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Belle Prater #2
The Search for Belle Prater
Belle Prater is missing. Since she inexplicably disappeared about a year ago, her son, Woodrow, has been living with his grandparents, next door to his cousin Gypsy. The two are best friends, joined by their adventurous sprits and shared love of stories and magic. One night they receive a puzzling phone call, which provides a clue that sends Gypsy and Woodrow on a mission to find Belle. Joining them is Cassie Caulborne, the new girl in school, who, like Woodrow and Gypsy, has experienced the loss of a parent. She is also endowed with a valuable gift--she knows things, things that happened in the past and reveal themselves to her in dreams. Their quest leads them out of their sheltered life in Coal Station, Virginia, and eventually back to Woodrow's home in Crooked Ridge. On the road they meet new people with their own stories to tell. One is Joseph, who has to sit at the back of the buss because he is black. The young people join him in the rear and learn that he, too, is on a search--for his father. They help one another to find what they're looking for and gain friendship along the way.
From the Compact Disc edition.
From the Compact Disc edition.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
18 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Ruth White
80 books113 followersI was born in the Appalachian hills of Virginia, which is the setting for Belle Prater's Boy and The Search for Belle Prater. I lived there until I graduated from high school and went away to college. Though I left the hills, they never left me. My memories of those years are quite vivid. I have always referred to that time as both traumatic and wonderful. I get most of my ideas for my stories from those memories of my childhood home, the small coal-mining town of Grundy, Virginia.
I started writing at a very young age. I remember trying to write stories before I was even able to put long sentences together. It was just something I felt compelled to do, probably because I loved stories so much. We had no television because my family was very poor; my mother was raising my three sisters and me with very little money. So we read aloud and enjoyed each other’s company.
Eventually I became a teacher and then a school librarian. Working in the public schools among adolescents fueled my desire to write, and I suppose the age group I worked with helped me determine that I wanted to write for them instead of for adults or smaller children. I wrote my first book, The City Rose, based on an experience that happened when I taught seventh and eighth grade in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The schools had recently been integrated, and I had two black girls in one of my classes. I noticed that whenever we went to the library, they didn’t check out any books. Finally, they told me that it was because they couldn’t find any books about black children. So I decided to write one.
For Belle Prater's Boy, my inspiration came from Grundy, like it has so many times. When I was small I used to ride through the nicest residential area there and look at the pretty houses and manicured lawns. I thought these were wealthy people who had ideal lives. Only in later years did I realize that the people living in those houses were quite average, living the way most Americans live. They had their own particular problems, which I could not even imagine. So I decided to set a novel there. First, I created Gypsy, the city mouse, who lived in one of those pretty houses, and Woodrow, the country mouse, who was from the sticks. Then I asked them to tell me their story.
I didn’t plan to write a sequel to Belle Prater's Boy. I thought Woodrow's theory about what happened to his mother would be enough for the reader, but it obviously was not. I had many letters from readers wanting to know what happened to Belle, and asking me to write a sequel. Actually, I did the first draft of the sequel in the late nineties. After many revisions, I created The Search for Belle Prater.
When I'm not writing, I like to walk in the park with my golden retriever, listen to books on tape, and watch movies. Away from home, I like to visit schools and talk to young people about books and writing. My daughter usually travels with me, and we have a great time together.
I started writing at a very young age. I remember trying to write stories before I was even able to put long sentences together. It was just something I felt compelled to do, probably because I loved stories so much. We had no television because my family was very poor; my mother was raising my three sisters and me with very little money. So we read aloud and enjoyed each other’s company.
Eventually I became a teacher and then a school librarian. Working in the public schools among adolescents fueled my desire to write, and I suppose the age group I worked with helped me determine that I wanted to write for them instead of for adults or smaller children. I wrote my first book, The City Rose, based on an experience that happened when I taught seventh and eighth grade in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The schools had recently been integrated, and I had two black girls in one of my classes. I noticed that whenever we went to the library, they didn’t check out any books. Finally, they told me that it was because they couldn’t find any books about black children. So I decided to write one.
For Belle Prater's Boy, my inspiration came from Grundy, like it has so many times. When I was small I used to ride through the nicest residential area there and look at the pretty houses and manicured lawns. I thought these were wealthy people who had ideal lives. Only in later years did I realize that the people living in those houses were quite average, living the way most Americans live. They had their own particular problems, which I could not even imagine. So I decided to set a novel there. First, I created Gypsy, the city mouse, who lived in one of those pretty houses, and Woodrow, the country mouse, who was from the sticks. Then I asked them to tell me their story.
