The return of one of childrens literatures most memorable characters is agift indeed. The eccentric forceful bighearted Grandma Dowdel is the starof the Newbery... » 

The return of one of childrens literatures most memorable characters is agift indeed. The eccentric forceful bighearted Grandma Dowdel is the starof the Newbery Medalawinning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honorawinning ALong Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isnat overanot evenclose. It is now 1958 and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs.Dowdel a Methodist minister and his wife and kids. Soon Mrs. Dowdel will workher particular brand of charmaor medicine depending on who youare askingaonall of them tenyearold Bob who is shy on courage in a town full of bullieshis two fascinating sisters and even Bobas two parents who are amazed todiscover that the last house in town might also be the most vital. AsChristmas rolls around the Barnhart family realizes that theyave found a truehomeaand a neighbor who gives gifts that will last a lifetime. «