What do you think?
Rate this book
Every Day After
It's been two months since Lizzie's daddy disappeared due to the awful Depression. Lizzie's praying he'll return to Bittersweet, Alabama, for her birthday. It won't feel special without him, what with Lizzie's Mama being so sad she won't even talk and the bank nipping at their heels for a mortgage payment.
Daddy expected her to be the best at any cost. But Lizzie claims "that cost me my top grades and my best friend. It's dumped 'em both square into Erin's hands. She's gone batty if she thinks she's gonna get me carted off to the orphanage."
While Lizzie waits, she gets comfort writing in her journal. As time passes, she can only picture her daddy's face by opening her locket. If others can get by, why did her daddy leave? If he doesn't return, how can she overcome the same obstacles that drove him away?
Daddy expected her to be the best at any cost. But Lizzie claims "that cost me my top grades and my best friend. It's dumped 'em both square into Erin's hands. She's gone batty if she thinks she's gonna get me carted off to the orphanage."
While Lizzie waits, she gets comfort writing in her journal. As time passes, she can only picture her daddy's face by opening her locket. If others can get by, why did her daddy leave? If he doesn't return, how can she overcome the same obstacles that drove him away?
224 pages
First published June 11, 2013
About the author
Laura Golden
1 book10 followersLaura Golden was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She never dreamed she'd one day become an author, but there is no doubt that she has always been a reader. According to her mother, she taught herself to read at an early age by poring over the words on cereal boxes at breakfast.
Her fondest memories of childhood reading include listening to Disney Read-Along cassette tapes for hours at a time and discovering Judy Blume's TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING and Marguerite Henry's KING OF THE WIND in the school library. Later on she would discover the classic Southern novels TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE by fellow Alabama authors Harper Lee and Fannie Flagg.
Laura remains an Alabama-girl, living in the country a half-hour outside of Birmingham. Her first book, a historical middle grade novel titled EVERY DAY AFTER, will release from Delacorte Press/RHCB on June 11, 2013. She has her fingers crossed that this first novel will not be her last.
Her fondest memories of childhood reading include listening to Disney Read-Along cassette tapes for hours at a time and discovering Judy Blume's TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING and Marguerite Henry's KING OF THE WIND in the school library. Later on she would discover the classic Southern novels TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE by fellow Alabama authors Harper Lee and Fannie Flagg.
Laura remains an Alabama-girl, living in the country a half-hour outside of Birmingham. Her first book, a historical middle grade novel titled EVERY DAY AFTER, will release from Delacorte Press/RHCB on June 11, 2013. She has her fingers crossed that this first novel will not be her last.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 19, 2013
Well, I think I just read my favorite contender for the 2014 Newbery so far! Lizzie is a girl who has been fighting all her life to be a winner. Her father has pushed her in school because she has brains, and she has been used to beating everyone. Ben, her best friend, has been by her side for as long as she remembers, but lately, he seems to be pulling away. Recently, her father has disappeared - it's the Depression, and he has set off to find work. When will he come back? Lizzie believes with all her heart that he will be back. Her mother is falling apart, but Lizzie takes care of her. Erin is making her life miserable at school, determined to take her place as the top student. Lizzie has a lot to learn about life and herself. She doesn't want to ask anyone for help - she's a fighter, and she thinks she can handle everything on her own. She reminds me of Katherine Hannigan's Ida B. You'll root for Lizzie throughout this book and cheer for her as she fights the world and learns what it is to be a real winner. The poem at the end made me cry. Laura Golden wrote a fabulous debut novel!
September 20, 2019
Lizzie Hawkins is trying REALLY hard to keep it together after her Daddy has high-tailed it without warning because the depression is on and he can't provide for his family. Her mama has gone into a comatose state of shock. Lizzie has to get up, get her mama dressed, make sure she eats a little something and put her on the back porch in a rocking chair before she leaves for school - where she can talk to her best friend, Ben, but is perpetually bullied by her arch enemy, Erin Sawyer. Lizzie has always been the best student in class, a fact that made her Daddy so proud since he always pushed her to do more - but Erin wants that top spot and she will do anything to get it. Erin's plan is to have Lizzie's mama committed to a sanitarium so Lizzie will have to go to an orphanage. What Erin doesn't count on, though, is the support of the community and Lizzie's resourcefulness.
Parts of this story really made me angry. Erin never did relent. Although I do understand why she acted out - I was hoping for some grace for her own sake. The story didn't have the ending I expected, but I liked the fact that it didn't end so sickeningly sweet like so many children's books do.
Parts of this story really made me angry. Erin never did relent. Although I do understand why she acted out - I was hoping for some grace for her own sake. The story didn't have the ending I expected, but I liked the fact that it didn't end so sickeningly sweet like so many children's books do.
March 10, 2013
“Trouble has rained down on Lizzie Hawkins. Her daddy has deserted the family, her mama is silent with sadness, and the bank is after their house…”
(From the Goodreads blurb).
From the blurb’s first sentence, I was hooked. I don’t know whether the author wrote it herself, but I suspect so, since the voice inside the pages—written in first person from Lizzie’s point of view—is just as strong, if not stronger. It was in my head from page one, and never let go throughout this Depression-era story set in the especially hard-bitten south. This book has an innocence to it, yet is full of the fire of its main character, as well as the grit of the unimaginably difficult situation facing her: holding her life together, and her mama’s, after the breadwinner—her adored daddy—has left. You can bet that situations like this were not uncommon at that time, which makes the book all the more poignant. This is real stuff, folks, which according to the author’s bio, she gleaned firsthand from elder friends and family who lived it.
