FICTION

Best Kept Secret

by Ann M. MARTIN
224p. (Family Tree: Bk. 3). Scholastic. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780545359443. LC 2013032027.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–7—In this third installment of the series which follows four generations of women in the same family, readers get to know Francie, a girl growing up in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Francie struggles with dyslexia and has difficulty in school. The slim volume follows her, chapter by chapter, as she overcomes her learning disability and graduates from college. A secondary purchase where circulation of the previous two titles is strong.
In book three of Martin's multigenerational family saga, Francie (Abby's granddaughter and Dana's daughter) faces challenges throughout her childhood, from dyslexia to a frightening attempted abduction (the titular secret) to her parents' divorce to beloved great-aunt Adele's cancer diagnosis. The episodic structure strains under the weight of too much family history and drama, but Martin manages to keep the narrative voice engaging throughout.
Reviewed by Staff , Aug 01, 2014

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?