I usually avoid books and movies that feature dogs because, in my experience, the dogs die or get injured, with alarming frequency. And people get traumatized. Me, my children, my father who unknowingly took my daughter's to see the movie My Dog Skip. He returned from their outing to stage whisper at me "The dog died!" with a look that made me feel as if I had killed the dog. I truly had no idea. But I took a risk with Stay, Girl and, if you are dog shy like me, I can happily announce that no dogs died in the making of this novel.
More About Stay, Girl
Who rescued who? In California’s Central Valley in 1953, the love of a neglected dog helps an abused girl find healing, and the caring family she never had.
Stay, Girl tell the story of Bet Carter. Her stepfather is a conman with a history of violence, and he’s trying to force thirteen-year-old Bet into that life, too. His controlling ways make Bet’s world smaller every day, until the death of her ailing mother gives the girl an opportunity to flee to her Uncle Earl’s.
Bet only planned a quick stopover in Amberfields, but after her uncle welcomes her into his home, she keeps finding excuses to stay. Bet wants to help Uncle Earl’s foster dog, Penny, learn to trust again—but how can the girl mend Penny’s spirit when her own is so broken?
Joining a hilarious prank war with her new friend Georgie goes a long way to making Bet feel at home in Amberfields. As Bet’s emotional armor softens, along with her reasons to leave, she finally allows herself to dream bigger.
This heartfelt coming-of-age story will have you cheering for a girl whose determination and optimism help her rediscover the healing power of love.
More About Angelica R. Jackson
Angelica R. Jackson, in keeping with her scattered Gemini nature, has published articles on gardening, natural history, web design, travel, hiking, and local history. Other interests include pets, reading, green living, and cooking for food allergies (the latter not necessarily by choice, but she’s come to terms with it). Ongoing projects include short fiction, poetry, novels, art photography, and children’s picture books.
She’s also been involved with capturing the restoration efforts for Preston Castle (formerly the Preston School of Industry) in photographs and can sometimes be found haunting its hallways. An incurable joiner, she is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (where she previously served as her region's Illustrator Coordinator and Social Media Coordinator), and several other writing organizations.
She shares a home in California's Gold Country with a husband, a Miniature Pinscher/Nibblonian mix, and far too many books (if that's even possible). She is the author of the award-winning Faerie Crossed young adult urban fantasy series, and her photos are collected in Capturing The Castle: Images of Preston Castle (2006-2016)
Thoughts about Stay, Girl
I had trouble pinning down an audience age for this book. The main character is 13 years old, but she's seen quite a bit of life. Reading this book gives you a peek at the seamier side of life so, if you intend for your younger teen to read it, you might want to give it a quick read just to make sure they are ready for it. That said, I think this is a great choice if an adult and a child want to choose a book to read and discuss - sort of a parent-child book club.
This book is described as a "coming-of-age" story but after reading, I'm thinking that an unexpected twist. It's the story of a young girl who has been forced to act like an adult, gradually learning how to be a child again. The characters emotions (and at times, lack of emotions) make this a strong book that grabs your attention. It starts out with fear and secrets but eventually finds its way to normality. I felt the writing was powerful, really evoking memorable scenes.
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