Belle Prater's Boy
Belle Prater's Boy
Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
•
Children`s Literature•
Realistic FictionCoal Station, Virginia • 1950s
1996
Middle grade
9-12 years
760L
Super Short Summary
Set in West Virginia in the 1950s, Ruth White's 1996 young adult novel, Belle Prater's Boy, follows twelve-year-old Gypsy Leemaster and her cousin Woodrow Prater as they forge a friendship and seek answers about Woodrow's mysteriously disappeared mother. As they bond over shared experiences of loss and navigate societal prejudices, they learn important life lessons and uncover buried family secrets. The book includes discussions of suicide.
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
6,160 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White has received praised for its compelling portrayal of complex familial relationships and nuanced characters. Readers appreciate the engaging narrative, but some criticize the pacing as slow. Overall, it's seen as a touching and thought-provoking read that sensitively handles themes of loss and resilience.
Who Should Read Belle Prater's Boy?
Readers who enjoy Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White are typically drawn to poignant, coming-of-age stories set in the 1950s rural South. They would appreciate themes of family mystery and emotional growth, much like in Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.
6,160 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Belle Prater's Boy was awarded a Newbery Honor in 1997, recognizing it as one of the most distinguished American children's books published the previous year.
Set in the 1950s, the novel captures small-town life in Appalachia, reflecting the author's own childhood experiences in the region.
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Ruth White, the author, often draws upon her family history and personal experiences in rural Virginia to create the rich, authentic backdrop of the story.
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224
Novel • Fiction
•
Children`s Literature•
Realistic FictionCoal Station, Virginia • 1950s
1996
Middle grade
9-12 years
760L
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