Backyard Angel

Angel O'Leary #1

by Judy Delton, Judy Delton

Spreads Her Wings
Angel in Charge
Angel Bites the Bullet
Back Yard Angel
Angel's Mother's Boyfriend
Angel's Mother's Wedding

With the excitement of her mother getting married and having a baby, Angel is ready for a nice long summer at home in Elm City, Wisconsin. But another change is brewing for poor Angel. Her stepfather is taking the family to Greece to meet their new grandparents. Angel will have to get on a plane and fly over the ocean to a foreign land - will she have to use one of those airsick bags on the plane? Will there be anything to eat in Greece besides those little fish with their heads on? How will she understand her grandparents? And, most important, will Angel ever make it back home or will her stepfather want the family to stay in Greece forever? Back by popular demand, here is another fast-paced, hilarious adventure for that much-loved character, Angel. Change isn't always easy, but even worrywart Angel just may spread her wings a little as she learns that home is where the heart is.

Angel and her little brother have to cope with an incompetent babysitter and several crises while their mother is away. These tales of the trials and tribulations of ten-year-old Angel O'Leary are guaranteed to win many fans. A master at creating short, amusing episodes, Judy Delton writes about ordinary children in a manner often compared to Beverly Cleary, and Carolyn Haywood. Booklist described Angel as, "a flesh-and-blood child whom readers will take to their hearts. Each little jewel of a chapter is an episode unto itself, and Delton's handling of this format is reminiscent of Eleanor Estes' fine work."

What does a ten-year-old girl do when her mother’s best friend moves into her room ― beauty products, sheepdog, pantyhose, and all? Angel springs into action, looking for a man to marry Alyce and take her away, out of Angel’s hair, house, and family. But along the way, Angel learns that more changes are in store, and she can handle them much better than she thought.

Although Angel loves her little brother, Rags, dearly, the constant responsibility of caring for him weighs heavily on her young shoulders. These tales of the trials and tribulations of ten-year-old Angel O'Leary are guaranteed to win many fans. A master at creating short, amusing episodes, Judy Delton writes about ordinary children in a manner often compared to Beverly Cleary, and Carolyn Haywood. Booklist described Angel as, "a flesh-and-blood child whom readers will take to their hearts. Each little jewel of a chapter is an episode unto itself, and Delton's handling of this format is reminiscent of Eleanor Estes' fine work."

When Angel's mother begins acting strangely after her vacation, Angel knows it has something to do with the mysterious letters from Washington, D.C. Soon Angel convinces herself that her mother must be in danger for not paying her taxes! Angel swings into action, scheming to earn bail money and creating escape plans. But when it turns out the letters are actually from Rudy, the charming man Mrs. O'Leary met on her vacation, Angel isn't as relieved as she should be. Besides being a threat to their family, he is after all, a professional clown . . . Worrywart Angel and her little brother, Rags, will delight old fans and new readers alike as they face an unusual dilemma with typically hilarious results.


Wedding bells are ringing for Angel’s mom―and Angel takes charge when she feels that her mother isn’t preparing properly. A funny story about a contemporary dilemma, in which ordinary events are wed to extraordinary twists.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Born on May 6th in St. Paul, Minnesota, Judy Delton lived in her hometown for most of her life. She wrote more than one hundred books for children, including the popular Pee Wee Scouts series, which sold more than seven million copies. Her writing was often compared to Beverly Cleary or Carolyn Haywood for her ability to capture the essence of childhood.

For many years, Ms. Delton taught writing classes in her home. Today, those writers are having their own books published and remember her forthright instruction and critique with appreciation. Many writers have benefited from her handbook, The 29 Most Common Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

Ms. Delton had four children and decided to quit teaching so she could stay home and raise them. Writing prolifically was her way of supporting her family. She died very suddenly of a blood infection in December of 2001. Her legions of friends and all those she taught were greatly saddened.

Reviews

[Kat!e Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my "Happy Place" books. I read it when I was very young, and I now reread it whenever I want to reenter the more simple world that was my childhood. If I'm sick or upset, I like to curl up with this book and feel like a ten year old again. It's beautiful, fun, and sweet and reminds you what the world was like when you were ten.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

LFL find. Well-loved copy. Mostly funny, episodic, a bit like a Ramona Quimby book. Lighter than the blurb implies. But still, it takes mom too long to realize that age 10 is too young to be alone and responsible for an active boy age 4.

[Susannah]

This was my favorite book when I was really little. I envied the ending, where the other
girl passes by her house and invites her to come along to play. Angel makes excuses, but the other girl doesn't give up and she does indeed go along to play. I always wished that would happen to me. Making friends is hard, and it didn't get easier as an adult!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read from 1983 editon.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't particularly love Back Yard Angel, but it's a book that will always have a place in my library. It's mostly sentimental; I received my copy from my second grade teacher, Ms. Copping. I think there was some kind of competition involved because there is a sticker on the inside cover. Back Yard Angel is your typical generic children's fiction fare. Can't say I would recommend it.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Angel feels responsible for her younger brother Rags. She keeps trying to keep him out of trouble but it seems all her good intentions turn awry. She is bored and wishes she good have a friend her own age.

[Molly Schoder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it was ok, some parts were funny. And some were confusing!!

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of the funny Angel books, in which Angel is finally old enough to babysit her younger brother "Rags" but is restricted to the backyard where they try to think of exciting things to do.

[Anyawilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book twice in 4th grade !!!!@home reading it again

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first "novel" I ever read!

[Anyawilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

DO YOU REALLY WANNA KNOW WHAT I THINK ABOUT THIS BOOK .ONE WORD AWESOME.THAT'S RIGHT AWESOME