Chigger

by Raymond Bial, Anna Bial (Illustrator)

What happens when a mysterious "new girl" moves into a quiet little town in southern Indiana? It's the late 1950s and folks aren't accustomed to change. The other kids don't know what to make of the scrappy newcomer who's "not even starting school right." She insists on being called Eddie-though Eddie is a boy's name, as everyone in school knows. From the very start this girl "already had a secret deep as her own name." Inspired by a true story and actual events, Chigger follows the struggles of the new girl as she raises "quite a ruckus at school." Impoverished, always hungry, she nonetheless refuses help and won't be pitied. Fiercely independent, with plenty of pluck, she is clearly a fighter-with her mouth and her fists. Will she ever make a single friend as she battles for respect and a safe place for herself and her mother in the pleasant town of Roscoe? Will anyone ever stand up for her? And will folks "do the right thing when they see it clearly," as the girl ultimately has to fight for her life? Blending humor, heartbreak, and heroism, Chigger will appeal to adults, especially Boomers who remember the fabulous and not-so-fabulous '50s. Children will enjoy reading about the adventures and misadventures of youngsters from a bygone era. And everyone who likes to root for the underdog will love this sweet story of an unforgettable girl who, because she and her Mom "don't have no other choice," has to take on the world.

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Author and photographer Raymond Bial (1948-2021) has been creating acclaimed books for children and adults for more than thirty years. His books have been published by Houghton Mifflin, Scholastic, Walker & Company, Marshall Cavendish, Crickhollow Books, and other fine publishers and university presses. Raymond also makes images on assignment, and his stock photographs have been used by book publishers such as National Geographic, advertising agencies such as Leo Burnett, and media such as PBS.

Raymond’s most recent books are Ellis Island: Coming to the Land of Liberty, which is an excellent companion volume to Tenement: Immigrant Life on the Lower East Side; The Shaker Village, a lovely collection of color photographs depicting the simplicity and grace of this remarkable utopian community; a lovely paperback edition of Where Lincoln Walked published in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of this great president; Dripping Blood Cave and Other Ghostly Stories, the third volume in a popular series of ghost stories for young readers; and Rescuing Rover: Saving America’s Dogs, which has been selected for the Junior Literary Guild Book Club. Rescuing Rover is currently receiving high praise across the country.

Chigger, his most recent novel, is receiving fine reviews from readers, young and old alike. Anyone who likes to root for the underdog will love this sweet story of an unforgettable girl.

Reviews

[Erin Sehorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this for the library thinking it was a children's book, but there is one choice swear word that got me thinking maybe for my community, young adult would be more appropriate.
WOW this was a great little book! Girl from wrong side of tracks, boy from right side of tracks, soon-to-be-6th graders...chickens...and family. And what it means to be a good friend and a good citizen. This is a sweet story of childhood and growing up. I highly reccommend it.