Beverly, Right Here

This gets 4 stars because I loved the characters in this book, but man did I have problems with it. From the perspective of someone who had a difficult upbringing and considered running away multiple times herself, I looked to books like these almost as instruction manuals. Beverly manages (within 15 minutes of arriving in town) to find an under the table job and a place to live (for free). She is also never questioned by any authority figures about being on her own. I get it, it was a different time but would a young reader get that? I worry.
I ended up loving Iola and Elmer and even Mr. C. (who I suppose is having a nervous breakdown). There are some truly memorable scenes. DiCamillo's stark writing never really let's us into Beverly's head. I get it, she's grieving and is probably in shock, so I let it go. Beverly didn't seem to feel much in Raymie Nightingale either. Maybe I'll have more insight when I read Louisiana (yes, yes, I accidentally skipped the second one).