
Henshaw was the favorite novel of a lot of people when they were kids, but that does not mean newer books should imitate its epistolary format. I Miss You was "Not another novel told in letters!" I appreciate that Dear Mr. My first thought about this book, on the heels of reading P.S. Marsworth writes replies every so often, and through this correspondence the unlikely pair devise strategies for keeping Billy safely out of Vietnam and bring to light the long-lost secret of the connection between their families. Though clearly overwhelmed by Reenie's unfettered affection for him, Mr. Unwilling to remain strangers, Reenie begins writing letters to Mr. Marsworth, a reclusive pacifist who has been ostracized by his neighbors for many years, does not respond when she rings his bell. Reenie, who is highly enthusiastic about having a job, goes out of her way to introduce herself at every house where she will deliver papers. To raise money to possibly help Billy pay for college, Reenie and Dare share a paper route. Billy, who was meant to go to college, must now pump gas to earn money, and worse, he worries constantly about being drafted to serve in Vietnam. The family has very little money, so her father has had to leave the children - Reenie and her older brothers, Dare and Billy - in the care of their grandmother while he goes to North Dakota for a job building roads. She has been going through a difficult time ever since her mom died from cancer. In the summer of 1968, Reenie Kelly has just moved to Lake Liberty, Minnesota. In this heartwarming piece of historical fiction, critically acclaimed author Sheila O’Connor delivers a tale of devotion, sacrifice, and family. Marsworth’s dedication to her cause goes far beyond his antiwar beliefs. Together, they concoct a plan to keep Billy home, though Reenie doesn’t know Mr. Marsworth hears this, he knows he can’t stand idly by. Reenie is desperate to stop him, and when Mr.

Through their letters, Reenie tells of her older brother Billy, who might enlist to fight in the Vietnam War. Slowly, the two become pen pals, striking up the most unlikely of friendships. When he doesn’t answer his doorbell, Reenie begins to leave him letters. As they introduce themselves to every home on their route, Reenie’s stumped by just one-the house belonging to Mr. Adjusting to life in her parents’ Midwestern hometown isn’t easy, but once Reenie takes up a paper route with her older brother Dare, she has something she can look forward to.

When eleven-year-old Reenie Kelly’s mother passes away, she and her brothers are shipped off to live with their grandmother.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, one young girl is determined to save her brother from the draft-and gets help from an unlikely source-in this middle-grade tale, perfect for fans of The Wednesday Wars
