Children's book Review

CAMMIE TURNS TEN
by Elizabeth A. McMahan
ISBN-10: 0759688613
Review by Heather Froeschl

In 1934, in the piedmont area of North Carolina, Cammie is turning ten. Looking forward to celebrating her first decade of living, she asks her parents for a hotdog roasting party. The whole family shows up, complete with both sets of Cammie's grandparents, her aunts, uncles and cousin Ben and her best friend Jessica. But the party isn't the focal point of the book. Growing up in the depression, crafting playthings, inventing games, and even being a bunny in the school play are all part of Cammie's life.

Cammie's stories are told in a friendly, easygoing way, which will be a joy to children to read. Every chapter shows this spunky, kind-hearted girl being creative and caring and enjoying life. From taking care of her little brother by playing every game she can think of to being the game master at her family's reunion, it is clear that Cammie knows how to entertain herself and others.

It is a simpler life than today's children are used to and the stories bring an air of innocence to the reader from those days gone by. Elizabeth McMahan has once again carried me back in time to more close-knit families, honest hard work, putting up stores for winter and the enjoyment of a hayride. "Cammie Turns Ten" stands alone, or could be read as the first, second or third in the Cammie series. In any event, readers aged 9 -12 will adore the books and if parents are allowed to share them it will bring back memories of their own childhood.