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Ever so carefully and like a young child, Amber tells about the strong
bond she has with her older sister Essie, through a series of poems
and illustrations. Throughout the joyful times they share, though,
there also runs the ever present threat of poverty and loneliness
to their lives. Amber describes the "Best Sandwich" she makes with
her sister and Wilson, the stuffed bear. Not only is their game a
time of security and closeness for the girls. It also keeps away the
cold and loneliness, as their father is in jail and their mother struggles
to make ends meet by working long hours. Amber’s honest story brings
smiles to the readers while the tears are never far away. Finally,
it ends on a positive note when father returns and the family’s strength
has prevailed. Williams uses full color illustrations at the beginning
and end of her story, with black and white drawings accompanying the
story itself, emphasizing the poverty that is just around the corner
in their lives. The story can be read on so many levels, though, that
the very young up to those reading chapter books will be laughing
(and crying) right along with Amber.
—Bridget Dealy Volz
Author:
Junior Genreflecting:
A Guide to Good Reads and Series Fiction for Children
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