No Promises In The Wind-Historical Fiction

It is 1932 and the effects of the Great Depression touch every life.  Extreme anxiety and stress cause fathers to resent too many mouths to feed and mothers to agree to children leaving home.  At 15, Josh finds himself in just this situation.  Along with his equally impoverished best friend and a tag along little brother, they jumped a Chicago freight train headed to points west. 

The journey is filled with peril, tragedy, and fear as well as determination and resilience.  As Josh finds moments of peace through his music, as well as a couple of kind-hearted strangers, he determines to find a way to live through his daily fear and stress. 

The author, Irene Hunt, effectively describes the hopelessness and despair that permeated society at that time through the character of Josh.  YA readers will find this an excellent companion book to a Depression era unit of study.   I think that YA readers will be shocked that Josh leaves home and is not really expected back.  He must care for himself and his little brother.  This is not an adventurous trip.  It is a journey to find a job and to eat and keep warm in the meantime.  Reflective readers will gain a deeper understanding and respect for the people of all ages who lived through this period in American history. 

Newbery Award and honor books by the author:
Across Five Aprils
Up A Road Slowly