Book Brief - Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill

Mary Ann Hoberman

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (July 1, 2009)

It was a time when children just had to be home in time for lunch. A time when scheduling time to play together would have been considered crazy. A time when a dime was worth something. A time when ice cream was a rare treat. A time when staying inside during the day meant you were sick or it was raining. A time when children explored outside instead of on the internet. A time when parents raised children by actually disciplining their own children as well as children who weren’t their own. It was also, unfortunately, occasionally a time of prejudice.

“I want you to understand something,” she said. “You can be dirty on the outside or you can be dirty on the inside. Outside dirt can be washed off. But when you call people names that insult your religion, you’re dirty on the inside. And that’s not washed away so easily.”

Ten year old Allie is moving to a street called Strawberry Hill. With a magical name like that she doesn’t mind moving so much. Things change when she gets to the new house as she struggles with the change in school, friends, and neighborhood.

Somewhat reminiscent of The Penderwicks on Gardam Street or, perhaps, The Great Brain this is a poetic look back at a simpler childhood. Nostalgic, yet contemporary, as it addresses relationship struggles common to any age, this is a timeless book that will be enjoyed by children as well as adults.

By the way, there is only One who can wash away the inside.

Rating: Hardback