Book details
Richard Peck - Author
Mary Alice's year with her grandmother centres on an initially uneasy family relationship that changes as she comes to understand and admire her grandmother.
Mary Alice's childhood summers in Grandma Dowdel's sleepy Illinois town were packed with enough drama to fill the double bill of any picture show. But now she is fifteen, and faces a whole long year with Grandma, a woman well known for shaking up her neighbors-and everyone else! All Mary Alice can know for certain is this: when trying to predict how life with Grandma might turn out . . . better not. This wry, delightful sequel to the Newbery Honor Book A Long Way from Chicago has already taken its place among the classics of children's literature.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: What does Mary Alice learn about her grandmother, and can understanding someone differ from agreeing with them?
The story offers a close view of a young person's changing impression of an unconventional older relative, set against rural life during the Depression.
Pay particular attention to emotional intensity.
If Mary Alice's view of her grandmother changes, what moments help her understand her, and do you think admiration means agreeing with everything she does?
As you read, notice how Mary Alice's impressions develop over the year. If this is your first encounter with the characters, consider whether reading the earlier story would add useful context.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
A Year Down Yonder - Richard Peck - Google Books
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: General book context
A year down yonder by Richard Peck | Open Library
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: A changing view of a grandmother
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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