Corners

by Corrina Austin

Overview

“Austin’s message of true friendship and selflessness will resonate...strong addition to the realistic fiction genre.” - Library Journal

Everyone needs their own special corner...

It’s 1969 and ten-year-old Davy is in a predicament. With two weeks remaining of the summer holidays, he’s expelled from the public pool for sneaking into the deep end and almost drowning. How will he break the news to his hard-working single mother? She’s at the diner all day, Davy has no friends, and he’s too young to stay by himself.

The answer lies in his rescuer, mysterious thirteen-year-old Ellis Wynn. Visiting her Grammy for the summer, Ellis offers to babysit Davy. She teaches him about “corners”–forgotten or neglected areas fixed up special. Together, the kids tackle several “corners” and Davy learns what it means to bring joy to others.

Davy begins to wonder, though. Why does Ellis want to be his friend? Why doesn’t she ever smile? And is Davy just one of Ellis’ “corners?”

Product Details

BN ID:	2940154419670
Publisher:	Dancing Lemur Press LLC
Publication date:	03/06/2018
Sold by:	Smashwords
Format:	NOOK Book
File size:	194 KB
Age Range:	5 - 11 Years

About the Author

Corrina Austin is a retired elementary school teacher, living in beautiful South-Western Ontario, Canada. She has Bachelor’s degrees in both English and Education. Corrina has published several short stories and essays and was twice the recipient of grants for a novel in progress from the Ontario Arts Council. “Corners” was inspired by her experiences as a child growing up in the 1960’s and contains many artifacts from her memories of those times. To get to know her better, check out her blog at https://trustcake.wordpress.com/. You can also visit her on Twitter (@corrinaaustin), Instagram (readingcorners) and via her author page on Facebook.

Editorial Reviews

“Austin’s message of true friendship and selflessness will resonate...strong addition to the realistic fiction genre.” - Library Journal

From the Publisher

11/01/2017
Gr 5–7—Ellis Wynn, 13, rescues 10-year-old Davy not only from drowning in the neighborhood pool but also from a desolate, mundane life. After volunteering to babysit the younger child, Ellis brings Davy into her world of "corners." Over the last few weeks of summer vacation, they transform neglected yard corners and room nooks into serene reading spots, patio escapes, and personal retreats, creating joy for those who need it the most. It is only at the end of the summer, as Ellis leaves, that Davy begins to recognize his role in "rescuing" Ellis as well. Austin's message of true friendship and selflessness will resonate with middle grade readers. Davy's authentic and personal narration, paired with vivid imagery and detailed observations, allows readers to fully appreciate his perspective. Unfortunately, the juvenile, outdated cover art may prevent more design-savvy readers from this otherwise strong addition to the realistic fiction genre. VERDICT Austin's honest and offbeat story will inspire and affirm. Recommended for school libraries needing additions to their historical and realistic fiction collections.—Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City

School Library Journal