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Rising Above Shepherdsville
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Table of Contents
About The Book
In the summer of 1977, twelve-year-old Dulcie Louise Dixon arrives on the doorstep of her Aunt Bernie’s farmhouse in Shepherdsville, Ohio, with no voice, a spelling bee trophy, a Webster’s Dictionary, and a box full of ashes. She tries to adjust to her new situation, but can’t forget the words she left behind or the mother she’s lost to suicide.
One day, Dulcie discovers a secret place: a swan’s nest in the woods where at last, her broken world begins to mend. With the help of her surprising new friends—a guitar-playing runaway, a poetry-loving preacher, a one-armed gas station attendant, a singing seamstress, a chained-up hunting dog, and a family of swans—Dulcie is finally able to rise out of her sadness and grief to find her voice once again.
Product Details
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books (July 16, 2019)
- Length: 320 pages
- ISBN13: 9781481452854
- Grades: 3 - 7
- Ages: 8 - 12
- Lexile ® 820L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
Browse Related Books
- 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th Grade
- 6th Grade
- 7th Grade
- Age 4 - 8
- Age 9 - 11
- Age 12 and Up
- Lexile ® 791 - 890
- Children's Fiction > Social Themes > Death, Grief, Bereavement
- Children's Fiction > Social Situations > Death & Dying
- Children's Fiction > Social Situations > Emotions & Feelings
- Children's Fiction > Depression & Mental Illness
Raves and Reviews
Schoenbohm takes chances in her debut, weaving themes of spirituality and religion into a narrative about runaways and suicide. The story, set in the 1970s, is a superb balancing act, shifting effortlessly between Dulcie’s heartfelt hurt, descriptions of her new environment, and her awe in the presence of swans. The book’s many expressions of grace, despite the drama, are never over-the-top and always feel natural. Sensitive readers who enjoy tales of overcoming hardship will take Dulcie’s plight to heart. A stunning debut, highly recommended for all libraries.
– Booklist, Starred Review, May 1, 2019
The strongest moments bring the natural world and its creatures, feathered and human, to life through Dulcie's observant eyes.
– Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2019
There’s a Kate DiCamillo flavor to Dulcie’s narration, set in 1977, and the flavorful style and well-chosen detail effectively create the atmosphere.
– BCCB, June 2019
This story radiates a sense of comfort and warmth. Schoenbohm writes with rich, emotive language that envelops readers in a cozy hug and offers safety even in the face of heavy themes like depression, suicide, and domestic abuse (some readers may benefit from being able to talk through these subjects with a trusted friend or adult). Schoenbohm deftly captures the spirit of each character, from the wise and generous Evangeline to the feisty and untrusting Faith, who feel genuine as their layers are slowly revealed. VERDICT A moving tale in the vein of Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie and Clare Vanderpool’s Moon over Manifest; sure to resonate with upper middle grade readers and adults.
– School Library Journal, June 2019
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Rising Above Shepherdsville eBook 9781481452854
- Author Photo (jpg): Ann Schoenbohm Jonathan Conklin Photography(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit