The Divide

by Michael Bedard

In a work that's likely to stimulate discussions of westward expansion, Willa learns to accept her new Nebraska home. Vibrant watercolors and descriptive prose tell the story of a young girl's exploration of her surroundings.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Michael Bedard was born and raised in Toronto. His novels include Stained Glass, A Darker Magic, Painted Devil, and Redwork, which received the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Canadian Library Association’s Book of the Year Award for Children. He has also written several acclaimed picture books, including The Clay Ladies, which received the Toronto IODE Book Award. His biography, William Blake: The Gates of Paradise and his picture book Emily attest to his interest in poets and poetry.

Reviews

[The Hofs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oftentimes, I select library books because of their artwork. This was the case with this book. When an older sibling read to the littler ones, she loved it enough to pick up "My Antonia" and tell me about it. Gorgeous illustrations and delightful glimpse into a stint of local author, Willa Cather's childhood.

[Amy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and description of the prairie where Willa Catha lived as a child

[Ellie Dynek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived in Nebraska for most of my life, I can appreciate how much detail and description Michael Bedard used to illustrate Willa Cather's early years in the Nebraska prairie

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt drawn into a different time and place!

[Tim Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent; good narration of leaving one's familiar surroundings due to famine or unemployment; the young Willa Cather was at a juncture of how she regarded her existence and connection with fellow Americans. Well-illustrated; 5* out of 5. Highly recommended

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Timely since I read one of her books a couple of weeks ago.
Story of part of Willa Cather's girlhood.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are nice, showing the vast prairie and the growing awareness of the young Willa Cather, but the ending seemed abrupt in its attempt to note Willa's "song waiting to be sung."