The Whole Truth

The Whole Truth #1

by Kit Pearson

"After it happened they were sent away.” So begins Kit Pearson’s new novel of mystery and family loyalty. It is 1932. Polly, almost ten, and her older sister, Maud, travel by train and boat from Winnipeg to an island between Vancouver and Victoria. There they will live with their grandmother, who will be their guardian. Maud will go to boarding school in Victoria, while Polly will live with her grandmother and attend the small school on the island.

Their grandmother and other family members welcome the girls warmly; new-school jitters give way to new friendships and even a new puppy; and slowly Polly feels that she is becoming part of a larger family she never knew until now.

But Polly and Maud have a dramatic secret, and they have promised each other never to tell anyone. A surprise arrival on the island, however, threatens Polly’s newfound happiness and tests the bonds of family love. Can Polly keep the secret and her new life on the island?

Genres: Canada, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Childrens

272 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2011

About the author

Kit Pearson spent her childhood between Edmonton Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia. As a high-school student, she returned to Vancouver to be educated at Crofton House School. She obtained a degree in English Literature at the University of Alberta, and spent several years following the degree doing odd jobs or travelling in Europe.
In 1975, she began her Library degree at the University of British Columbia and took her first jobs in that field in Ontario. She later obtained an M.A. at the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature in Boston. Returning to Vancouver, she completed her first novel "The Daring Game" which was published by Penguin Books.
Pearson now lives in Victoria, British Columbia, a few blocks from Ross Bay Cemetery, one of the settings in Awake and Dreaming.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think that Kit Pearson would still impact me so strongly as an adult. I read all of her books at a middle school age but before starting to read this one, I assumed that I would not feel the same way about her writing. This was an unfounded assumption. Her style of writing is brilliant -- she captures Polly's character flawlessly, and does well to write on a theme that all children know well (that the adults in their life will not tell them "the whole truth" because they have decided the child is "too young"). I also love how the Canadian setting is at the heart of the story -- Pearson never forgets to make the background an integral part of her novels, which gives her writing complexity and depth. I love how Canadian this novel is!

Despite being set in Depression times (which mainly helps to drive the plot forward), I think that Polly's character is so completely relatable, even to an adult looking back on their childhood. I loved it, and it has renewed my faith in Pearson, and the future of Canadian YA lit.

[Jaya Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book but had a hard time getting into it. Although, near the middle of the book I was very hooked.

[Robyn Macdonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

This came into my library and as a child I was a huge kit Pearson fan, however wasn't much of a fan of this one, but I am also now an adult so that's probably the difference. Also what was the sister religious plotline about? I feel like that seemed like it was going somewhere but didn't?

[Emma Doucette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book (and its sequel) at a thrift store because I recognized the author from a book I'd read as a kid (Awake and Dreaming) and because it takes place around Victoria. I enjoyed this one a lot! It's kind of a quiet story and yet it was hard to put down. Will definitely pick up the second one!

[Vikki VanSickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canada, 1932. Shy Polly and her bold older sister Maud have been taken in by their estranged Scottish grandmother after the shocking and untimely death of their father. They’ve traveled halfway across the country, from Winnipeg to a remote island off the coast of B.C. to Gran’s house, where there is no indoor plumbing, no electricity, and a whole host of friendly, gregarious strangers and more than a few chickens. When Maud takes off for boarding school less than a week after their arrival, Polly is not sure she can survive. But within a few months she has a new friend (easy going Biddy), a new hobby (painting), and a new pet (the naughty but lovable Tarka- you can tell Pearson adores dogs by her loving and accurate descriptions of him). But on the edge of all this happiness is the truth that Polly and Maud have sworn to keep secret, the truth regarding their father and his unusual demise.

The missing/dead father plot adds tension and mystery to to the story, but for me it takes a backseat to the wonderful coming of age portrait Pearson has created in this novel. Watching Polly bloom is an absolute pleasure. Pearson manages to bring her young protagonist out of her shell without straying from the bones of her character. I enjoyed Polly’s struggle with meat-eating, given her tender hearted feelings towards animals. Her relationship with the headstrong and fiercely opinionated Maud is aptly complicated and gives Pearson a stage to explore Polly’s growing autonomy. I love how Pearson surrounds Polly with a cast of warm and loving characters that are far from perfect, but provide the support that Polly was previously missing in her life.

