The Barn Burner
Encyclopedia
The Barn Burner is a novel written by Patricia Willis
. Its publishing date is for the hardcover edition April 17, 2000. The Paperback edition was published on May 1, 2002.
After a family disagreement, Ross Cooper leaves home with only a knapsack and the clothes on his back. He hopes to find work, but job prospects in the 1930s are dim, especially for someone as young and inexperienced as Ross. His troubles worsen after he is spotted fleeing a burning barn in a Ohio town where a number of barns have gone up in flames. Though a kind but destitute family takes Ross in, he yearns to hit the road again, especially when another barn is set afire and he falls under suspicion. But stronger than his wish to leave is his hope to discover the true identity of the barn burner and clear his name. This moving and fast-paced story captures the spirit of determination and hope boys like Ross needed to survive during the Great Depression
.
Indiana Young Hoosier Award Nominees 2002-2003 Intermediate (Grades 4-6).
Patricia Willis
Patricia Willis is an American author of historical novels for middle-grade readers. She won the Western Writers of America Spur Award for her novel Danger Along the Ohio. She lives in North Canton, Ohio.-See also:Danger Along the OhioThe Barn Burner...
. Its publishing date is for the hardcover edition April 17, 2000. The Paperback edition was published on May 1, 2002.
Synopsis
In 1933 while running from a bad situation at home and suspected of having set fire to a barn, 14-year-old Ross finds haven with a destitute but loving family which helps him make an important decision.After a family disagreement, Ross Cooper leaves home with only a knapsack and the clothes on his back. He hopes to find work, but job prospects in the 1930s are dim, especially for someone as young and inexperienced as Ross. His troubles worsen after he is spotted fleeing a burning barn in a Ohio town where a number of barns have gone up in flames. Though a kind but destitute family takes Ross in, he yearns to hit the road again, especially when another barn is set afire and he falls under suspicion. But stronger than his wish to leave is his hope to discover the true identity of the barn burner and clear his name. This moving and fast-paced story captures the spirit of determination and hope boys like Ross needed to survive during the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
.
Awards
Children's Crown Award for Lamplighter award [runner up].Indiana Young Hoosier Award Nominees 2002-2003 Intermediate (Grades 4-6).