Lizzie is feisty and headstrong, admirable in her determination and resourcefulness, which makes her very likeable—a good thing, as at times, she’s also downright annoying, and yet still manages to be likeable. We as the reader see her flaws and witness the reasons her friendship with the lovely Ben begins to fall apart, while she blithely tells events the way she sees them—often very differently from our view, (except when it comes to the horrid Erin Sawyer). This dichotomy is hard enough for an author to pull off in a third-person narrative where there’s the benefit of external cues and/or narrative interjections, but I think is even harder in a first-person narrative. Yet Laura Golden somehow manages to make us see Lizzie as she is, even though Lizzie herself is blind to the faults that keep leading her into hot water.
While Every Day After tells the story of the overlying drama in Lizzie’s life, it’s also woven through with deeper currents and issues which are as relevant to teens today as they were then: poverty, bullying (including an understanding of why this book’s bully is as she is), abandonment, mother-daughter role reversal (Lizzie having to fend for her mom, who’s become almost comatose with grief). Yet for all the emotional weight in this book, it never becomes heavy, and for and all Lizzie’s flaws, one thing she can’t be accused of is being self-pitying, or dull, or pessimistic. She remains likeable even in her worst moments, and I was rooting for her all the way.
Which of us sees ourselves clearly? We like to think we do, which is precisely one of Lizzie’s flaws; but it’s only when realization dawns—as with any of us—that she’s able to pull together a positive ending (without, however, being sappy—some circumstances don’t change, after all) and make the most of her strengths. Lizzie is a character who will inspire readers her own age to begin to look at themselves and find similar flaws—and, more importantly, gifts.
(From the Goodreads blurb).
From the blurb’s first sentence, I was hooked. I don’t know whether the author wrote it herself, but I suspect so, since the voice inside the pages—written in first person from Lizzie’s point of view—is just as strong, if not stronger. It was in my head from page one, and never let go throughout this Depression-era story set in the especially hard-bitten south. This book has an innocence to it, yet is full of the fire of its main character, as well as the grit of the unimaginably difficult situation facing her: holding her life together, and her mama’s, after the breadwinner—her adored daddy—has left. You can bet that situations like this were not uncommon at that time, which makes the book all the more poignant. This is real stuff, folks, which according to the author’s bio, she gleaned firsthand from elder friends and family who lived it.
Lizzie is feisty and headstrong, admirable in her determination and resourcefulness, which makes her very likeable—a good thing, as at times, she’s also downright annoying, and yet still manages to be likeable. We as the reader see her flaws and witness the reasons her friendship with the lovely Ben begins to fall apart, while she blithely tells events the way she sees them—often very differently from our view, (except when it comes to the horrid Erin Sawyer). This dichotomy is hard enough for an author to pull off in a third-person narrative where there’s the benefit of external cues and/or narrative interjections, but I think is even harder in a first-person narrative. Yet Laura Golden somehow manages to make us see Lizzie as she is, even though Lizzie herself is blind to the faults that keep leading her into hot water.
While Every Day After tells the story of the overlying drama in Lizzie’s life, it’s also woven through with deeper currents and issues which are as relevant to teens today as they were then: poverty, bullying (including an understanding of why this book’s bully is as she is), abandonment, mother-daughter role reversal (Lizzie having to fend for her mom, who’s become almost comatose with grief). Yet for all the emotional weight in this book, it never becomes heavy, and for and all Lizzie’s flaws, one thing she can’t be accused of is being self-pitying, or dull, or pessimistic. She remains likeable even in her worst moments, and I was rooting for her all the way.
Which of us sees ourselves clearly? We like to think we do, which is precisely one of Lizzie’s flaws; but it’s only when realization dawns—as with any of us—that she’s able to pull together a positive ending (without, however, being sappy—some circumstances don’t change, after all) and make the most of her strengths. Lizzie is a character who will inspire readers her own age to begin to look at themselves and find similar flaws—and, more importantly, gifts.
July 31, 2013
I loved, loved, loved Every Day After by Laura Golden. I love it not because the characters are oh-so-perfect. I love it because the characters are oh-so-human. Our heroine, Lizzie Hawkins, is flawed but lovable. Every Day After is her coming-of-age story, and it's a great one.
Every Day After is set in the early 1930s. Lizzie's father recently abandoned his family because he knew that they were about to lose their house. In addition, her mother has not been the same since he left. She has checked out mentally and emotionally. She has lost touch with reality.
Lizzie doesn't know why her father left; she even hopes that he will come back and save them all. But Lizzie is determined to be strong and brave and resourceful until then. She will take care of her mother. She will not let her mother be put into a mental hospital. She will not let the authorities put her into an orphanage.
Her father had a simple rule: never, ever accept charity. To ask for help is to show weakness, and weakness is to be despised. But does Lizzie have to be strong in the same way as her Dad?
Lizzie may feel she has to do it alone. But there are people in her life who do care.
Lizzie has a best friend, Ben, and a worst enemy, Erin. It drives Lizzie crazy that Ben doesn't hate Erin too. That Ben actually treats Erin with kindness and respect. She thinks that because Erin treats her awful, bullies and teases her, that Ben should hate Erin on principle. But it is not in Ben's nature to HATE anyone. He is gentle and sensitive and compassionate. He sees what Lizzie absolutely cannot: that Erin is in tremendous emotional pain. I loved the themes of this novel. How Lizzie "grew" through the novel, how she learned about life, love, friendship, and family.
