No Promises in the Wind

by Irene Hunt

From the Newbery Award-winning author of Across Five Aprils and Up a Road Slowly comes a tale of a brave young man’s struggle to find his own strength during the Great Depression.

“A powerfully moving story.”— Chicago Daily News

In 1932, American's dreams were a job, food to eat, a place to sleep, and shoes without holes. But for millions of people these simple needs were nothing more than dreams. At fifteen years of age, Josh has to make his own way through a country of angry and frightened people. This is the story of a young man’s struggle to find a life for himself in the most turbulent of times.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, School, Historical, Realistic Fiction, Classics

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 15, 1970

About the author

Irene Hunt was an American children's writer known best for historical novels. She was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal for her first book, Across Five Aprils, and won the medal for her second, Up a Road Slowly. For her contribution as a children's writer she was U.S. nominee in 1974 for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international recognition available to creators of children's books. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_Hunt]

Reviews

[*TUDOR^QUEEN* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over 40 years ago when I was in grammar school. I think it was on a shelf of paperback books in my classroom, up for grabs for anyone to read. In any case, I still have the physical book in my possession. I have a distinct memory of being the solitary student in the classroom, sitting there by myself reading this while the sun beamed through the large windows and the dust motes danced in the air. The rest of my class had gone outside to play kickball on recess, but I preferred to get lost in this book. I don't remember minute details of the book other than I enjoyed it so much that I read it multiple times.

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

No Promises in the Wind by Irene Hunt was an okay book, but it didn’t deserve to be an award-winner. The best word to describe it would be ‘mediocre.’ There wasn’t anything terribly wrong with it - but there wasn’t anything terribly right with it, either. It was a bit interesting … but not terribly. The emotions were there … but not vivid. The writing was average … but not amazing. The characters were believable … but not truly three-dimensional or the kind you can root for.

There are some great themes in this book - brotherhood, standing together through hard times, family, survival, hard work. However, none of them really stood out to me in a major way. I didn’t really feel effected by the book at all.

Josh wasn’t a likable character at all. I’m not talking about his treatment of his younger brother - he was actually a really good big brother in my way of saying it. Expecting more from him considering the circumstances seems ridiculous to me. (Therefore, any theme concerning Josh growing kinder to Joey fell flat for me.) (Or Josh growing better … probably because there was no change in tone in his observations, etc.)

It was really Josh’s continual “romances” that bugged me. He “falls in love” (haha, no) with a thirty-year-old woman … and then is stupid enough to tell her. Granted, Emily deals with it well enough, but that’s still ridiculous and silly and just … ugh, I can’t stand people with immature crushes, mmkay? (Reasons why I don’t get along with most highschoolers, lol.)

And then Janey. Uh … she’s fourteen! That is waaay too young for some (creepy) sixteen-year-old boy to decide he loves her (and vice-versa) and will marry him someday. Look me in the eyes, you two: You. Have. No. Future. Mostly likely. I’m willing to bet on it (if this were real life, not a fictional story). Also, it was just a totally unnecessary and unlikely subplot. Pointless.

Joey actually annoyed me. Especially how everyone deferred to him over Josh. That’s super annoying! He seemed like a fairly sweet kid, but … it’s just annoying how everyone always talked to him like Josh wasn’t in the room.

I liked Lonnie. He seemed like a decent sort of guy. I don’t think we ever found out for sure if his wife ran off or died, but I feel bad for him either way.

In summary, this was a mediocre book, and though it was good to learn more about the era and such, it wasn’t a great classic or anything.

Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah no….just don’t read this!

[Nik I · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Promises In The Wind by Irene Hunt is a very powerful and sad story. This book takes you through the struggles of the Grondowski family living through the height of the Great Depression. The year is 1932 and Stefan Grondowski has lost his job and has not been able to find work. The comfortable life they were living is gone and Stefan cannot provide for his wife and family. There are three siblings Kitty the oldest, Josh and Joey. Josh is the main character and is fifteen years old. Josh and his father do not get along and he is very tough on Josh. Their fights have been getting worse and worse that it comes to a point where Josh decides it is time to leave. He talks to his mother and in so many words she feels it is the right thing to do. He feels he is no longer wanted at home and they would be better off without him. Joey who is eleven wants to come, but Josh feels he is to young for the long journey. His friend Howie convinces Josh to let him come along. They climb out of there window one night and run away. They head west in hopes of finding a job where they could play their music for people to make money. They meet many different people along the way and are faced with many struggles. They do not know where they are going to sleep and if they are going to eat. They meet a trucker named Lonnie along the way and he quickly helps them out and becomes a father figure to the two boys. They find work but it does not last long and they continue with their struggles. Living through the Great Depression has made Josh and Joey grow up very fast.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Historical Fiction and the times of the Great Depression. It is a heartwarming story of two brothers forced to live on there own. I enjoyed this book and was touched by the courage and strength of these two brothers. This book will make you realize what you have and if you would be able to live through the Great Depression.

[Sthomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided that I wanted to reread some of the books that I read 40-50 years ago that had an impression on me and made me a reader for life. Where the Red Fern Grows was one of these books, as well as this one (and several others). It has been fun to revisit my younger self through these books, and I plan to read a few more.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howie :(

[Kevin H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far,I learn that this book takes place during The Great Depression, and it is about a family struggling through this time of starvation and fear. Because of the family's condition, the two sons, Josh and Joey(also the only sons), is forced to leave, to find some other ways to get a good future. They departed with their friend Howie, who is in the same condition. On their first day, they used their music talents wisely,and earned a reasonable amount of money. Though I do not expect this kind of luck to be up on them every single days, and I think that obstacles will soon come up...
As the story went on, a lot of significant incidents occurred. Such as Josh and Joey having trouble finding food, a job, and shelter. One thing I thought that was very important was when Josh was feverish, and pushed Joey onto the floor because he was being kind by sharing half of his bread with some lady that shared dinner with them(which was in poor condition as well). Joey ran away afterward, and Josh was looking for him anxiously. Later they were both found and being hospitalized by Lonnie(some nice guy that they met while they were hitchhiking, really nice). When they both recovered from their sicknesses, they were then introduced to a job which was about playing piano and singing in a famous restaurant(and this was when their life changed). Josh met Lonnie's niece Janey, where they felt in love.
After a period of time, they grew homesick and decided to visit their parent back at Chicago!! The story ended with the family lived happily ever after and Josh and Janey carried on with their business.

[Regina Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! This is a historical fiction book set during the Great Depression. I would recommend this book for 7th grade through high school. This book is the story of two brothers and a friend who take off on their own during the Great Depression, in order to be less mouths for their parents to feed. There were many vagrant children during that time who lived on the streets, starving. This book enlightens students to the dark reality of this time during American history and how it impacted children their own age.

[Jennifer Bohnhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irene Hunt offers a gritty, yet tender story about a boy who is too much like his own father - stubborn and determined to make his own way. He and his brother leave home in the depths of the depression. On their travels they encounter some horrible people and some genuinely kind ones. The book ends on a hopeful note. Perhaps both son and father have learned what's truly important.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and eye-opening about conditions during the Depression in 1932-33.

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coming-of-age Classic. The audio is well done. My son is reading for high school history.

[Meg GlitteryOtters · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Tokoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

"They are a growing army. There are hundreds of them on the roads this winter; most of them are boys in their teens. There are scores of younger children, some of them so young that one marvels at their survival. They come from the cities where the unemployment of a father often means too little food for too many mouths. They come from the farms where the incredibly low prices of produce have been as tragic for the farm family. They don't know where they are going or why. They simply move on—on to the next door for a handout or maybe a curse, on to the next packing box or sand cave for a bed. . . .
A few of the wild boys of the road are in good hands tonight. But they are only a few. Hundreds of others are out in fields, on the highways, in the poorer sections of towns and cities. They are raiding garbage cans; thy are burning anything they can find in an effort to keep warm. Not since the crusades have so many children suffered so cruelly. And this is the United States of America in the year of our Lord, 1933."

Such is one story of two musical, wandering brothers.

I saw a more dramatic, decades older children's book by this author I don't remember know about during my own childhood and readings, and so was intrigued, noting the author to look up. I remember I had once recently briefly noticing a children's book of Howl's Moving Castle, I think, and found a couple of others I was interested around it—another book adapted to screen, Whale Rider and this, wanted to find one of her books.

It reminded me of the wandering of an orphaned Pole, experiencing the worst of the First World War, able to emigrate to the U.S. through a British embassy and work his way up to master hotelier, in the book, Cain and Abel—his lifelong rivalry with a privileged kid become banker born on the same day. The tone was sober but with a child's hope.

