More Than Grit for MG readers

More Than Grit, a middle-grade novel set in Kansas in 1939, is a special debut novel for many reasons. First, it’s written by our very own Gretchen Carlson, whom you know from our Storyteller Squad blogs and Facebook page. Second, some characters and events are based on family stories related to Gretchen growing up. (I find this cool tidbit interesting.) Third, it’s a great story that 8-12-year-olds will not only enjoy, but they will relate to the caring and spunky POV character, Sissy.

Why kids will relate

Kids understand wanting to make their own first big purchase, and they also understand wanting to surprise their parents with an extra-special gift. Sissy wants to earn money, so she can buy herself a store-bought dress; however, she decides to sacrifice this desire to help her family earn the $5 necessary to get electricity in their home. Farming is difficult in good times, but even more so during the Great Depression, so lots of problems arise working against the family’s saving for this much-desired utility. Sissy faces her own setbacks in earning money, as well as problems arising from keeping secrets.

Kids also know what it’s like to face frustrating opposition. Poor Sissy must also protect herself, her best friend and a little girl from the school bully, while a greater bully acts on the world-stage: Hitler invades Poland. World events bring underlying stresses for everyone, especially children, who may feel even more confused.

Sometimes kids don’t heed advice from their elders, which can cause internal and physical angst. For Sissy, helping a veteran of the Great War (World War I) to earn the coveted cash, causes her to start sneaking about. Of course, things keep going wrong, mounting Sissy’s stress. Will she be able to earn the necessary funds for electricity? Will she need to confess that she’s seeing Old Man/Mr. Morton against everyone’s warnings?

Praises for More Than Grit

I loved this middle-grade novel. Carlson does an excellent job developing her characters and weaving in world history into a story about protecting friendships, forgiving those who hurt or scare us, and looking past outward appearances. The story also incorporates the theme of friends helping friends.  My favorite character arc was with Old Man/Mr. Morton, the crusty, stubborn, misunderstood, elderly veteran.  Near the end, I had to smile over the changes. I loved how their relationship grew. This novel has a beautiful ending with several characters.

Be sure to grab a box of tissues because I cried during the blizzard scene. Carlson captures emotions on the page.

Since I’m fond of quotes, I appreciated that each chapter begins with a quote relevant to that time period. I enjoyed the descriptions, too. One of my favorites was when “Father grinned wider than an open barn door.” That just makes me smile. What an image!

One money-making scheme makes me wonder if there is a sequel about an archaeological dig. I sure hope so, because I’d like to spend more time with these characters.

More Than Grit makes an excellent addition to any school reading program. Teachers and homeschool moms may write to the author for discussion questions. (See link below.)

Author Links

You can get your copy here.

And to learn more about More Than Grit and the author, visit here.

Reading novels based on the lives of real people interests me. What historical novels have you read that are based on real people?