What I loved the most about Every Day After was the characterization and the writing. I CARED DEEPLY about the characters. Some scenes were very intense and uncomfortable because I felt so much. I adored Ben!!!
Every Day After is set in the early 1930s. Lizzie's father recently abandoned his family because he knew that they were about to lose their house. In addition, her mother has not been the same since he left. She has checked out mentally and emotionally. She has lost touch with reality.
Lizzie doesn't know why her father left; she even hopes that he will come back and save them all. But Lizzie is determined to be strong and brave and resourceful until then. She will take care of her mother. She will not let her mother be put into a mental hospital. She will not let the authorities put her into an orphanage.
Her father had a simple rule: never, ever accept charity. To ask for help is to show weakness, and weakness is to be despised. But does Lizzie have to be strong in the same way as her Dad?
Lizzie may feel she has to do it alone. But there are people in her life who do care.
Lizzie has a best friend, Ben, and a worst enemy, Erin. It drives Lizzie crazy that Ben doesn't hate Erin too. That Ben actually treats Erin with kindness and respect. She thinks that because Erin treats her awful, bullies and teases her, that Ben should hate Erin on principle. But it is not in Ben's nature to HATE anyone. He is gentle and sensitive and compassionate. He sees what Lizzie absolutely cannot: that Erin is in tremendous emotional pain. I loved the themes of this novel. How Lizzie "grew" through the novel, how she learned about life, love, friendship, and family.
What I loved the most about Every Day After was the characterization and the writing. I CARED DEEPLY about the characters. Some scenes were very intense and uncomfortable because I felt so much. I adored Ben!!!
Read
July 3, 2014 I made strong connections to this story of a young girl trying her best to solve big problems during the tough times of the Great Depression. Laura Golden tells the poignant story of eleven year old Lizzie Hawkins whose father has deserted the family after being laid off at a local mill and whose mother has gone silent from that terrible loss. I know that many of us are fortunate enough that we might never endure the poverty that so many faced at that time, although some in the US, and all over the world, still do. My maternal grandfather, with a family of five children, lost the family farm during that time, and his family of seven moved into a house and shared it with a family of six who also needed a home. My mother told of the sadness of the time, but also that the parents made the times happy through looking at it all as if it was a wonderful experience to be together. And so, for the children at least, it was.
The story’s chapters are proverb titles from a book that Lizzie’s mother used to read, and now Lizzie reads to her mother, hoping that soon she will speak again. For a middle grade novel, the story is complex, full of lessons of knowing oneself truthfully, figuring out that people are not always what they seem, that there are lessons to be learned in life like asking for help is not a bad thing at all. Laura Golden weaves the story in and out of the proverbs, Lizzie’s journal writing, and her thoughts beautifully, ending the story with an poem of inspiration everyone will appreciate. It will make a good read aloud for discussions of problems in times past connecting to similar problems today.
The story’s chapters are proverb titles from a book that Lizzie’s mother used to read, and now Lizzie reads to her mother, hoping that soon she will speak again. For a middle grade novel, the story is complex, full of lessons of knowing oneself truthfully, figuring out that people are not always what they seem, that there are lessons to be learned in life like asking for help is not a bad thing at all. Laura Golden weaves the story in and out of the proverbs, Lizzie’s journal writing, and her thoughts beautifully, ending the story with an poem of inspiration everyone will appreciate. It will make a good read aloud for discussions of problems in times past connecting to similar problems today.
November 27, 2016
This book talked about how this little girl (Lizzie) had a mom and a mom and a dad. One day her dad lost his job. The father looked for so long for the right job. One day Lizzie's dad just left with only a note for his wife and daughter. Then her mom just kind of shut down, she never even moved. I think that the theme that fit this book the most is: Be Your Best Self. When Lizzie was struggling with school and taking care of her mom she wanted to ask for help but her dad would be disapointed in her. When things were getting to hard for her to handle she wouldn't cry for the same exact reason as asking for help. When she was running out of money she wouldn't ask somebody for a job. This book was very inspirational in many many ways. I loved how she wasn't going to let her enemy win in pushing her down. She stood up for herself and didn't let her enemy let her still her best friend. What my opinion is for this book is, this book really goes on the inside of what this little girl was feeling. how much she was hurting inside and how much she didn't want to let her family go. I loved how much meaning this author put into this book and how she made it come alive. I loved how she made the characters talk their emotions and their feelings. I loved how Lizzie didn't give up when her family was going to be taken away. And how she didn't back down when things be came serious. This book had real meaning to it and I really loved that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2013
I absolutely loved this depression era story! For a debut novel, the author hit a home run in my opinion! The characterization was phenomenal! You truly cannot read this book without hating the antagonist, yet wanting desperately to find something redeeming in them to like. You will certainly find yourself feeling the desperation of Lizzie, the main character, as she struggles and fights for herself and her family. I loved that the author made me root for Lizzie so strongly - despite her own character flaws. Great read! Glad I took the risk to purchase this one for my classroom library before even reading it!
January 11, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because the fighting between Lizzie and Erin really wore on me, especially when they did it right in front of adults. I know the author wanted to paint Erin in a bad light, but I can't believe she didn't have one ounce of good in her. Just seemed a bit much as times. But, otherwise great book!
