Belle Prater's Boy facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Ruth White |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | FSG |
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Publication date
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1996 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 208 |
| ISBN | 9780374306687 |
Belle Prater's Boy is a captivating novel written by Ruth White. It was published in 1996. The story follows 12-year-old Gypsy and her mysterious aunt, Belle Prater. One morning, Belle Prater simply vanishes.
Gypsy's unique cousin, Woodrow, who is Belle Prater's son, then comes to live in town. Gypsy quickly becomes friends with him. She hopes he can help her understand what happened to his mother. The book is set in the 1950s in a small town in Western Virginia. Belle Prater's Boy received a special award called the Newbery Honor in 1997. It was also recognized as a 1996 Boston Globe – Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Fiction.
Contents
About the Story
Belle Prater's Boy is a young adult novel. It tells a heartwarming and mysterious story. The book explores themes of family, friendship, and finding your way. It also shows how people deal with unexpected changes in their lives.
Who is the Author?
The author, Ruth White, is known for writing stories for young people. She often sets her books in the Appalachian region. This is a mountain area in the eastern United States. Her writing style helps readers feel like they are right there in the story.
Where and When Does it Take Place?
The story is set in the 1950s. This was a time of big changes in America. The setting is a small, quiet town in Western Virginia. The time period and location add a special feeling to the book. It helps readers imagine life in a different era.
Main Characters
The novel features several memorable characters. They each play an important part in the mystery and the journey of growing up.
Gypsy
Gypsy is the main character. She is 12 years old and very curious. She lives with her grandparents after her mother passes away. Gypsy is determined to uncover the truth about her aunt Belle's disappearance. She is also learning about herself and the world around her.
Woodrow
Woodrow is Gypsy's cousin. He is known for being a bit unusual. He is often called "Belle Prater's boy." Woodrow comes to live with Gypsy's family after his mother vanishes. He forms a close bond with Gypsy. Together, they try to solve the mystery.
Belle Prater
Belle Prater is Gypsy's aunt and Woodrow's mother. Her sudden disappearance is the central mystery of the book. Even though she is gone, her presence is felt throughout the story. Her absence drives Gypsy and Woodrow's search for answers.
Why This Book is Special
Belle Prater's Boy is more than just a mystery. It's a story about growing up and understanding family.
Newbery Honor Award
The Newbery Honor is a very important award for children's books. It means the book is considered one of the best of the year. Winning this award shows that Belle Prater's Boy is a high-quality and impactful story.
Themes in the Book
The novel explores several important ideas:
- Friendship: The strong bond between Gypsy and Woodrow.
- Family: How family members support each other, even when things are tough.
- Mystery: The puzzle of Belle Prater's disappearance keeps readers guessing.
- Growing Up: Gypsy and Woodrow learn a lot about life and themselves.
