My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Martin Etchart won the 2013 IPPY Gold (Independent Publisher Book Award) in Multicultural Fiction for The Last Shepherd, I was intrigued to learn it was a sequel to a middle grade novel titled The Good Oak. My curiosity paid off, because The Good Oak turns out to be a moving tale about an outsider who copes with loss and discovers new meanings in the same tradition as Counting by 7's or Mockingbird.
What ensues is a heartfelt, humorous, and transformative adventure, where Matt comes to terms with the loss of family members and in the process gains an understanding of the culture that they held so dearly. Embarrassment is replaced by appreciation, both for his relatives and for his heritage.
Dealing with bereavement is never easy and, perhaps for that reason, books about death and loss make for some of the most profound children’s literature. Many middle grade readers have lost a relative or someone older they know and, in reading The Good Oak, they will relate to the confusion and emotions that Matt goes through. His journey not only explores the rugged countryside and a unique language and tradition, but also a deeper understanding of the world and of life.
When a book artfully and tactfully addresses the pain of loss, and yet shows us how to embrace hope and life, I want to share it with someone else, so look below to enter the giveaway to receive a free copy! (US and Canadian shipping addresses only, please.)
-- Chris W.
Sounds like a fascinating book—and one that focuses on a culture that has rarely been written about in fiction. Interesting that the main character and author have similar names . . .
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