February 11, 2015
Started off slow but I'm so glad I stuck with it. I loved that the end didn't tie up all loose ends but left the readers feeling satisfied. I could see this one being a surprise Newbery winner. Golden's writing puts me in mind of Jenni Holm.
October 19, 2014
Sweet book. Reminds me of Little House on the Prairie books crossed with To Kill a Mockingbird.
June 9, 2021
From Impossible to Uplifting
This is very well written and depicts ,in my opinion,a great representation of the strength that kept our country going through the worst of times,proof that we ARE all in this together.
This is very well written and depicts ,in my opinion,a great representation of the strength that kept our country going through the worst of times,proof that we ARE all in this together.
October 10, 2018
I really like the book! I was upset at the very end when Lizzie's dad never showed up :( I was really thinking by the end of the book he'd be back. Oh well. It was still really good!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
I really fell in love with this book. The story was so emotional and the journey is inspiring. I can say for sure that I teared up at parts. A definite must read.
March 9, 2019
I loved the character of Lizzie Hawkins. I'd recommend this book to all ages--it's wonderful. Four stars.
November 18, 2019
Sweet read. Slight spoiler: Adoptive parents be aware of potential adoption abandonment, trauma themes and language
Read
September 18, 2020Loved it! I could identify with Lizzie.
I could stand a sequel!
I could stand a sequel!
May 11, 2016
Ever since the Great Depression hit Bittersweet, Alabama hard, Lizzie Hawkins has seen nothing but rain. All 1931 and into 1932 there's nothing but rain in her life. First, Daddy left and then Mama stopped talking. Then there's a mean girl, Erin, in school trying to take Lizzie down and the bank wants their mortgage payment. Her best friend Ben is slipping away and turning towards Erin. How much rain can a girl take? Every day after Daddy leaves Lizzie tries to remain proud and strong just as he taught her. She tries to be the daughter he would want her to be and the daughter he loved so much. With the Depression getting worse instead of better and Erin threatening to spill Lizzie's secret, Lizzie is worried sick. Will the doctor take away her Mama to a hospital? Will the sheriff come and take Lizzie to an orphanage?
I had to keep reading to find out the answers to the questions. I actually skipped ahead to the end before I could sleep. I went back and read the middle later. I've seen Annie a million and one times so I know how a Depression-era orphanage might seem to Lizzie. I also read Intruders at Rivermead Manor: A Kit Mystery which deals with orphanages as we so I was rooting for Lizzie to make it all work out. The prose is beautiful and lyrical in spots as well. I loved the writing. This book is told in the first person from 12 year old Lizzie's point-of-view. She is a soul sister to Scout Finch. The author nicely captures that childlike innocence and adoration for her father that Harper Lee did so well with Scout. Lizzie isn't quite as precocious and her issues are more personal. She's still an interesting character though. The other characters are also well drawn. I HATED Erin and wanted to smack her. She got me blood boiling and I would not have been able to keep my mouth shut if I were Lizzie. Even after her problem is revealed, I still didn't feel any empathy for her at all. As Nasty as Erin is, Ben is sweet. He is patient, kind and caring. He's a good friend to anyone who needs him.
The adult characters don't fare as well as the children. They are either disinterested or too interested. Lizzie's dad is absent from most of the book so we only get to see him through Lizzie's childish eyes. As an adult, I wondered about his character and why he would leave his wife and daughter all alone with no support? That's just an awful thing to do. A family needs to face those things together. I did like and feel empathy for Lizzie's Mama. She's in a deep dark place and only has Lizzie to rely on. The character of Mama shows how tough it was during the Depression for women and especially in an era before antidepressants (not that she could afford them anyway). What I didn't like about Mama was the constant references to proverbs. Though "Wit's End Corner" did fit the time period, I didn't like the overt Christian references. The story is set in the South so I suppose it makes sense for the characters.
I recommend this to readers 10+ and especially those who loved the American Girl Kit books.
I had to keep reading to find out the answers to the questions. I actually skipped ahead to the end before I could sleep. I went back and read the middle later. I've seen Annie a million and one times so I know how a Depression-era orphanage might seem to Lizzie. I also read Intruders at Rivermead Manor: A Kit Mystery which deals with orphanages as we so I was rooting for Lizzie to make it all work out. The prose is beautiful and lyrical in spots as well. I loved the writing. This book is told in the first person from 12 year old Lizzie's point-of-view. She is a soul sister to Scout Finch. The author nicely captures that childlike innocence and adoration for her father that Harper Lee did so well with Scout. Lizzie isn't quite as precocious and her issues are more personal. She's still an interesting character though. The other characters are also well drawn. I HATED Erin and wanted to smack her. She got me blood boiling and I would not have been able to keep my mouth shut if I were Lizzie. Even after her problem is revealed, I still didn't feel any empathy for her at all. As Nasty as Erin is, Ben is sweet. He is patient, kind and caring. He's a good friend to anyone who needs him.
The adult characters don't fare as well as the children. They are either disinterested or too interested. Lizzie's dad is absent from most of the book so we only get to see him through Lizzie's childish eyes. As an adult, I wondered about his character and why he would leave his wife and daughter all alone with no support? That's just an awful thing to do. A family needs to face those things together. I did like and feel empathy for Lizzie's Mama. She's in a deep dark place and only has Lizzie to rely on. The character of Mama shows how tough it was during the Depression for women and especially in an era before antidepressants (not that she could afford them anyway). What I didn't like about Mama was the constant references to proverbs. Though "Wit's End Corner" did fit the time period, I didn't like the overt Christian references. The story is set in the South so I suppose it makes sense for the characters.
