously loves her granddaughter, other characters step into River’s life to encourage and help.
Is the theme of the book in line with Christian morals and values? Yes, there are messages of faith and forgiveness, patience and perseverance, and kindness and hope. Faith is woven into the whole story in a natural way.
Are there any language or other concerns? River has a humorous viewpoint of church services because she has never attended before. Her thoughts may seem almost irreverent but are consistent with a child who has never been to church. However, she grows to appreciate the gospel message.
There are several instances of a character using “thank God” but it can be argued that they are actually using it correctly. Also found a couple “my goodness/thank goodness”, “heaven only knows”, and one “God Almighty”.
Other notes: Parents may also want to know that Billy, a pastor’s son, is killed toward the end of the book. The portrayal of his death and funeral is realistic and hard but the message of trusting God, the truth of the gospel and its effect on our suffering is gently and beautifully shown. There are no graphic details given but instead the author focuses on forgiveness and the way God uses trials and pain for His glory and our good.
Recommended age? Publisher recommends Grades 3 – 6.. I would recommend 5th grade and over due to content. This book deals with many difficult topics: adoption, bullying, divorce, violence, death, sick grandparent, and kidnapping. All of these are handled in an age appropriate way but may be too much for younger or sensitive readers.
