Summer Read: Here Today
An Ann Martin page turner keeps the action moving.
Here Today
Author: Ann M. Martin
Publisher/ Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2004
Number of pages: 308
Recommended age: Grades 4 - 8
Here Today by Ann M. Martin is about a girl named Ellie Dingman, who lives in Spectacle, New York, in the 1960’s. She lives on Witch Tree Lane, which is named for a tree down the block with knots in the shape of an old witch’s face.
Living on Witch Tree Lane pretty much means you’re an outcast, fitting in only with your neighbors. Ellie’s mother, Doris Day, who is always running off to singing or dancing auditions, leaves Ellie to take care of her sister and brother, Albert and Marie.
Just as life at home is hard, so is life at school. She and her best friend Holly are either shunned or abused by the more popular girls.
When Ellie thinks it couldn’t get any worse, sabotage occurs on Witch Tree Lane. Rocks are thrown through windows, mailboxes are glued shut, and the witch tree is painted purple.
Then one day, Doris goes off to an audition, but never returns. Where did she go? Will she ever come home?
Here Today is an-action packed book, with many surprises and twists. It all adds up an awesome page turner, great for summer reading.
I enjoyed it very much, and could relate to the characters. It was very detailed, making me feel as if I was with Ellie on Witch Tree Lane. I never wanted to put it down!
I think many people would like this book because it’s packed with drama. Preteens will especially like this book because the characters experience events that they are likely to encounter themselves.
PHOTOS: (TOP) Book cover for Here Today by Ann Martin. (Image Courtesy Scholastic) (BOTTOM) Caitlin Wardlow's favorite place to read is in a comfortable chair. (Photo Courtesy Caitlin Wardlow)
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