A Blue-Eyed Daisy Book

Ellie Farley's father, Okey, drinks too much, mostly because he hasn't been able to work since he was injured in a mining accident. He hasn't been able to hunt, either, so it's strange when he brings home a hunting dog, a beagle named Bullet.

But Bullet is only the first odd thing that happens to Ellie the year she's eleven. She sees a favorite uncle go off to war; a boy in her class has a fit in the middle of geography and another is accidentally killed while target shooting; and Okey drives his Chevy pickup off the mountain, with near-tragic consequences. But still Ellie manages the ordinary pleasures of making a best friend and getting kissed for the first time -- it's no wonder she confides to Bullet on her twelfth birthday, "Some year."

Children's Literature

Ellie lives with her family in West Virginia. Her father, Okey, had an accident in the coal mines and has not worked for years. One day in the fall, Okey brings home a beagle and Ellie confides in Bullet, her new friend. Ellie persuades her dad to take her hunting and she is good with a gun. She treasures these times with her dad and Bullet. In winter, her Uncle Joe goes off to war and Ellie makes hand painted cookies to give as her Christmas present. In the spring, Ellie's best friend, Carolyn has a birthday party and during spin the bottle, Ellie experiences her first kiss. Also during school that year a boy in her class has a fit in geography class. In the summer, Okey drives his truck off the mountain and is near death. Ellie turns to the Bible and and prays for his recovery. Her prayers are answered;her father will get well. One day, Ellie walks up the road instead of down and is greeted by an elderly neighbor lady. They talk about her dad and share strawberry biscuits. As Ellie waits for another birthday, she confides in Bullet that this had been a good year. 2001 (orig. 1985), Aladdin Paperbacks, $4.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer:Karen Werner