[Allisen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book a 4 star because it was a very interesting book to read. But the bad part about the book would have to be when one of my favorite characters had died kind of in the middle of the book. That would be my least favorite part of the book for me. It was interesting when we learned about how it was in the olden days when you had very little to eat and barely any clothes to wear to keep you warm. But this nice lady came along in the story and lent Josh and Joey a nice house that were she lives and a nice bed for them to sleep in and some soup to eat because of the little things they have eatin for however many days. They are to thin and to weak to keep going she said so she said that they needed some food to eat to give them energy and put a little bit of meat on there bones. But since Josh and Joey departed they haven't talked for a while so when they see eachother they have little tears in their eyes when they see oneanother again which they never usually cry. So they ate and then a couple days went by and they thought it would be nice to give something to her in return when they already have little to eat. Joey goes over to the nice ladys house and decides to give the rest of the bread to her becuase she gave him and Josh food. So when Josh awoke he was wondering were the bread went so Joey told him and Josh got very angry and actually punched Joey in the face. But in the end ofcourse Josh and Joey were brothers but they acted like best friends until the end!!

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying my rating is based on my personal preferences, and not on Hunt's writing skills, which are fine.

This story is realistic fiction and historical fiction, neither of which genres are particular favorites of mine. However, for those enjoy learning about a particular time period via the story of characters living through those times, this novel will be right up your alley.

The story follows Josh, a young teen living during the Great Depression of the 1930's. When the story begins, the Depression has been going on for several years. Josh's family has been hit hard by the economic collapse; in an effort to both help his family and himself, Josh sets out to try to find a better life. As he travels the country, the reader is able to get a strong sense of what life must have been like for many during this terrible time in the United States.

Although the story is centered around Josh's failures and triumphs, I personally was most intrigued not by Josh's particular story, but by the stories of the characters Josh encounters along the way. Some are good, and some are bad, but for the most part, these secondary characters seem like real people trying to deal with a difficult situation, all in different ways. To me, that's the value of this story - it shows not just one person's experience of the Great Depression, but many different ways people tried to cope with this difficult time.

[Hannah Claghorn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring and cliche. Josh was one-dimensional and Emily was a Mary Sue, Joey seemed like a cookie-cutter, sheltered-little-kid despite the fact that he was ten and should've been at least a little more mature. Certain parts of this were unrealistic - Lonnie helping them out, Pete Harris giving them a job, etc. Howie died randomly, his entire character used only as a minor plot point. I learned nothing new about the 1930s - when I read historical books, like the book Maus II, I like to learn new things about that time period. When I read Maus II, I was truly shocked about the going-ons of that period, things I hadn't known before. But this book? I wasn't shocked, and I didn't learn anything new. I already knew that the 1930s were tough. This book didn't seem to capitalize on the hardships well enough to really blow me away. Although the writing itself was pretty good, every other aspect of this book didn't really do it for me. To be fair, I had to read this for a class; I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise. If this sounds interesting to you, you might want to consider it regardless of all these reasons.

[Drew Geier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read No Promises in the Wind by Irene Hunt. This book will take you back to the dirty thirties and give you a taste of what it might have felt like to live during that period. Josh and Joey are having troubles with their parents and decide to make a big decision.
My favorite character in this book is Josh, Josh is a 15 year old teenager who dislikes his father very much. He feels like his dad, Stefan doesn’t care for him and loves Joey (his 10 year old brother) more. I feel bad for him because him and Joey are leaving home to find a place to play music.
The best part in the movie is when Josh and Joey meet a man named Lonnie. Lonnie is a truck driver who picks them up off the side of the road when they are hitchhiking. Lonnie is like a dad to them because he lets them go out to dinner and he pays for everything they need until they met Betsy at the diner. She gave them an address of her cousins’ carnival in Louisiana.
You will be amazed at what will take place during this book because it is very intense and very real situations. Hope you like it!

[Joshua Lechner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book was good. It was about this kid and his brother that ran away from home because there was not enough money for the family to let them eat. Joshes brother Joey and his friend Howie all ran away. At the beginning Howie died because of a passenger train.they try to go south and they meet this guy named Lonnie. He sends them south to Louisiana to try to get a job. Then he got a job at a carnival. The owners name was Pete Harris. Then the carnival got burned down and then the boys had to try to find Lonnie. So they went on a walk to Omaha Nebraska where Lonnie lives and on their way the boys get in a fight and Joey walks off and Josh is too sick to get up and passes out. Then he gets found by Lonnie and gets him healed up. Once he's feeling better, he hears the radio station and hears that Joey got hurt and is with Mrs Anderson. If you want to find out what happens read the book.

