A Crack in the Sidewalk

by Ruth Wolff

It is Ted Newland who discovers Linsey and brings her to a career in folk singing. It is Ted who threads her life with laughter and love. It is Ted who drifts away like smoke, with never a letter or a phone call to let her know where he is or when he is coming back ... And it is Ted who introduces her to Peter Lawrence.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

282 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in elementary school (some 30-plus years ago!), and STILL remember the story line, and how much I loved it!
Even though it was written in the 60's, it's very much a timeless story.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books from my teenage years.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in a box of books I bought at a fundraiser last year. After reading "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer, I thought I would find something light to read. I was in for a big surprise in this book, and look forward to reading more of Ruth Wolff's books.

This is the story of the Templeton family, spinning out a life of their own in their roomy, cheerful kitchen on the second floor of an otherwise drab building on Main Street in a small American City. Particularly it is the story of Linsey Templeton. A redhead with a misspelled name, she asks herself the universal questions, "Who am I? What am I to be?"

Written in the 1960's, it's a great coming-of-age story. I love a strong girl/woman character, and Linsey Temleton is just that. Courageous, full of common sense, and sticks to her beliefs.

[Khat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading old Scholastic books and didn't know they had high school books. This one really amazed me, unexpectedly. There was depth to the story and characters and the ending wasn't obvious: there were some really great parts. The diversity/inclusion story for a 1965 book was excellent. I'm going to see if the author wrote more books because this one is a keeper.

[Chrisangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was in middle school and it stuck with me, unlike a lot of books I read back then. What I remember most was how nonconformist it was, as it didn't just center on Linsey, but was also about her family, seen through her eyes (as the book was first person narrative) but as individuals, not just from her perspective. Most books of the past about teenage girls had them all be either prom queens or wannabees, whose only concern was being popular and getting a date for the school dance. Linsey knew she didn't fit in with the crowd and really didn't mind, she had her love of music, singing aspirations and family situations, that took preference over being in with the in crowd.

If I remember right, this book dealt with social issues as well, like financial problems, her father's death, her older sister's pregnancy, and her mentally challenged younger brother. There was also a very entertaining grandmother and her much younger husband, whom everyone called "Boy".

I would have liked to actually hear the "Purple Dove:" song.

I won't give anything away, but when it came to the Ted and Peter choice, the right guy won.

[Libbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and recently bought a used copy on Amazon because my copy had fallen apart. It's one of those books that I like to reread periodically. Every time I read it I get something new from it. I wish it were still in print, because I think so much of what Linsey grapples with is still relevant today.

[Ilana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while at high school about 40 years ago. It was the perfect book for my age group and I clearly remember the storyline and charactors. It dealt with family, emotional and social issues which are still very relevant today. I will make sure my granddaughter reads it in a few years time. I remember reading one other book by the author which I didn't enjoy as much.

[Cristina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I read when I learned to speak in English. Will always have a special place in my heart (and bookshelf)

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember loving this book when I read it 40+ years ago in high school. I was surprised how well it held up. A sweet story about the love of family and coming of age.

[Lori Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a favorite of mine in my teens.....love it!

[Ann]

Read it in eighth grade and loved it!