When you look back at your childhood, is there a particular summer that stands out from the rest? A summer of adventure that is especially vivid and meaningful? There is often an unforgettable year that bridges the end of our “childhood” and the beginning of something else.
Finding Fortune, by Delia Ray is a story about such a summer. Here’s the summary:
“Angry with her mother, twelve-year-old runaway Ren finds an unusual boardinghouse in a nearby ghost town, fortune, where she meets some interesting people and learns of a forgotten treasure from when the town was famous for buttons made of Mississippi River shells.”
This book has many of my favorite features: transformational friendships, secret adventures, and quirky characters. It also has its intriguing roots in real live history. Did you know all buttons were made from shells, (fresh water clamshells) before plastic buttons came along?
I know I’ve had sweaters with shell buttons—probably knitted by my grandmother, which would be era appropriate. But I thought they were oddities—I had no clue that was the norm. Nor did I know anything about the process, or the lives of those involved in making those buttons. This book opens a window into that particular historical scene. At the end real photos are featured courtesy of the “Muscatine History and Industry Center” in Muscatine, Iowa. It sounds like a place my parents should pedal past on one of their bike touring adventures!
Fortune is a charming ghost town. The way life goes in and out of towns as work availability changes is a simple and often sad truth.
Flam and Flim in “Becoming Piper Pan”
I’ll tell you another thing I loved about this book: like my books, it has characters named Flim and Flam! These happen to be Bengalese cats, not people—but still, I loved the synchronicity, just as I love how popular the name Piper is right now for girls!
Enjoy Finding Fortune—Happy Reading!
Book Two
In news of Becoming Piper Pan, I had the pleasure of speaking to a local group of PEO women in my role as Life Coach, and taught them how to be Dream Keepers. I can’t wait for them to go out and begin the good work! When they do, it will be a summer of adventure for their dreamers!
I would love to hear your talk on Dream Keeping. The book you reviewed here sounds like a fun story and most any age will enjoy it. And aren’t your Flam and Flim drawn by Aisha Zaleha Latip cute. Well done Aisha.
I’ll be sure you do get to hear it! Will let you know of the next occasion. Yes, Aisha Zaleha Latip is my illustrator extraordinaire!
This is Mom,
I have biked to the shell button factory museum in Muscatine, Iowa. Any of you who can make the visit there, I recommend it. Fascinating stories of families involved.
Thanks, Lindy for reminding me of that part of my adventure.
I didn’t realize your bike adventures had already taken you there… Wonderful! (Make sure you’re in line to receive my mother’s bike “travelogues,” sign up at http://www.yesithinkican.com )
What fun!!!!