[Debbie Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

In high school/middle school Irene Hunt was a popular choice for reading: No Promises in the Wind, Across Five Aprils, Up a Road Slowly. I remember the titles and the cover art. So I wanted to go back and re-read No Promises in the Wind and also read some of the other titles I hadn't a chance to read. This book was a simple read, but the story is powerful. It paints a picture of the Great Depression vividly and captures the struggles, the rawness, the bitterness at times, and the anger. I enjoyed watching Josh grow as he set out - optimistic at the promise of being on his own to discovering the realities that were hidden from him by his parent as to how bad it really was. The characters they boys met along the way and their experiences made the book. I also enjoyed Josh's character growth through the book, the proverbial becoming a man... but I think he also learned to understand his father and brother more as a result.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for school and had no expectations going into this book, only because I have read a book by this author before and was not a fan. I do enjoy reading about this time period. The thing is that some of the characters just did not seem very real. Josh fell in love, what, twice in this book? The only thoughts I saw come from Josh is that "She's funny," and "she's pretty." It seemed like he never really fell in love. I totally ship Josh+Janey though.

So the story was pretty good, but it was very hard to get into it and relate to the characters. It was well written though. I don't think I would recommend this for a read, but I wasn't disappointed in the end.

[K. Orme · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

I remember very little character development in this gosh darn book.
Kids run away.
one kid got killed. (I sobbed and not in a good way.)
kids go through things.
Kids go home.
aight. What a tale. Where's the growth? Little seen. Where are the arcs?

Nowhere. If anything, there are very very very shallow arcs.

Nohp.
It's a no from me.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depression years; teenaged boys out on their own; tough times; good story.

[Noah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I find it an extremely simple, tedious, dull book. I did not enjoy it.

[Gaijinmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fifth grade teacher read this to my class and the story has haunted me ever since.

[Andrew Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring t times but a good book overall

[Sheri Forsdick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an average book. The story kind of dragged along in parts, and the character development of Josh was weak. Joey’s character was very slow to develop.

During the early 1930’s Josh’s family has suffered financial loss like so many across the nation as the depression and the dust bowl raged on. Many young and old, mostly men, took to riding railway cars from town to town, hitching rides and begging house to house. Josh has a the gift of music as does his friend Howie. When Josh has a quarrel with his father, Josh decides to leave home. Howie goes with him and at the last minute Josh’s younger brother Joey follows along behind them. They think they can make money playing music in hotels, dance halls, and along the road for money. Howie has a tragic accident jumping a train and dies. Josh and Joey are left with Howie’s banjo and to travel alone. Life on the road is hard, dangerous, and difficult. Hunger is a constant companion. Josh and Joey meet a couple of people along the road the help them greatly and one saves both of their lives. Once they find safety, Josh has to decide if he can let his anger with his father go, and whether they should go back home to their family.

[Jack Land · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book in my freshman year of high school and lemme tell you this book is MESSED UP. In the first chapter the book sets up three young heroes to go on an adventure... only to mercilessly MURDER one of them with a train in chapter 2!
I thought this was a kids book! There's also a creepy romance thing between a 14 year old kid and a 40 YEAR OLD WOMAN WITH THREE KIDS! Like what is this, Bates Motel?! The 14 year old then proceeds to stalk this middle aged mom for several full chapters. It reminds me of that song that goes "Stacy's mom has got it goin' on" and that's not a good thing!
Overall this is a terrible book filled with characters stranger than most sci-fi movies and events as messed up as some modern horror movies. Don't read it please...

[Alyssa Staley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a journey story. A story of redemption. Two brothers leave the windy city during the Great Depression because their Polish father is angry and ashamed that he is not capable of feeding them properly. The boys travel by foot, jumping freights and hitching rides. They dig through dumpsters, go door to door to beg for food, and eat watery soup at a soup kitchen. They catch a bit of luck here and there, but also face hardships and perils. This story contains first loves, sad goodbyes, and growing up enough to understand parents. Irene Hunt is a wonderful author. I have read two of her other books, "Up A Road Slowly" and "Across Five Aprils" many times, and this book falls into place with the wonderful insight into the pain of growing up.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook review

I didn't know this was meant for kids when I was listening to it. And the story was quite old, written in the 1970s. Not sure if it really holds up all that well. I picked it because I enjoy the narrator, and he did a lovely job with the voices and accents. He made the story feel fresh.

But this story is one of those 'people-you-meet' sort of stories. Where the journey is more about all the different characters, most of which were more exciting than the main ones.

I didn't feel particularly moved by this, though I think that was the intent. The book barely scratched the surface of emotions and never really dived all that deep. Horrible things end up happening - like the boys just can't catch a break - but there was little emotional drive to the story.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think I'd want my kids to read this. Maybe in high school. It's too sad, and the themes aren't good for younger ages. Tension with parents to the point of running away, watching your friend get killed, and never having closure in the book about that, near starvation, bitterness towards parents, loneliness to the point of falling in love with a 30-year old woman. However, it did portray difficulties of the Depression and the desperation of many, including the danger (that I didn't realize) that Americans gave up freedoms and may have even adopted Communism if they hadn't had hope of change.