I recommend this to readers 10+ and especially those who loved the American Girl Kit books.
June 6, 2017
Every Day After tells the impressive story of 12-year-old Lizzie Hawkins growing up in Depression-era Alabama. Her father left in search of work, and her mother is practically catatonic with grief, spending each day in her rocking chair without saying a word. Lizzie doesn’t know how she’ll stay in first place at school, get all the chores done, and care for Mama. Things get even more complicated when her school rival, Erin Sawyers, threatens to tell the town doctor about Lizzie’s mama, which will probably have Lizzie sent off to an orphanage. As if things couldn’t get worse, a letter arrives from the bank claiming past due mortgage payments, money that the Hawkins family simply doesn’t have. Lizzie’s premature responsibility is incredible, but even more beautiful to see is her growing understanding of success and failure, loyalty and friendship.
Lizzie’s best friend Ben challenges her to think about other people’s problems, rather than her own. His own father had died only the year before, and his family lost their house. Lizzie’s rivalry with Erin leads into vicious fights and rumor-spreading, but Ben constantly encourages Lizzie to forgive Erin.
Lizzie’s daddy had always taught her not to ask for help or hand-outs, but she overcomes pride and gets a job at the general store. Her grief at his departure is very real and her hope that he will return helps her to push herself to do well in school and take care of Mama. Daddy had always been disappointed when she got second place, because he knew she could do better. Lizzie has always tried for success; it is only at the end that she realizes that failure is not falling down, but choosing to stay down.
A well-told, gentle and beautiful story that traces Lizzie’s growth to maturity.
Reviewed for: www.goodreadingguide.com
Lizzie’s best friend Ben challenges her to think about other people’s problems, rather than her own. His own father had died only the year before, and his family lost their house. Lizzie’s rivalry with Erin leads into vicious fights and rumor-spreading, but Ben constantly encourages Lizzie to forgive Erin.
Lizzie’s daddy had always taught her not to ask for help or hand-outs, but she overcomes pride and gets a job at the general store. Her grief at his departure is very real and her hope that he will return helps her to push herself to do well in school and take care of Mama. Daddy had always been disappointed when she got second place, because he knew she could do better. Lizzie has always tried for success; it is only at the end that she realizes that failure is not falling down, but choosing to stay down.
A well-told, gentle and beautiful story that traces Lizzie’s growth to maturity.
Reviewed for: www.goodreadingguide.com
July 5, 2017
“Since the beginning of 1931, all it’d done was pour rain in my life.”
Lizzie's best friend's dad dies, her own dad loses his job and then takes off and her mother goes into a depression. To top it off, the new girl in school, Erin, has focused her anger on Lizzie and her relentless quest to have the top grades in the school. Lizzie can't understand how Ben (her best friend) can be nice to Erin or even tolerate her antics. “It was times like these I’d have traded Ben for a girl in a blink. Girls live to get riled up over stuff. Boys would shake hands with the man who shot their dog.”
Tension grows between the girls, but Lizzie just can't give in. Her grades are just too important. “I had to be the best because it was the only way I could be sure I was good enough in Daddy’s eyes." But that kind of focus draws her attention from other things. Ben's problems go unnoticed by Lizzie and his friendship slowly begins to wane. The ongoing feud even begins to threaten Lizzie's home as Erin discovers the problem with Lizzie's Mom.
Pressure begins to mount on Lizzie. Her hope of her father returning begins to die, her mother doesn't seem to be getting any better and, finally, the bank sends a letter that says if the mortgage doesn't get paid, the family will lose their house. “Are you standing at Wits’ End Corner?” Lizzie feels she must find the solution to this problem on her own. Asking for help is something her father would not want her to do. But where is he when she really needs him? Why hasn't he contacted them or returned?
A story of a determined young girl whose faults sometimes compound her problems, but she learns from her mistakes and grows through them. "Once I let go of fear, life came much more easily.” Such an eye opening read for students in this day and age.
Themes: Persistence, Trust, Friendship,
Lizzie's best friend's dad dies, her own dad loses his job and then takes off and her mother goes into a depression. To top it off, the new girl in school, Erin, has focused her anger on Lizzie and her relentless quest to have the top grades in the school. Lizzie can't understand how Ben (her best friend) can be nice to Erin or even tolerate her antics. “It was times like these I’d have traded Ben for a girl in a blink. Girls live to get riled up over stuff. Boys would shake hands with the man who shot their dog.”
Tension grows between the girls, but Lizzie just can't give in. Her grades are just too important. “I had to be the best because it was the only way I could be sure I was good enough in Daddy’s eyes." But that kind of focus draws her attention from other things. Ben's problems go unnoticed by Lizzie and his friendship slowly begins to wane. The ongoing feud even begins to threaten Lizzie's home as Erin discovers the problem with Lizzie's Mom.
Pressure begins to mount on Lizzie. Her hope of her father returning begins to die, her mother doesn't seem to be getting any better and, finally, the bank sends a letter that says if the mortgage doesn't get paid, the family will lose their house. “Are you standing at Wits’ End Corner?” Lizzie feels she must find the solution to this problem on her own. Asking for help is something her father would not want her to do. But where is he when she really needs him? Why hasn't he contacted them or returned?
A story of a determined young girl whose faults sometimes compound her problems, but she learns from her mistakes and grows through them. "Once I let go of fear, life came much more easily.” Such an eye opening read for students in this day and age.