Pearson’s gifts as a writer are innumerable, but what makes her books classic is her uncanny ability to understand and empathize with the adolescent mind. She taps directly into the core of childhood and addresses all of the fears, anxieties, and joy of that narrow slice of time between the ages of 9-12. She is one of my writing mentors, a gifted wordsmith who has perfected the art of the middle grade novel***. Her books always feel timeless, regardless of the era they are set in, which just proves that great writing never goes out of style.

[JennLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story set in the Depression. Two sisters are sent to their grandmother's on an isolated British Columbia island following their father's apparent death.. The elder has the chance to go to boarding school as she'd always dreamed. The younger comes to thrive on island life. But they are both keeping a secret that threatens to overwhelm them. Is their father really dead? I got so immersed in this book, and came to love Kingfisher Island just as much as Polly. Despite the troubles that brought her there, she managed to make a good life in hard times. B+

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Kit Pearson's books as a kid, so I was really excited to pick up one of her newer novels from the library. I have to say, however, that I was pretty disappointed with this one. I found myself just keep waiting for it to get to the point, but it never really seemed to. I'm not sure if it's because I was introduced to this later in life or an actually decline in quality, but I'd have rather revisited the Guests of War trilogy than spend my time on this one.

[Tess Nason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly exceptional, it really was in tune with a kids heart and had a feel good ending but also enough of a cliff hanger that I was left to want more. I recommend this to all ages even though it is a children's book. I think that Kit Pearson is a wonderful author and I'm excited to read more of her books.

[Adiba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about the journey of two sisters during depression. How they managed their feelings at such a young age and were orphaned but eventually was surrounded by loved ones. A good read for rising and you g teens.

[sasha m · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book for the first time about a decade ago + was still just as enthralled and shocked reading it now. this book is full of surprises, and is absolutely worth the read. i can’t wait to read the next one.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favourite book, the part when her father came back made me want to cry

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read full of love and inspiration to young minds.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read with engaging characters.

[readingz0ne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

[Nicole Roccas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just a nice, refreshing YA read. I loved the setting and the lessons the characters learned were poignant.

[Sarah Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The complicity of adults seen through the eyes of their children.

[Angel Chukwuma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in another time.

[Sapphire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another heartwarming book from Kit Pearson. My only critique is that Polly seemed a year or two younger than she was supposed to be, but it wasn't that big of a distraction.

[Katie Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

During the depression, nine-year-old Polly’s life is turned upside down when her father is reported dead. Polly and her fifteen-year-old sister Maud leave Winnipeg to go live with the Grandmother they can’t even remember who lives on an island outside of Victoria. Leaving everything they know behind, the girls move to the small island with the family they don’t even know. While Maud is sent to a girl’s school in Victoria, Polly goes to the local school on the island and adapts to her new life. But Polly’s secrets are becoming difficult to keep, not to mention her family seems to be keeping secrets from her. As Polly grows up on the island, she learns that the truth really can set you free.

I was a really big fan of Kit Pearson when I was younger, so when I saw this book in the bookstore I knew I had to find it at my library. The Whole Truth begins in 1932 during the depression. While Maud and Polly lived in poverty in Winnipeg, their Grandmother is quite well off and the family hunts, fishes and grows their own vegetables so they never have to worry about food. This book is mainly about Polly growing up, dealing with losing someone and struggling with secrets. Polly also learns that the people in her life are neither good nor bad, but often somewhere in-between. While I enjoyed the setting and the themes, this book didn’t live up to my expectations. While there are many children’s books that can be loved by anyone, I’m not sure that this is one of them. I felt like this was written specifically for children Polly’s age and the writing style was too young for my taste. The plot dragged a bit mid way through and sometimes the pacing didn’t feel right. However, I thought the characters were realistic and I liked how the reader was shown the good and bad sides of many of them. I felt a lot of what Polly was feeling, especially her frustrations with Maud and her sadness upon hearing about her Grandmother’s flaws. While it was an interesting story with a beautiful setting, nothing lived up to my memories of how wonderful Kit Pearson’s other books are. This made me want to re-read some of Pearson’s books (specifically The Sky is Falling) to see if they are as good as I remember or if they are more for younger children and won’t be as appealing to me now. If you are interested in Kit Pearson’s books, I’d recommend starting with The Guests of War trilogy and skipping this one for now. However, I think The Whole Truth would be most enjoyed by young girls, especially if they are interested in historical fiction (like I was.)

