Autumn leaves are falling in Camden Falls as sisters Flora and Ruby settle into their new home. Both siblings have worries: Flora feels ill-prepared for spending their first Thanksgiving without their parents, and Ruby is anxious about winning a part in the upcoming school musical. Fortunately, their new friendships with Olivia and Nikki offer them solace and even hints of solutions. A touching, homespun series for girls and boys, ages 9-12.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-6 Ann M. Martin's "Main Street" series is about two sisters, Flora and Ruby, who have moved in with their grandmother Min after their parents' untimely death. This sequel to Welcome to Camden Falls (both Scholastic, pap. 2007) begins the day before the new school year is about to start. Ruby is fitting in nicely, but Flora still misses her old life. However, she manages to cope quite well since she has Olivia and Nikki, her two best friends, in sixth grade. You can almost feel the chill in the autumn air as Ariadne Meyers effortlessly relates the story with an array of voices for the townspeople. Although the main focus is on the four youngsters, listeners get glimpses into the lives of the other residents. We learn about Mary's mysterious benefactor, Mrs. Willett's early stages of dementia, Nikki's abusive parents, Sonny's lonely Thanksgiving holiday, and more. For school and public libraries.-Mercedes Smith, Kernan Trail Elementary School, Jacksonville, FL
OCT/NOV 07 - AudioFile
Autumn in Camden Falls brings friendship, adventure, and change to the lives of Flora and Ruby. While younger sister Ruby faces each new situation with gusto, Flora is more analytical, always aware of the cataclysmic family circumstances that have taken place earlier. Fifth grade brings a much longed for teacher and the vicissitudes of classmates; Halloween brings costuming projects and trick-or-treating plans; and Thanksgiving brings the opportunity to celebrate the family holiday with a new and welcoming tradition. Ariadne Meyers gives personality to each of the girls and brings warmth to grandmother Minn. Characters abound—friends Nikki and Olivia and their family members, row house neighbors, fabric store helpers and customers. All have distinctive voices that enable listeners to differentiate them and follow their situations. A.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
