Blue
by Joyce Moyer Hostetter

    BLUE by Joyce Moyer Hostetter
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  1/31/06
    Publisher:  Calkins Creek Books
    Reviewed by:  Julie M. Prince
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Ann Fay Honeycutt is only thirteen, but she's already the man of the house. This is thanks to her daddy leaving to
    fight in the war against Hitler and leaving his blue overalls for Ann Fay to fill.

    Trying to keep the wisteria she loves from choking the vegetable garden she's been charged to tend is nearly a full-
    time job, and that's without counting the extra work of taking care of her baby brother and twin sisters.

    Ann Fay thinks these will be her greatest challenges while her daddy is off at war. But then a polio epidemic hits
    their hometown of Hickory, North Carolina, and Ann Fay learns what real challenge is.

    This is a remarkable story of courage and of a spirit that cannot be broken. The flowing language this author uses
    is just gorgeous, and the voice of Ann Fay is as unique as they come. I stayed up late to read the next chapter
    and then the next -- one of the highest compliments I can give a book.