Themes: Persistence, Trust, Friendship,
March 29, 2015
Lizzie is a fighter, and she has to be growing up during the depression without her father around and taking care of her heartbroken mother. Her father always expected Lizzie to be the best, which led her to working hard for her grades, putting her at the top of her class. Her best friend, Ben is always by her side until new girl Erin starts to break everything apart.
Erin moves to town and is determined to take everything away from Lizzie. Lizzie, being a headstrong and determined young lady, pushes back at Erin. No one likes Erin, as she is the poster child for a nasty school bully, no one except Ben, who they say even likes rattlesnakes. Ben looks for the good in everyone and becomes friends with Erin. An upcoming extra credit contest pushes Erin to threaten Lizzie into dropping out, claiming it is not fair she enters because she does not need the credit. Lizzie holds her ground, and Erin digs deep into her life discovering Lizzie’s secret about her mother.
Just a couple months ago, Lizzie’s father leaves in search of work, and her mother falls into a catatonic state of depression. Lizzie takes on the role of caring for the home, and her mother while trying to maintain her perfect grades. Erin will not settle until Lizzie is shipped off to an orphanage.
I loved Lizzie’s strength, although she was a little self-absorbed and did not see the struggles her friend, Ben, was facing. I think her faults made her even better. Erin was such a rotten brat, I found myself getting very angry with her character. Bullies tend to have their own secrets, and when Erin’s is revealed, I really had no sympathy for her; there was not coming together moment for her and Lizzie’s character. I think Lizzie grew in this story, learning to think of others instead of always competing to be the best.
Erin moves to town and is determined to take everything away from Lizzie. Lizzie, being a headstrong and determined young lady, pushes back at Erin. No one likes Erin, as she is the poster child for a nasty school bully, no one except Ben, who they say even likes rattlesnakes. Ben looks for the good in everyone and becomes friends with Erin. An upcoming extra credit contest pushes Erin to threaten Lizzie into dropping out, claiming it is not fair she enters because she does not need the credit. Lizzie holds her ground, and Erin digs deep into her life discovering Lizzie’s secret about her mother.
Just a couple months ago, Lizzie’s father leaves in search of work, and her mother falls into a catatonic state of depression. Lizzie takes on the role of caring for the home, and her mother while trying to maintain her perfect grades. Erin will not settle until Lizzie is shipped off to an orphanage.
I loved Lizzie’s strength, although she was a little self-absorbed and did not see the struggles her friend, Ben, was facing. I think her faults made her even better. Erin was such a rotten brat, I found myself getting very angry with her character. Bullies tend to have their own secrets, and when Erin’s is revealed, I really had no sympathy for her; there was not coming together moment for her and Lizzie’s character. I think Lizzie grew in this story, learning to think of others instead of always competing to be the best.
July 10, 2019
Adult rating: 4 stars
Kid rating: 2 stars
This is a good choice for kids wanting to specifically read about the economic depression of the 1930s, but not likely to be picked up at random. I could probably get some students to read it to fulfill their historical fiction requirement. It's an easy read and well-written, but I do have some problems with the parents being so weak.
In 1931 Lizzie's dad decides to bail on the family. He lost his job and can't deal with the embarrassment. Her mom then falls into a mental depression so deep that she does nothing. She doesn't dress herself, cook, or even talk. She sits and stares all day. Lizzie, the kid, is the one who steps up. This is admirable, especially with all the snowflake kids today, but I was so darn annoyed by the parents falling to pieces when things got tough. By and far parents back then were tough as nails.
Lizzie holds down the fort. She gets a job, sells a family heirloom, and finds a boarder, all the while dealing with a "mean as a rattlesnake" classmate who is jealous. She will stop at nothing to get Lizzie shipped off to an orphanage. When all is said and done, Lizzie is able to make the mortgage payment and stay in her house.
The language is most definitely southern. Lots of southern phrases like "cotton-pickin." I love the part about trying to catch the famous one-eyed catfish. Lizzie is one tough girl. She gives the rattlesnake, Erin, a piece of her mind all the time. I love those tough southern girls. Unfortunately, the cover isn't the best.
Kid rating: 2 stars
This is a good choice for kids wanting to specifically read about the economic depression of the 1930s, but not likely to be picked up at random. I could probably get some students to read it to fulfill their historical fiction requirement. It's an easy read and well-written, but I do have some problems with the parents being so weak.
In 1931 Lizzie's dad decides to bail on the family. He lost his job and can't deal with the embarrassment. Her mom then falls into a mental depression so deep that she does nothing. She doesn't dress herself, cook, or even talk. She sits and stares all day. Lizzie, the kid, is the one who steps up. This is admirable, especially with all the snowflake kids today, but I was so darn annoyed by the parents falling to pieces when things got tough. By and far parents back then were tough as nails.
Lizzie holds down the fort. She gets a job, sells a family heirloom, and finds a boarder, all the while dealing with a "mean as a rattlesnake" classmate who is jealous. She will stop at nothing to get Lizzie shipped off to an orphanage. When all is said and done, Lizzie is able to make the mortgage payment and stay in her house.
The language is most definitely southern. Lots of southern phrases like "cotton-pickin." I love the part about trying to catch the famous one-eyed catfish. Lizzie is one tough girl. She gives the rattlesnake, Erin, a piece of her mind all the time. I love those tough southern girls. Unfortunately, the cover isn't the best.
