Missing May
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| Missing May | |
| Author | Cynthia Rylant |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Orchard Books |
| Publication date | 1992 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-531-05996-0 |
Missing May is a children's book, the recipient of the 1993 Newbery Medal. It was written by Cynthia Rylant, who has written over 60 children's books such as The Islander.
[edit] Plot summary
The novel is set in present-day West Virginia. The protagonist is Summer, an orphaned child who has been passed around among various apathetic relatives. At age six, she meets her Aunt May and Uncle Ob. The kindly old couple notices that, although Summer is not mistreated, she is virtually ignored by her caretakers. The kindly old couple impulsively decide to take Summer home to their rickety trailer home in the hills. Summer thrives under their care, feeling that she finally has a home.
Six years after Summer moves in, Aunt May dies suddenly. Summer must cope with her own grief while worrying about Uncle Ob, who is overwhelmed by the thought of living without his beloved wife. Uncle Ob decides to try contacting May's spirit, after he experiences the sensation that she has tried to communicate with him. He is assisted in this endeavor by Cletus Underwood, a schoolmate of Summer's. Summer views his ideas with some skepticism, but is willing to try anything that might alleviate her uncle's sorrow.
| Preceded by Shiloh |
Newbery Medal recipient 1993 |
Succeeded by The Giver |
