May B. (2012)

This was a good solid middle grade story about a girl named May during the early settlers time of Kansas where homes are few and far apart and children start work early. To help bring more money to her family, May is sent to live with a newly married couple to help with things like cooking and cleaning just until Christmas. May does not want to be sent away from home, but she has no choice. It is August when she arrives. The new bride is not happy about being there and is homesick. One day sometime in August, the new bride runs away and the husband goes out to find her. May is left alone. May waits and tries to continue caring for the home, but hours turns into days, days turns to weeks, and weeks turns to months. During this time, she is struggling to survive with what she has as well as trying to keep up with her schooling as she is dyslexic and has difficulties reading. It truly amazes me what kids were capable of back then. I don't think many children would know how to care for themselves in this way. This was a super quick read and it is written in verse. I read the entire thing in just a couple of hours. ( )

I enjoyed this pioneer story of twelve-year-old May, struggling to survive on her own on the prairies. I also liked her flashbacks at school where she battled with learning difficulties, they made her more relatable and interesting, and showed her resilience and strength of character. May's voice was compelling and I think many readers would identify with her.

Written in verse "May B" was a quick, lyrical read which finished with a sense of hope. ( )

It’s Kansas in the days of horse-drawn wagons and houses made of sod. Mavis Betterly, otherwise known as May B., must go live with the newlywed neighbors and help them keep house. The problem is that the neighbors are fifteen miles away, and May doesn’t want to go. She wants to stay home and continue to improve her reading, a subject she finds very difficult. May goes, only slightly comforted to know that her father will come back right before Christmas to bring her home.

But with months left to stay, the wife leaves, and the husband goes after her. After several days, May realizes they aren’t coming back. She finds herself alone in the house, with wolves out on the prairie, a limited supply of food and firewood, no idea which way is home, and winter fast approaching.

Can May B. survive? Will she believe the people from her past who have told her she’s no good, or will she decide for herself what she’s capable of?

This novel is told in unrhymed verse and moves very quickly. If you like historical fiction and stories of strong, determined kids, spend an afternoon with May B. ( )

I fell in love with May; her determination, strength, and courage are characteristics of a hero anyone would root for. I was so proud of her throughout her whole adventure. ( )

I roared through this book in two sittings. It is beautifully written - and completely in verse!! I usually dislike narratives in verse, but May B crossed over into being liked by all readers.

I read this with my girls book group, aged 9-13, and they all really enjoyed reading it. They empathized with May B - her challenges at the school, her isolation, and her overall journey.

An excellent read, recommended for everyone. ( )