I didn’t plan to write a sequel to Belle Prater's Boy. I thought Woodrow's theory about what happened to his mother would be enough for the reader, but it obviously was not. I had many letters from readers wanting to know what happened to Belle, and asking me to write a sequel. Actually, I did the first draft of the sequel in the late nineties. After many revisions, I created The Search for Belle Prater.
When I'm not writing, I like to walk in the park with my golden retriever, listen to books on tape, and watch movies. Away from home, I like to visit schools and talk to young people about books and writing. My daughter usually travels with me, and we have a great time together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
September 15, 2007
This sequel to Belle Prater's Boy is very good for a sequel. She says, damning it with faint praise. It's funny, but not as funny as the first, and the messages are a little too overt for my tastes. Solid writing and satisfying ending.
September 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I was so tickled when I realized there was a sequel to Belle Prater’s Boy! I listened to it as an audiobook, and I was not disappointed! The tale picks up right where the first book ended. Woodrow and Gypsy meet a new girl when school starts, and Cassie turned out to be a great friend! She tells her new class her story, emphasizing that she was born with a caul, and therefore had the gift of foresight. Her gift helps the cousins as they set out to search for Belle. Their quest involves a bus ride to a new town, where they meet a young black boy named Joseph. I loved his story, and the happy ending that awaited him in that new town. There are happy endings all around in this sweet story, and I’m ok with all of it!
March 23, 2015
It was nice to have a sequel to tie up the loose ends . . . but quite a bit of it rises to the level of the fantastic and unbelievable.
Fun read, anyway.
Fun read, anyway.
May 25, 2009
I recently saw that there was a sequel put out and I was pretty curious to see what happened to the mother in the book. This book was more in detail when it came to the mother missing unlike the first book where it was more focused on her son Woodrow and how he was dealing with the disappearance. I liked it. I doubt ther will be another book after this because, not to give it away, there was a nice solution at the end of this book unlike the ending of the previous book. Ok I really need to start reading "adult" books now ha
March 8, 2017
The story is OK. What I dislike are the obviously modern-day "teachable moments" where the readers are instructed on topics like racial discrimination, alcoholism and gambling addictions, even outhouses. I wish I were reading a book written in the 1950s, because it wouldn't explain those things. The supernatural elements were a bit far-fetched, but I guess that's why they are supernatural. I very much enjoyed the narrator, who conveyed the regional flavor without any trace of falseness or parody.
January 3, 2008
I picked up this book because the cover looked interesting. Woodrow and his cousin Gypsy go looking for Woodrow's mother who disappeared a year ago. The story was interesting and I didn't realize until I started that this was a sequel, but it was a great book even without having read the first one.
December 3, 2009
This book was written as a companion to "Belle Prater's Boy". Not only did this book completely tie up any loose ends from the first book, it taught several priceless lessons including racial equality, understanding differences, handling the loss of a loved one, and friendship. I would use this book with grades 5-7.
April 8, 2013
I did not expect the splendid original to garner a sequel since Woodrow's explanation of Belle's disappearance was a sound one. White did a great job of continuing the story while maintaining the appeal of the beloved first.
June 2, 2017
I didn't expect to like this book as much as the first one. This sequel was published about 9 years after the first book was published which makes me think the sequel was unplanned. Often when that's the case the sequel isn't as good, but I really loved this.
The writing in this one was a bit more detailed than in Belle Prater's Boy and the southern/Virginian/backwoods accent was more pronounced in this one. Aside from that, the books seemed to flow together really seamlessly.
Of course, I adored Gypsy and Woodrow. Last book focused a lot on Gypsy's anger at the world and at her father for dying; in this book it was Woodrow's turn to be angry. I feel like these books portrayed grief more realistically than some YA books. Though Gypsy wasn't angry in this one, she still had a hard time talking about her father's death. Woodrow meanwhile was moody and irritable. The roller coaster of emotions he went through was realistic and understandable for the events.
I also loved the addition of Cassie and Joseph. I appreciated the acknowledgement from Gypsy that the racism and prejudice Joseph faces is completely unfair. I loved that as soon as Joseph said he'd rather be called Black than Colored, Woodrow and the girls immediately agreed to do so without question. Joseph and Cassie had similarities to Gypsy and Woodrow, having both lost their parents, but their friendship definitely went beyond that. They were understanding of each other's emotions and genuinely cared about what they all had to say. These books are just so good at portraying friendship and love.
