Billie Standish Was Here
“My name is Billie Standish. William Marie Standish.
It’s pretty clear what my parents’ expectations were.”
And so begins the story of Billie Standish, 11 years old in 1968 Cumberland, Missouri -- a town where “nothing much bigger than a silent fart can get past the neighbors....”
Relentless rain threatens the nearby levees, and all the town has evacuated before the coming flood except Billie, her parents, their elderly neighbor Lydia Jenkins, and Miss Lydia’s grown son Curtis.
Neglected by her busy parents, Billie finds a steadfast friend in Miss Lydia. But when Curtis commits an unthinkable act, Billie’s and Miss Lydia’s lives are changed -- and intertwined -- forever.
“An amazing, heartfelt coming-of-age story, with characters I came to know and love! You’ll laugh, rant, and cry as Billie comes to terms with her situation, her neglectful parents, and herself.”
--Barb Bassett, for Summer 2007 Children’s Book Sense Picks
published by Simon & Schuster, 2007
Other praise for Billie Standish Was Here:
”This tender, touching account of intergenerational friendship provides rich historical context for two memorable female characters who redefine the meaning of family and love.”
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review); also a Kirkus Editor’s Pick, Best Books for Young Adults, 2007
“Funny and poignant... (a) heartfelt portrayal of the genuine regard between two spirited, sharply drawn main characters.”
--Booklist Top 10 First Novels for Youth, 2007
“...beautiful, painful, and complex...”
--School Library Journal
“...meant for readers ages 14 and older, it would be a shame if this book were not read by adults everywhere.”
-- Kelly Herold, Big A, little a
More citations and awards:
--finalist, 2007 Cybil Award
--New York Library’s Books for the Teen Age 2008
--finalist, Minnesota Book Award
--chosen for TAYSHA Reading List, 2009
--finalist, Gateway Award 2009-2010
--finalist, Society for Midland Authors