3/5

[Jacqueline Kellam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit Pearson is as lovely as you might imagine. I was privileged to meet her recently in person, and to hear her speak about this book, and its sequel, as well as the stand-alone, but related, Be My Love.
The Whole Truth is set in my part of the world, the west coast of Canada, in the Gulf Islands. Kit Pearson has created a fictional island, but it could be any one of the islands here. In her talk, she mentioned Mayne Island as an inspiration for the fictional Kingfisher Island. Anyone who has grown up taking ferries to Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, and the islands will recognize that sense of waiting for a boat to bring loved ones or to escape the confines of a small place for a little while.
I love that it takes place in 1932. I think sensitive and curious modern readers will enjoy reading about train travel, and letter writing, and how to go to the bathroom in an outhouse, things we don’t do very much anymore. I loved the details around what they ate, and what clothes were picked out for school.
A small town revolves around its community, its church, and its school. The sense that everyone knows everything about everyone else is such a small-town characteristic. Having a secret is difficult and yet Polly, her sister, and others also have secrets. I think Kit Pearson has so skillfully woven this aspect into the novel- some secrets are just truths that we are not yet ready to speak or even acknowledge. Some things in our past leave us feeling ashamed and worried of being judged, and thus cast out from our community. Our need to belong is so great that we carry around secret burdens for fear of being rejected.
The themes of love and family bonds tie the characters together. With understanding and forgiveness we can learn that no one is perfect, that we all have good and bad sides.
While this is a novel for the middle grades, I think it is eminently readable by almost any age. I found much to connect with. Polly’s growth from the first to the last pages is so good to read and feels authentic. That it reads effortlessly and never speaks down to its readers is a testament to the skill of the writer. Kit Pearson is a national treasure.

[BRBRB · Rating 2 out of 5]

Polly and Maud Brown are traveling from Winnipeg to Kingfisher Island, BC, in 1932 to live with their forgotten grandmother and relatives. Maud settles in perfectly, but Polly does not.
When Maud goes to boarding school at St. Winnifred's at strict Grandmother's command—little do they know, it was in their father's "will."
However, a rude guest named Mrs. Tuttle lets out Polly and Maud's deep secret—their father is still alive and that he was a thief.
Changed Maud decides to hate her father and makes a list of rules, and Polly does not obey rule number 4: "Forget about their father."
After the secret slips, Polly goes back to normal life and enjoys building a cabin with her friends Biddy and Vivien.
In a year, the girls' father visits Kingfisher Island, and Polly slips the secret to her friends. Grandmother threatens to Polly that she will send her to St. Winnifred's too.
In a year, Polly hands in the entrance exams to St. Winnifred's. She failed, but Grandmother forces her into going.
The novel ends when Polly and Maud's mother's cousin, Gregor, moves away with his wife, Sadie.

I really liked this and recommend it. Part 2, "Dear Dad", was slightly slow. I did not like how much it focused on training Tarka, a rowdy pup.

This was great; I liked the style of dialogue.
(There is supposed to be a sequel about Polly and Maud by Kit Pearson, too.)

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Whole Truth" is in every way a mystery, a realistic fiction and coming-of age story. When Polly and her sister Maud are sent away to live with their grandmother on Kingfisher Island because their father was said to have mysteriously drowned, all is lost. Polly mourns the loss of him, missing two full weeks of school once she arrives there. But Maud on the other hand, is ecstatic about her boarding school, St. Winnie's and in no time escapes in a world of religion and acceptance. She becomes a full full time boarder and can only come home twice a year. Polly is confused; where is her sister when she needs her the most! She can't stop thinking about her father, but not for the reason everyone around her believes. Here's where the mystery kicks in; Maud and Polly have a dark secret that will cut ties with their family, their friends and their future; their father is alive. He was "set up" to steal a large sum of money from the bank and then "staged his death" so that he could move to Ontario and get a job to support his two daughters. But as soon as Polly begins to like her life on the island, and begins to accept the "loss" of her father, he comes back to visit. It's a commotion of distrust, prejudice and faithfulness after that, but it gets better.... I promise :D

