Miss McAllister’s Ghost by Elizabeth Fensham
I have been raving about this book all week! It is by far the best book I have read this year for the 11-14 year old reader.
My rave goes on for ages, so here I will only offer a teaser. Three children from a ‘normal’ working family encounter a very old lady living in the 19th century. Through various circumstances, they end up doing jobs for her, and they learn a lot about life before household appliances. But this lady does take the time to work with the children, talk to them, and more importantly, she listens to them. After the week of ‘community service’ all three of the kids continue to visit Miss McAllister most nights after school. The bulk of the book is about the growing friendship as the children introduce Miss McAllister to the 21st century, and she reminds them of what family and responsibility for others really means.
This book is just so warm and lovely. The balloon ride brought tears to my eyes but they were tears of absolute joy. I wanted to be there, but then it wouldn’t have been the same. Inevitably there is a sad ending, but that keeps up the realistic tone of the book. But you just know all three of the children will be far better people for the months they knew Miss McAllister.
I really cannot recommend this book highly enough. In a time when many authors feel they need to focus on negative elements in modern society, this book relishes in the common bond shared by humanity and the good that can come from it. Thank you Elizabeth Fensham.
