Getting Near To Baby

Newberry Honor Book

Author: Audrey Couloumbis

Number of pages: 211

Year published: 2000

Getting Near to Baby is a really wonderful, and sometimes tear-provoking, book that is told from the main characters, Willa Jo, point of view. Willa Jo and her sister go to live with their no-nonsense Aunt Patty after Baby, their baby sister, dies.  Aunt Patty thought it best to let their Mother be alone for a little while. The book starts off with Willa Jo and Little Sister on the roof of Aunt Patty's house, watching the sunrise.  Willa Jo narrates their story about how they first came to Aunt Patty's and how Baby died. She and Little Sister have many funny and interesting adventures and annoy Aunt Patty to wits end!

I really enjoyed reading this book, and for me, it was very thought-provoking. Willa Jo is extremely protective of Little Sister, and they both miss their Mom and worry about her. Willa Jo is a free spirit, and she doesn't like the ways of adults and, especially, Aunt Patty, who does not tolerate " young people's sass and disobedience." In a way, the whole idea of this book is a bit sad, and there were a couple of parts where I thought, gee, I really feel bad for them. Willa Jo feels responsible for her sister and she feels a bit resentful to Aunt Patty, I think. But we see everybody's character evolve through the course of the book. Yes, even Aunt Patty!  

I would recommend this book to ages around 11-12. It is thoughtful and a bit sad, as there are a lot of emotions flying around. 

All in all, a great book!!