LitPick Review
Rosetown by Cynthia Rylant, a novel centered on the adventures of 9-year-old Flora, a recent transplant to Rosetown, Indiana, captured my attention from the first page and held it until the end. The book chronicles Flora's adjustment to a new town, the flourishing friendship with Yury, and the excitement of beginning 4th grade. But Flora's transition to Rosetown is complicated by her parents' recent divorce and her insecurities of being new in town.
Opinion:
I enjoyed the easygoing but forward-moving plot and the realistic characters. Flora and Yury felt like old pals by the end of the novel; they were children I would want to befriend. The description of all the events, places, and people set up an intriguing read. The descriptions Rylant used to describe everyday life from training Yury's dog to reading books made me feel like I was alongside Flora and Yury in Rosetown. My one critique: the book was much too short. I wish the book had a sequel so I could learn more about Flora's adventures. I would recommend Rosetown for 8 to 12-year-olds who enjoy realistic fiction and characters who are more real than imaginary.
