BeaLu Books
That Smudge of Smoke
That Smudge of Smoke
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Author(s): Edith M. Hemingway
There are good ships, there are wood ships, there are ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be! Introducing a middle-grade novel that recognizes the applications of this old Irish proverb throughout the centuries and across the seas. That Smudge of Smoke by Edie Hemingway traverses numerous pillars of adolescence - family dynamics, loss, independence, healing, friendship, and the power of music, while exploring the historical backdrop of life aboard a steamboat in 1929.
VLA Cardinal Cup 2024 List for historical fiction Recipient
Review(s):
"That Smudge of Smoke transports readers back nearly 100 years to a time when steamboats traveled Chesapeake Bay, carrying freight, passengers, and mail to isolated communities. When twelve-year-old Piper’s mother dies, she is suddenly uprooted from her home and living on a steamboat with her father, the captain. The story is filled with historical events, such as the crash of the New York stock exchange, that readers experience vicariously through Piper’s eyes. We also learn about books popular at the time (The Boxcar Children Series to Jane Eyre) that Piper’s teacher introduces to her. Aboard the steamboat, Piper observes sea birds and the phases of the moon, piquing readers’ interest in science. A sudden twist in the plot brings the reader into the twenty-first century with a new character, Garrett, who is experiencing a loss of his own. Hemingway deftly joins the two stories and even includes a surprise character to appeal to readers' imagination.
"In addition to many connections to history and science in That Smudge of Smoke, teachers will find it valuable in teaching literary devices, character development, setting, and other connections to teaching standards for literature. The greatest value of the book lies in its ability to draw middle grade students into a compelling story with authentic characters, an adventurous setting, and a bit of mystery. If your goal is to inspire students to become lifelong readers who pick up books for pleasure and information, That Smudge of Smoke will help you reach that goal."
-Connie Green, Education Professor Emeritus, Appalachian State University
Hardcover ISBN: 9781735645544
Paperback / Softcover ISBN: 9781735645551
Ebook / Digital Edition ISBN: 9781962981361
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