December 4, 2013
Life is challenging for, soon-to-be-twelve, Lizzie and her mother. With her father having left and her mother in a several state of depression, Lizzie is left to keep things together. But trying to find money to pay the mortgage as well as doing the cooking and laundry plus trying to find time for schoolwork and her friend, Ben, is stressing Lizzie out. And a girl at school is determined to prevent Lizzie from not only taking top honors at school, but from finding a way to keep her home life together as well. And Ben seems to be slipping away as well. Can Lizzie find a way to persist or will she be forced to concede as did her father?
Strengths: The character development here is superbly done. Each character stands out clearly with his/her own problems. Lizzie is such a dominant character though that she has a hard time seeing anything beyond her own problems. This leads to serious problems some of which Lizzie brings on herself with her refusal to listen or ask for help. The themes of friendship, loyalty, persistence, and the power of a listening ear all shine through very clearly. Beautifully written and beautifully told, Every Day After is sure to be a Newbery contender.
Weaknesses: Lizzie's stubbornness and self-focus were rather frustrating at times. I wanted to jump into the book and shake her a couple of times. Hmm. Maybe not a weakness in the story, just a personal pet peeve
Strengths: The character development here is superbly done. Each character stands out clearly with his/her own problems. Lizzie is such a dominant character though that she has a hard time seeing anything beyond her own problems. This leads to serious problems some of which Lizzie brings on herself with her refusal to listen or ask for help. The themes of friendship, loyalty, persistence, and the power of a listening ear all shine through very clearly. Beautifully written and beautifully told, Every Day After is sure to be a Newbery contender.
Weaknesses: Lizzie's stubbornness and self-focus were rather frustrating at times. I wanted to jump into the book and shake her a couple of times. Hmm. Maybe not a weakness in the story, just a personal pet peeve
September 1, 2014
During the height of the depression, 12 year old Lizzie's world is quickly unraveling. Her father, out of a job, takes off, her mom spirals into a deep, unshakeable depression, her best friend Ben is drifting away and takes an unexpected interest in her arch nemesis, her arch nemesis is ramping up her campaign to completely run Lizzie out of town, and the bills and chores are piling up. Sure that her father will return any day, Lizzie does her best to follow his tenets to make him proud of her for carrying on and succeeding in difficult circumstances by her own wit and gumption. He's a pull yourself up by the bootstraps kind of guy, or so he says, until he pulls up stakes and disappears. But Lizzie soon learns that in tough times there is no shame in reaching out for help when it's needed and lending a hand to others. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade and share it.
Cute, quirky protagonist with a strong, individual voice. Might make a good read aloud for middle grades. Although set during the depression it is not really a historic piece per se though the times do figure into the plausibility of the plot. I do have to mention that I find the cover to be a mismatch. It seems way too contemporary and Lizzie would have been much more at home in dungarees with a fishing pole rather than a dress.
Cute, quirky protagonist with a strong, individual voice. Might make a good read aloud for middle grades. Although set during the depression it is not really a historic piece per se though the times do figure into the plausibility of the plot. I do have to mention that I find the cover to be a mismatch. It seems way too contemporary and Lizzie would have been much more at home in dungarees with a fishing pole rather than a dress.
December 16, 2014
It's a fact of life, that many kids in schools now are from a broken family. It's also a fact, that many of them hope their missing parent would return and life would return to normal. In this book, the missing parent is a father, and Lizzie doesn't know if he's ever planning to return. All she can do is hope and continue staying at the top of the class in school and at home so he is never displeased with her. When he left, though, Lizzie's mom was normal. But since his departure she has shriveled into her own shell, barely uttering a few words a day, and the running of the house has fallen completely on Lizzie's shoulders. Worst of all, Lizzie has an arch-nemesis, Erin, who is determined to find out her secret so that Lizzie will be shipped off to an orphanage and she can be at the top of the class. While her best friend, Ben, thinks she should reach out for help from the doctor or someone else, Lizzie refuses, certain that in doing so she will be failing her father. But when the mortgage becomes overdue, and trouble escalates with Erin, Lizzie needs to do something, and do it fast.
Although this book takes place during the depression, it is easily something kids can relate to and understand. I look forward to seeing other books from this author.
Although this book takes place during the depression, it is easily something kids can relate to and understand. I look forward to seeing other books from this author.
July 13, 2013
Every Day After was such a great read! Laura Golden is so talented and I can't wait for more of her books! This book is set during the Great Depression. I love historical fiction, so I really enjoyed the history behind the novel. Lizzie Hawkins and her mother are abandoned by Lizzie's father after he loses his job. Lizzie and her mom are basically left with hardly any income coming into the household. Her mother disconnects and it seems like Lizzie is left to pick up the pieces and save the family. With bullying, mortgage payments, and friendship problems, it seems that Lizzie has more than she can handle. The light at the end of the tunnel? Her best friend Ben, help from some understanding adults, and her strength and faith will guide Lizzie to some reasonable solutions to her problems. On a personal note, I identified so much with this novel because I have lived through very trying times and poverty as a child. I could literally feel Lizzie's desperation throughout the story. I don't want to give too much away, so I will not add any more to this review. I just want to say that I highly recommend you read it!! I give this 5 out of 5 YUPIs! :>
November 18, 2013
Lizzie Hawkins' life is going way downhill. Her daddy left her, her mama won't do anything other than sit and stare, the bank is nagging for the mortgage on the house, and the pressure of having the best grades in school is killing her. Then, a spoiled brat named Erin comes in and tries her very hardest to make Lizzie go to the orphanage and her mother to a mental asylum. On top of that, Erin tries to snag Lizzie's best friend Ben. How is Lizzie supposed to handle all this stress?