I would've loved to see Aunt Belle interact with her parents, her sister, or Porter but this was a satisfying answer to her disappearance. These books were just so good. I can't say enough good things about them.
The writing in this one was a bit more detailed than in Belle Prater's Boy and the southern/Virginian/backwoods accent was more pronounced in this one. Aside from that, the books seemed to flow together really seamlessly.
Of course, I adored Gypsy and Woodrow. Last book focused a lot on Gypsy's anger at the world and at her father for dying; in this book it was Woodrow's turn to be angry. I feel like these books portrayed grief more realistically than some YA books. Though Gypsy wasn't angry in this one, she still had a hard time talking about her father's death. Woodrow meanwhile was moody and irritable. The roller coaster of emotions he went through was realistic and understandable for the events.
I also loved the addition of Cassie and Joseph. I appreciated the acknowledgement from Gypsy that the racism and prejudice Joseph faces is completely unfair. I loved that as soon as Joseph said he'd rather be called Black than Colored, Woodrow and the girls immediately agreed to do so without question. Joseph and Cassie had similarities to Gypsy and Woodrow, having both lost their parents, but their friendship definitely went beyond that. They were understanding of each other's emotions and genuinely cared about what they all had to say. These books are just so good at portraying friendship and love.
I would've loved to see Aunt Belle interact with her parents, her sister, or Porter but this was a satisfying answer to her disappearance. These books were just so good. I can't say enough good things about them.
April 24, 2019
Woodrow longs to find his mother. He believes that she had good reasons to leave him and his dad. His cousin, Gypsy believes him when he says that it was his mom on the other end of a Christmas Eve mysterious call. His search takes him on a bus ride to Bluefield.
Along the way, he and Gypsy grapple with racism, elitism and the battle to believe his mother still cares for him.
Rating: PG (the content is really G, but with the way the book dealings with racism and some other culturally sensitive subjects, it is PG)
We didn't realize this was a sequel when we read it - It surprised us when we listened to the authors interview at the end. So that was surprise number 1.
Surprise number 2 was the characters meeting of their first black person. While it was an awkward encounter, the author made it feel innocent enough. I also like that kids were able to cross the lines of race through their on-going friendship - and even partnership in the search for Belle - through the book.
We liked the book. It felt like a book written much earlier that it was, which is a good thing since the setting is so far in the past
Along the way, he and Gypsy grapple with racism, elitism and the battle to believe his mother still cares for him.
Rating: PG (the content is really G, but with the way the book dealings with racism and some other culturally sensitive subjects, it is PG)
We didn't realize this was a sequel when we read it - It surprised us when we listened to the authors interview at the end. So that was surprise number 1.
Surprise number 2 was the characters meeting of their first black person. While it was an awkward encounter, the author made it feel innocent enough. I also like that kids were able to cross the lines of race through their on-going friendship - and even partnership in the search for Belle - through the book.
We liked the book. It felt like a book written much earlier that it was, which is a good thing since the setting is so far in the past
February 24, 2020
Along from the book Belle Prater, the story continues with the most mysterious taste in your mouth. On the stroke of midnight, woodrow gets a mysterious call from a place called blue field. The search gang meets someone new. Cassie, she is a tiny person that is born with a fortune telling skill. While the search gang looks for Belle Prater in blue field, they meet someone named joseph. Joseph had many tragic moments for family reasons, and he met up with his aunt with the search gangs help. Gypsy and woodrow ask Josephs aunt, miz lincoln, if she has seen belle prater. Her answer, is like the sound of the liberty bell.
September 18, 2022
Having enjoyed Belle Prater's Boy, I couldn't resist ordering this one,too. Cousins Woodrow and Gypsy set off in search of Woodrow's mother Belle when he gets a phone call from a nearby town that he is sure is from his mother who disappeared. They are joined by the new girl in school who says she has second sight. She also turns out to be the bus driver's daughter. On the bus, they meet another boy who is searching for his father and has an address from a package he received. They all join forces and this is their story.
February 11, 2018
I read the first installment (Belle Prater's Boy), and just had to read this second one to find out what happened to his mother. I was especially interested in this one because one of the places he goes for clues is my hometown (Bluefield). It was a nostalgic trip to read of my area in that time period and follow him as he searches for answers. Lovely story, but it moves at the same pace as life did at that time and place.
