Dear America Series – The Diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce, Portland, Maine, 1918
Written by Lois Lowry
This book is a classic historical fiction novel from the Dear America series. It is the diary of a young girl, Lydia, who along with her brother moves from their home in Portland, Maine to live with the Shakers when her little sister, mother and father die after contracting the Spanish Influenza. Daniel cannot adjust and moves from the Shaker community. Lydia, who is very independent, learns to embrace the Shaker life. I feel this book depicts what life was like in 1918 when many children were orphaned by the Spanish Influenza epidemic. I enjoyed it very much.
Review by Vassi Maritsas, Spring Lane Elem. Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Dear America Series
Like the Willow Tree: The Diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce, Portland, Maine, 1918
Written by Lois Lowry
Scholastic, Inc.
216 pages
Release Date: January 1, 2011
ISBN: 9780545144698 (hardcover)
