R My Name is Rachel

Full Bibliographic Data: R My Name is Rachel

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2011

ISBN: 9780375838897

Summary: R my name is Rachel reveals the life of a small family from Brooklyn during the time of The Great Depression. Readers engage in the struggles of daily life during this era as they witness adversities such as job loss and the upheaval of this family's home when they pack their things and head for rural territory. Everyday customs become sorely missed and valued as luxuries of the past. In the end hope is still present and life seems enjoyable despite the despair brought on by the failed economy. Rachel and her family pull together to make the best of their situation.

Review: Set, first, in Brooklyn and, finally, in upstate New York, R my name is Rachel is riddled with vivid details which allow the reader to feel as though they, too, are part of this resourceful family. Rachel and her siblings are highly believable in their dealings with each other and the loving Miss Mitzi is a woman any child could imagine being heir confidant. Rachel's love for words and learning is a pleasurable adage to this tale which at times can be heartbreaking. Readers will begin to understand how important the "little" things, such as shoes, electricity, and food, which are easily taken for granted, truly are. Rachel's personal struggles are not only due to the Great Depression but, also, often parallel those of the country's as the Great Depression takes its' toll. At the forefront of this family's tumultuous tale is a love story between Miss Mitzi and Pop as well as her special bond with his children. The letters between Rachel and Miss Mitzi give the readers and insight to the world the rest of the plot does not reveal. R my Name is Rachel is an enjoyable read and one I would suggest to anyone wanting to know more abot the effects of this era on a typical American family.

Review Excerpts:

“This beautifully written novel vividly depicts the hardships endured by families during the Great Depression. Young readers will come away with a better understanding of this period of our history while laughing with Rachel’s family at some of the mishaps” (Children’s Literature, 2011).

“Fleming has done a great job of introducing this important woman to young readers” (Library Media Connection, 2011).

“Written in a fluid, journalistic style and enhanced by photos, boxed-out “Sam Stories,” charts tracking changes in Americans’ spending habits, and a lavish source list, this account of the man who created what is today the world’s largest company makes compelling reading—particularly for would-be entrepreneurs” (Booklist, 2011).

Related Materials:

Patricia Reilly Giff’s Blog: http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/patriciareillygiff/

PRG’s official web site: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/patriciareillygiff/index.htm

Teaching Resources on the Great Depression: http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson147.shtml

More Resources: http://www.uscupstate.edu/academics/education/aam/lessons/allison_catto/Links/Links%20to%20The%20Great%20Depression%20Websites.htm