February 13, 2021
Apologies to fans of Ruth White's writing, myself included. I was excited for the sequel but just a bit disappointed in the quality of the writing, just didn't have the energy of Belle Prater's Boy. However, it was a worthwhile read and has set me on the path to obtaining some of her other titles. Like Cyndi Rylant, she lived the genuine Appalachian mountain life and can bring it home to her readers.
July 26, 2023
Middle school reader.
Listened to audiobook.
This author is a great storyteller.
Woodrow is looking for his mom. His cousin, Gypsy is helping him along with a friend and classmate Cassie.
I love the way the author quietly has these three children dealing with their own abandonment and how they fit into their families.
And they don’t have New Year’s resolutions. They hace New Year’s revelations. It’s hysterical.
Great story. Quick read. Loved every minute.
Listened to audiobook.
This author is a great storyteller.
Woodrow is looking for his mom. His cousin, Gypsy is helping him along with a friend and classmate Cassie.
I love the way the author quietly has these three children dealing with their own abandonment and how they fit into their families.
And they don’t have New Year’s resolutions. They hace New Year’s revelations. It’s hysterical.
Great story. Quick read. Loved every minute.
October 15, 2017
I highly recommend this book! It was fun and easy to read. Although I didn't read this book in order to the first because it is a sequel, I could still understand it and know what the problem was and felt happy for the characters in the end. Ruth White is now one of my favorite writers because of the mood she sets throughout her books and the image she is able to create through words.
March 24, 2022
A fairly satisfying sequel to Belle Prater’s Boy. While it is not as engaging it still holds interest since Woodrow and Gypsy are prominent lead characters, and new characters are introduced. Some loose ends remain, but that is the nature of the writing to have some mystery when set in the mountains of West Virginia.
April 15, 2024
I loved this sequel. Woodrow and Gypsy meet a new friend, Cassie, whose father drives a bus. When Woodrow gets a call he believes is from his mother, Porter figures out where the call came from, and the children take the bus to Bluefield. They meet Joseph on the bus and help him find his long-lost aunt. I love the characters in these books, and I enjoyed the ending.
December 7, 2025
I completely read thus follow up out of order. I can’t name many sequels I love more than the first so as a Newbery winner I hope to be pulled in to the story a little more when i finish the first book. I loved the characters and the setting and the story very much. It was just a little underwhelming.
June 26, 2017
Charming book with short stories within the content. I usually don't like sequels but must admit that I did enjoy this one. I can hardly wait until my grandson is old enough to read the two Belle Prater books. Just don't tell anyone that I am not a "young adult".
April 19, 2020
I really enjoyed the first novel. The sequel was pretty good, but a bit too “neat.” Folks keep appearing at the perfect time to solve things or provide clues. The girl with a caul is interesting, and I was okay with that character. However, then there’s Joseph and his family, etc.
May 6, 2020
Sweet, tender, funny, story of struggle and hope. Other than some backwoods superstition and an instance of palm reading, which isn't given any credibility, this is a quick delightful sequel to "Belle Prater's Boy".
November 16, 2022
I loved the original one (Belle Prater's Son) I read this sequal in less than a day. I was touched by the way the story ended, though I found this book to be a bit more preachy than the first (original) book. Still a good read and may read-aloud to my eight-year-old if he enjoys the first book.
February 24, 2023
This is the sequel to "Belle Prater's Boy." The writing was fine and the story completed the first book. There are some elements in this story which were a little weird in my opinion. I did not care for the physic elements.
library-to-read
October 6, 2023Even the author admits this is not as good as the first, and recommends Way Down Deep and its sequel instead.
May 6, 2024
Ruth White is a masterful storyteller, the way she can capture the charm and wonder of 3 kids so genuinely but still leave you thinking about the complexity of the storytelling for hours is something not many authors can capture quite as well.
September 26, 2017
The Search For Belle Prater was AMAZING!! It was such an intriguing book. The ending was just great. LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!1
September 27, 2017
In 1955, Woodrow and his cousin Gypsy befriend a new girl in class and the three of them set off to find Woodrow's missing mother, encountering unlikely and intriguing coincidences along the way.
April 8, 2018
Very good book.
August 29, 2019
August 2019 re-read, audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews