(*Note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.)

On Snowden Mountain is a story about Ellen's journey during her time on Snowden Mountain with her aunt. She has to learn to adjust to 'country life' as opposed to her known and safe 'city life'. She meets people that cause her to learn and grow as a person and in her beliefs.

The book talks about both depression and abuse. The issues aren't always laid out in black and white, but talked about in a more round-a-bout way. More describing the issue than saying, "she has depression" or "he is abusive". The author does a good job of describing depression, what it looks like, and how it impacts others around the loved one.

The story is rather short, just over 200 pages long. It is easy enough that it could engage reluctant readers, as long as they are okay with historical fiction. People who enjoy historical fiction should like this book. Parents should just be aware that it discusses depression and abuse as not everyone is comfortable with their middle schooler being exposed to that. ( )

Let me guess...you've been pulled in by the tranquil scene and charming title this one comes wrapped in...am I right? Don't worry, I was too...and yet what awaits you within is so very HEAVY. This is a not a light read, by any means, as it tackles topics like bullying, depression, war, separation, abuse, and poverty, in what at times felt like a much more grown up way than I had imagined for the intended audience. Honestly, I still feel that way too. It's not a bad book, it's just the topics covered ARE, and in the way they are presented, I can't help but feel that it would sit better with an older audience, or at the very least with a lot of guidance. I'm not saying these things don't happen...sadly they do...but despite Ellen's coming to terms with life being bigger than simply herself, and understanding the lots of others can be so much harder to bare than she may ever know, it wasn't enough to turn my opinion. So, yes...a hard hitting book worthy of your time, I just caution younger readers indulging without a strong and trusted adult presence.


**ARC received for review; opinions are my own ( )

After Ellen’s father enlisted in the Army and went away to fight in WWII, her mother went into a deep depression. They had no choice but to leave Baltimore and go to live with Ellen’s aunt Pearl in Snowden, Virginia. Ellen was determined that she would never call Snowden her home, but then she met Russell and learned more about the place her mother had lived. Would she be able to accept this place after all?
The author pens a wonderful story about family, friends and mental illness. This Historical Fiction title is recommended for readers in grades 4-6 who are struggling to fit in. It is also a great read alike for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder or L.M. Montgomery. ( )

This historical fiction piece, set during WWII, deals with motifs of depression, alcoholism, family, and fitting in. I was touched by the friendship that Ellen develops with Russell, and by the conflicts that Ellen navigates as a member of her family, during this time period, in her new town. I enjoyed the story, but when thinking of my students, some of the language is a bit complex, and I was left wanting a more concrete ending. ( )

In Baltimore, Ellen's mother has fallen into a deep depression after her husband leaves for the war. Aunt Pearl brings them both back to Snowden Mountain to help her sister. As a city girl, Ellen is determined not to consider Snowden Mountain home or to be friends with the other kids at the one-room school. She just wants her mother to get better. An unexpected friendship with Russell reveals the layers of life and the people, and of her own family. ( )