Title: Missing May
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Originally Published: 1992
Format I Read: Audio
Publisher: Scholastic
Rating: 
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Missing May won the Newbery Medal in 1993. So, when I saw it on audio in my library, I had to pick it up.
Summer, orphaned at a very young age, had been bounced around from inconvenienced relative to inconvenienced relative. Until, that is, she met Aunt May and Uncle Ob. They took home six-year-old Summer and loved her as their own. They lived as a happy, if poor, little family for six years when May died suddenly. A desolate pair, Ob and Summer are left to figure out how to live life without May.
I really thoroughly enjoyed this book. It dealt with grieving and loss in a very realistic and relatable way. The tone the author struck with Summer as the somewhat sarcastic but endearing narrator was dead on. Missing May was quirky but not too quirky. And the small cast of characters is infinitely lovable. I think most everyone will enjoy this short, simple, and sweet story.
A note on the audiobook: This was charmingly narrated by Frances McDormand.
Missing May, by Cynthia Rylant
Other Reviews:
Maw Books Blog
Buy Missing May at Powell’s Books or Amazon.com
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{ 5 comments }
Oh, I adore Frances McDormand! This sounds lovely with a touch of sadness. Quirky always gets my attention, too.
I’ve never been disappointed by a Newbery Medal winner! This sounds like another good one.
Hey Jessica,
I’ve never read much YA fiction, but I am starting to see that there is a lot of really great YA books out there. I have recently started looking around for some titles to add to my to-be-bought list. I am thinking about doing a YA Challenge on my blog in a few months time. I think Missing May is another one I will put on my wishlist. Thanks!
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Well the narration by McDormand is enough to convince me….this one will be an audio treat for me. :) I just love that woman.
Michele@ A Reader’s Respite´s last post ..Dating by the Book
Care – I love Frances too. And, yep. Quirky and sad and real. I think you’d like it.
Kathy – I don’t think I’ve eve been disappointed with a Newbery winner either. Oh wait. Yes, I have. The 1946 winner, STRAWBERRY GIRL. Definitely wasn’t for me.
Robbie – This is maybe a little more middle grade than YA, but I’m glad that you’re starting to read some YA. And a YA Challenge sounds like fun. I’ll watch for it.
Michele – The narrator can definitely make or break an audio book. I just found out that Richard Armitage narrated a bunch of Georgette Heyer books. I’d listen to him read the phone book. :)
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