Buttermilk Hill Book

Finding a way to cope through poetry

The days seem carefree for Piper Berry in her hometown of Buttermilk Hill, North Carolina — days filled with fishing with her daddy and ten-year-old aunt/best friend Lindy and listening to her grandmother's stories. But then Mama, Tiny Lambert (whom readers may remember from Weeping Willow), announces she wants more out of life than being a housewife, and Daddy thinks this is unreasonable. He moves out and that ugly word d-i-v-o-r-c-e becomes a reality. Soon Mama's time becomes consumed with waiting tables and taking college classes. Daddy remarries, adopts two sons, and has a new baby daughter. Piper can't help but feel as if she doesn't belong anywhere anymore, and her only comfort is found in spending time with Lindy and their friend Bucky, whose life is full of his own share of family trouble. Piper's growing interest in and talent for poetry help her find a voice to say the things that are hardest and make an important decision about following her own dreams.

Publishers Weekly

In 1970s North Carolina, a 10-year-old finds herself displaced when her parents divorce. "The author authentically conveys Piper's feelings of confusion and ambivalence; for kids buffeted by divorce, the book may be a salve," according to PW. Ages 10-up. (Apr.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.