[Ashley Dallas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts of this book were really good, such as the descriptions of the west coast and the gulf islands, as well as the look into Canadian history. And it's easy to get into Polly's head; all of her motivations and logic and feelings seem pretty on par with people that age. However, what really bothered me about this book was the amount of irrelevant information that we had to read about. For example, what does Polly's brief (and failed) attempt at vegetarianism contribute to the story? There just seemed to be a lot of irrelevant details, and characters, that we had to read about even though they weren't terribly interesting and served no purpose to the story. It also really bugged me that we never found out what the big fight between Polly's parents and grandparents was about, especially since it got mentioned so often. So overall, it was a quick and easy read, had some interesting bits about Canadian history, but wasn't terribly interesting and would have definitely been better for a younger audience.

[Anne Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set during the Depression, this book starts when two impoverished sisters are suddenly wrenched away from their familiar life. They are sent to live with a rich grandmother they cannot remember. Polly, a sensitive nine year old, grieves for her missing father and her previous life in Winnipeg. Maud is a forward-looking young lady who embraces her new life at boarding school in Victoria. For three years the sisters conceal dark secrets about their father. Told through Polly's eyes, the tale shares her grief, loneliness, anger, betrayal, and joy as she navigates through layers of secrets before she learns 'the whole truth'. Which, in fact, is not the whole truth and that is why there is a sequel.
As an adult reader, I enjoyed the leisurely pace, describing domestic life on a west coast island. I wonder if parts might be too slow for today's young action-oriented readers. Once the dark secrets are revealed, emotional tension is high. Kleenex recommended.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is targeted for a younger audience and I don't normally read middle grade, but I've had this on my shelf for quite some time and decided to pick it up.

I think that the way the main character is written (from 9 to 12 years old) is done really well. Her motivations, thoughts, and plans all seem to be in line with what would be expected from such an age. I liked reading about the island life - where everyone knows everyone and their secrets - and the time period was interesting enough (the Great Depression era). The plot was suitable and had a good amount of conflict.

My biggest issue with this book was that it seemed very surface-level. I acknowledge this as being a result of the targeted audience's age and my own; however, I can see how this book would be so appealing and accepted by others, as all the elements are in place.

[Golden Secondary School · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearson, K. (2011). The whole truth. Toronto: HarperCollins. Available from https://play.google.com/books. Epub Edition, July 2011. ISBN: 9781443409209.

2012 Book of the Year for Children Award.

It tells the story of Polly, who has recently become orphaned during the depression. Polly and her older sister Maud are shipped off to their grandmother's on Kingfisher Island (a fictional island off the coast of BC). There are secrets, friendships and eventually a difficult truth comes out.

I would have really enjoyed this book as a 10-12 year old. I enjoyed it as an adult as well. I was a bit surprised that the text included the line: "You stupid b&%$&" as the rest of the language in the book is very gentle and traditional in keeping with the setting.

Recommend for 8 to 14 years old with some caution regarding that one line for younger readers.

[Samantha Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whole Truth begins in 1932 with the story of Polly, who is nine at the time. She and her sister travel by train from Winnipeg to Vancouver to live with their grandmother on fictional Kingfisher Island. Polly and her sister Maud lost their mother when they were young and they have recently lost their father, who is believed drowned.

Although this story is aimed at young readers, I found it very satisfying. Kit Pearson writes excellent descriptions and creates layered characters. Having recently finished Anne of Green Gables, I found many similarities in the story of an orphan leaving to live on a beautiful island with a grandmother she has never met. I enjoyed the tales of the one-room school-house and her developing friendships.

The secrets in the story kept me turning pages and I was engaged by the many plot-twists.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I wanted to reread "A Handful of Time" and while looking for my library's copy, I came across this book. I loved Kit Pearson when I was in late elementary/early middle school. I devoured her books.

I didn't think I'd feel the same way years later, especially when the protagonist was under the age of ten at the start of the book. I feel no shame in admitting I was wrong. Although the characters seemed melodramatic, I couldn't help but admire Kit Pearson, because what nine year old isn't self centered and melodramatic? The plot was engaging and the characters were well written and had depth.

There were flaws in all the characters, but it just made them seem real. I really felt that these people could have existed!

So kudos to Ms. Pearson for reminding me of her strong and realistic female characters.