Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston

After a twelve-year absence from the children’s literature scene, Gloria Houston returns better than ever!  Houston’s new book is Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile in which she returns to her roots in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.  Houston, the author of such highly-acclaimed books as The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, Littlejim, and My Great-Aunt Arizona, is known for her beautiful writing and her authenticity.  Writing for both middle grade readers and for younger children, Houston provides wonderful material for simultaneous use in classrooms where widely differing reading levels are present.  High-interest content entices the young reader, who identifies with the characters and is drawn into the stories.

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile is mined from the depth of Houston’s memory bank and tells the story of a bookmobile librarian who traveled the hills and “hollers” to share her books and love of reading with children who were unable to make the journey to a library. Children will be quick to tap into this story of love, dedication and joy even though it is from another time and place.   Susan Condie Lamb's art is a beautiful accompaniment to the story--Wilma Snyder.  (Picture Book; HarperCollins, 2011)