I liked this book quite a bit. Lizzie is a really likable character and almost all of her reactions are something along the lines of what i would do. Ben was also a good character, but he trusts a bit too easily. Each character has their own flaws and problems, which makes them all very well described. The book took place right after the Great Depression, and they described everything perfectly.
The book did not have any unnecessary parts in the story, which is really good. Its written in first person, which is really nice. The flow was a bit tedious in the beginning, but evens out and becomes very well written. I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend this to teens ages 11-15.
I liked this book quite a bit. Lizzie is a really likable character and almost all of her reactions are something along the lines of what i would do. Ben was also a good character, but he trusts a bit too easily. Each character has their own flaws and problems, which makes them all very well described. The book took place right after the Great Depression, and they described everything perfectly.
The book did not have any unnecessary parts in the story, which is really good. Its written in first person, which is really nice. The flow was a bit tedious in the beginning, but evens out and becomes very well written. I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend this to teens ages 11-15.
March 29, 2014
Great historical fiction novel about the Depression-era.
Lizzie is trying so hard to hold everything together. Her father has left her mother and her and she doesn't know if he'll return. Her mama has retreated into herself in a state of depression. It's up to Lizzie to take care of her mom, make enough money to keep their home and and do the housework and cooking and continue to make good grades at school. Trying to do all that would be enough problems for a book. However, add more to that. Her best friend is distancing himself away from Lizzie while getting closer to Lizzie's sworn enemy. And this enemy is a big one. She is a mean, mean little girl who wants nothing more than to make Lizzie's life more than miserable.
About halfway through the book you want to jump in and save Lizzie yourself. To me, that's the sign of a good book, one that you not only can't put down, but one you want to enter in to be with the characters. In this case, you want to help Lizzie, hold her close and get rid of all her problems.
A lot to talk about in this book.
Lizzie is trying so hard to hold everything together. Her father has left her mother and her and she doesn't know if he'll return. Her mama has retreated into herself in a state of depression. It's up to Lizzie to take care of her mom, make enough money to keep their home and and do the housework and cooking and continue to make good grades at school. Trying to do all that would be enough problems for a book. However, add more to that. Her best friend is distancing himself away from Lizzie while getting closer to Lizzie's sworn enemy. And this enemy is a big one. She is a mean, mean little girl who wants nothing more than to make Lizzie's life more than miserable.
About halfway through the book you want to jump in and save Lizzie yourself. To me, that's the sign of a good book, one that you not only can't put down, but one you want to enter in to be with the characters. In this case, you want to help Lizzie, hold her close and get rid of all her problems.
A lot to talk about in this book.
October 3, 2013
Twelve-year-old Lizzy Hawkins must come to grips with the Great Depression when it affects her personally. Her proud father has left the family and now Lizzy's mother is affected by a deep personal depression so much that Lizzy is now taking care of her mother and the household duties not to mention trying not to let the new girl, Erin, best her in academics. Lizzy's life is a day-to-day struggle especially when the bank threatens to foreclose on their house and Lizzy must keep the local doctor from evaluating her mother so that Lizzy will not be sent to an orphanage.
Lizzy takes the proverbs her mother loves to heart and finds the strength to rise from the ashes when she learns "failure is not falling down, but refusing to get up."
I'm particularly drawn to historical fiction set during the Great Depression. Laura Golden has taken me on a great journey back in time with her debut novel based on incidents in her own family.
Lizzy takes the proverbs her mother loves to heart and finds the strength to rise from the ashes when she learns "failure is not falling down, but refusing to get up."
I'm particularly drawn to historical fiction set during the Great Depression. Laura Golden has taken me on a great journey back in time with her debut novel based on incidents in her own family.
January 3, 2016
By the end of this book, I loved it! Lizzie has so much going against her, and by the end of the book she has figured things out and is in a good place, not a "everything is perfect" place, but a good one. This is a story that exemplifies the meaning of "resilience."
That having been said, it took me almost half the book to like Lizzie. At the beginning she is whiny, depressing, and sometimes even mean. Her circumstances lead her to this behavior, so it is understandable, but often annoying to read, especially again and again. If I didn't have the background of reading many blogs that praised this book, I am not sure I would have kept going. I wonder if even my students who like "quiet books" would continue with this one long enough to let Lizzie hit rock bottom and turn the corner.
That having been said, it took me almost half the book to like Lizzie. At the beginning she is whiny, depressing, and sometimes even mean. Her circumstances lead her to this behavior, so it is understandable, but often annoying to read, especially again and again. If I didn't have the background of reading many blogs that praised this book, I am not sure I would have kept going. I wonder if even my students who like "quiet books" would continue with this one long enough to let Lizzie hit rock bottom and turn the corner.
August 10, 2013
The debut novel from Laura Golden introduces us to Lizzie, a twelve year old in the Great Depression. She is tough and determined, two traits that will serve her well as she struggles to keep her world afloat with an absent father, a severely depressed mother, and a meddling school bully out to bring her down. Golden has created an enduring character that you will be rooting for from the beginning. I especially enjoyed the author's development of Lizzie's prideful struggles to do it all by herself, and her constant efforts to live up to the demanding expectations of a father who wasn't even there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews