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Tadpole
A funny and moving story set in Kentucky
It’s the beginning of summer 1955, and though her family is struggling financially, Carolina’s mama still indulges her four daughters’ whims, like springing for all of them to get permanents. Each of her older sisters seems to have cut out a niche for herself, but Carolina Collins is still trying to find her own special place in life. The girls’ hardship is softened by the sudden appearance of their favorite cousin, Tadpole, a charismatic thirteen-year-old with a knack for guitar playing. Tad sees in Carolina a spirit and talent that no one has noticed before, and he predicts that she “is gonna surprise everybody one of these days.” The Collinses soon learn the real reason for Tad’s visit, however, and the weeks that follow are filled with dread that his abusive guardian will come and take him away.
But Tad is not the sort of boy to succumb to a bully, and he and Carolina both have surprises in store for everyone.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Tadpole is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
It’s the beginning of summer 1955, and though her family is struggling financially, Carolina’s mama still indulges her four daughters’ whims, like springing for all of them to get permanents. Each of her older sisters seems to have cut out a niche for herself, but Carolina Collins is still trying to find her own special place in life. The girls’ hardship is softened by the sudden appearance of their favorite cousin, Tadpole, a charismatic thirteen-year-old with a knack for guitar playing. Tad sees in Carolina a spirit and talent that no one has noticed before, and he predicts that she “is gonna surprise everybody one of these days.” The Collinses soon learn the real reason for Tad’s visit, however, and the weeks that follow are filled with dread that his abusive guardian will come and take him away.
But Tad is not the sort of boy to succumb to a bully, and he and Carolina both have surprises in store for everyone.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Tadpole is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2003
2 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Ruth White
80 books113 followersI was born in the Appalachian hills of Virginia, which is the setting for Belle Prater's Boy and The Search for Belle Prater. I lived there until I graduated from high school and went away to college. Though I left the hills, they never left me. My memories of those years are quite vivid. I have always referred to that time as both traumatic and wonderful. I get most of my ideas for my stories from those memories of my childhood home, the small coal-mining town of Grundy, Virginia.
I started writing at a very young age. I remember trying to write stories before I was even able to put long sentences together. It was just something I felt compelled to do, probably because I loved stories so much. We had no television because my family was very poor; my mother was raising my three sisters and me with very little money. So we read aloud and enjoyed each other’s company.
Eventually I became a teacher and then a school librarian. Working in the public schools among adolescents fueled my desire to write, and I suppose the age group I worked with helped me determine that I wanted to write for them instead of for adults or smaller children. I wrote my first book, The City Rose, based on an experience that happened when I taught seventh and eighth grade in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The schools had recently been integrated, and I had two black girls in one of my classes. I noticed that whenever we went to the library, they didn’t check out any books. Finally, they told me that it was because they couldn’t find any books about black children. So I decided to write one.
For Belle Prater's Boy, my inspiration came from Grundy, like it has so many times. When I was small I used to ride through the nicest residential area there and look at the pretty houses and manicured lawns. I thought these were wealthy people who had ideal lives. Only in later years did I realize that the people living in those houses were quite average, living the way most Americans live. They had their own particular problems, which I could not even imagine. So I decided to set a novel there. First, I created Gypsy, the city mouse, who lived in one of those pretty houses, and Woodrow, the country mouse, who was from the sticks. Then I asked them to tell me their story.
I didn’t plan to write a sequel to Belle Prater's Boy. I thought Woodrow's theory about what happened to his mother would be enough for the reader, but it obviously was not. I had many letters from readers wanting to know what happened to Belle, and asking me to write a sequel. Actually, I did the first draft of the sequel in the late nineties. After many revisions, I created The Search for Belle Prater.
When I'm not writing, I like to walk in the park with my golden retriever, listen to books on tape, and watch movies. Away from home, I like to visit schools and talk to young people about books and writing. My daughter usually travels with me, and we have a great time together.
I started writing at a very young age. I remember trying to write stories before I was even able to put long sentences together. It was just something I felt compelled to do, probably because I loved stories so much. We had no television because my family was very poor; my mother was raising my three sisters and me with very little money. So we read aloud and enjoyed each other’s company.
Eventually I became a teacher and then a school librarian. Working in the public schools among adolescents fueled my desire to write, and I suppose the age group I worked with helped me determine that I wanted to write for them instead of for adults or smaller children. I wrote my first book, The City Rose, based on an experience that happened when I taught seventh and eighth grade in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The schools had recently been integrated, and I had two black girls in one of my classes. I noticed that whenever we went to the library, they didn’t check out any books. Finally, they told me that it was because they couldn’t find any books about black children. So I decided to write one.
For Belle Prater's Boy, my inspiration came from Grundy, like it has so many times. When I was small I used to ride through the nicest residential area there and look at the pretty houses and manicured lawns. I thought these were wealthy people who had ideal lives. Only in later years did I realize that the people living in those houses were quite average, living the way most Americans live. They had their own particular problems, which I could not even imagine. So I decided to set a novel there. First, I created Gypsy, the city mouse, who lived in one of those pretty houses, and Woodrow, the country mouse, who was from the sticks. Then I asked them to tell me their story.
I didn’t plan to write a sequel to Belle Prater's Boy. I thought Woodrow's theory about what happened to his mother would be enough for the reader, but it obviously was not. I had many letters from readers wanting to know what happened to Belle, and asking me to write a sequel. Actually, I did the first draft of the sequel in the late nineties. After many revisions, I created The Search for Belle Prater.
When I'm not writing, I like to walk in the park with my golden retriever, listen to books on tape, and watch movies. Away from home, I like to visit schools and talk to young people about books and writing. My daughter usually travels with me, and we have a great time together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 13, 2016
This was one of the first books that pulled me head-first into the historical fiction genre. I have yet to pull myself out. I saw the book at the elementary book fair, judged the cover (hehe) and bought it on the spot. I read it in a few days and it instantly became one of my favorite books. In fact, it not only was crucial in introducing me to the historical fiction genre, but also the southern fiction genre. Completely instrumental in my life. It shaped a lot of the music I listened to, obviously the books I read, and more. So thank you, Ruth White, for bringing my however-old-I-was-self this amazing story that would later bring me more joy than I could imagine.
August 8, 2016
How can cousin Tadpole, a 13-year-old orphan who has runaway from his abusive uncle, help a single hardworking mother, who is raising four daughters? It seems unlikely, but when Tadpole comes to visit, he brings music, charm, and a positive outlook to the family and community. Set in Appalachia in the 1950's, this story is told from the point-of-view of the youngest girl, 10-year-old Carolina. Carolina's character develops, and her special talents come to light through her friendship with Tadpole. Actually, Tadpoles' hard work influences all the girls to take more responsibility and help out their mother more often. Everyone wants Tad to stay, but eventually the courts force Tad to return to his uncle. Written in Appalachian dialect, the book depict the times and small-town life. It's themes of overcoming abuse, survival, and finding your way are as positive and charming as Tadpole.
February 15, 2008
More kid-lit. I also "read" a book on braids, children of the westward expansion and many picture books which were in the latest box of books I was processing.
Tadpole was a sweet book about four girls and their mom. They are really poor, growing up with their Victory garden, once more, a few years before we did. But the number of girls and their chores made me think of us.
Another violent abusive father figure and more of the same old red taped government entities which turned me off Summer of My German Soldier, also turned me off this book. I don't think I would usually include any of this kid lit that I read, but the ones where it reminds me of "us" I thought I would.
Tadpole was a sweet book about four girls and their mom. They are really poor, growing up with their Victory garden, once more, a few years before we did. But the number of girls and their chores made me think of us.
Another violent abusive father figure and more of the same old red taped government entities which turned me off Summer of My German Soldier, also turned me off this book. I don't think I would usually include any of this kid lit that I read, but the ones where it reminds me of "us" I thought I would.
December 27, 2008
Sweet book. I really like this author.
August 7, 2019
A cute story from the youngest child's point of view. Carolina and her sisters, and their single mom taking care of her brood with love and strength, where they had everything they need (except money). Then their cousin Tadpole comes into their lives. He has visions of his mom in the past, as a child, giving him insight on how & what shaped his mothers' life.
May 8, 2018
A very easy read. Provides lots of insight to young readers about the struggle of small, rural farming communities from the mid-1900s. Endearing characters and something that almost everyone can relate to.
September 26, 2018
Yes, I judged the book by its cover and didn’t think I would like it. I was wrong. It’s a sweet story about a the youngest of four girls whose cousin helps her find what’s special about her. It’s just a cute, sweet story.
December 29, 2022
I enjoyed this story - was sad to read about a (fictional) boy who was orphaned and had to bounce around his unwilling relatives, but it was an inspiring story about how he looks at the positives and how he relates to the small cousin who also has a feeling of inferiority to her big sisters.
March 21, 2024
As I've said before, I love the way Ruth White writes. She really captures the voice and feel of Southerners living in the hill country. This was a wonderful Juvenile Fiction book--very visual and entertaining.
September 17, 2025
Great story for middle graders! The story takes place in the 1950s and is written in Appalachian Mountain dialogue. There is a physically abusive uncle and that is brought out in the story as something that has happened in the past. I give this four stars and it’s a keeper!
September 15, 2019
A surprisingly heartwarming book. Enjoyed it quite well even though it’s a children’s fiction. Worth reading to your little ones for sure :)
May 28, 2012
It’s 1955 and the Collins family lives in a small house in the hills of Kentucky. There are four girls and their single mama. Kentucky is the oldest and the socialite, Virginia is next and is pretty, Georgia is smart, Carolina is the youngest and bothered by the fact that there is nothing special about her. Orphaned after his parents’ deaths, Winston Churchill Birch, their cousin, shows up one day after running away from a guardian who whips him. Tadpole (his nickname) is a hard worker, generous, caring, fun loving, and talented. He gets the girls to do chores and help their mother through working together and having fun. Tad plays the guitar, sings, and is popular with the neighbors. He plans a picnic for the community with singing and dancing. With Tad’s help and support, Carolina finds her special talent is music. Tad must go back to his Uncle Matthew’s house, but it isn’t long before he runs away again. Even though Tad’s aunt, cousins, and the whole community are willing to help and hide him, Tad realizes he is putting them all at risk. Tad leaves and ends up in Nashville where he finishes his education and joins a band. The story is told through Carolina’s voice and a Southern dialect is used. Tad, Carolina, Mama, and the other characters are authentically and warmly portrayed. The setting reflects the poor, small-town, Southern life during the time period. Great book to use if studying the history of this time. It also supports overcoming obstacles, finding one’s own talents and dreams, family life, etc. Grades 5-8.
Douglas & McIntyre, Ltd. 2003
Douglas & McIntyre, Ltd. 2003
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January 5, 2011TCL call number: J White
no rating
Tadpole takes place in Kentucky in the mid-1950s. It depicts a family of four young girls (all of them are named after states). Their single mother is struggling to support her "loud" and "unruly" children. Tadpole is introduced as the orphaned cousin who is loved by all; but, sadly, is forced to live in another county with an abusive aunt and uncle. The story is told by Carolina, the youngest of the four sisters.
This is a heart-warming tale of family, youth, and the healing powers of music. Tadpole learns to love life through his music and guitar playing. His lively spirit teaches his cousing (the four sisters) to appreciate what little they have and to give back the love and hard work their mother provides.
no rating
Tadpole takes place in Kentucky in the mid-1950s. It depicts a family of four young girls (all of them are named after states). Their single mother is struggling to support her "loud" and "unruly" children. Tadpole is introduced as the orphaned cousin who is loved by all; but, sadly, is forced to live in another county with an abusive aunt and uncle. The story is told by Carolina, the youngest of the four sisters.
This is a heart-warming tale of family, youth, and the healing powers of music. Tadpole learns to love life through his music and guitar playing. His lively spirit teaches his cousing (the four sisters) to appreciate what little they have and to give back the love and hard work their mother provides.
January 3, 2015
The story was interesting, but I don't like books written in dialect (that is, the entire book, not just dialog). While the author may be trying to give "flavor" to the text, it doesn't sound right to me. I also wish that there'd been more description of their home and lives, but since the narrator was 10, perhaps the author didn't feel that would be authentic. But really - try shutting a 10 year-old-up; more description would have worked.
May 16, 2011
I had read this back as an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) in 2002. Someone gave it to me recently and I remembered I had liked it but couldn't really remember the story. It's an easy read. Reminds me of the books of my childhood, light nothing too bad happens, family fun. Given that it takes place in Kentucky it's a natural for kids in this area.
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January 14, 2013this is one of the books my daughter Kate has given me. I delayed reading it for over a year, but really enjoyed it once i got around to it. Kate likes YA fiction and so do I, especially when the characters don't have to suffer *too* much adult cruelty. I like the evocation of place and time in this one.
August 6, 2012
Read this on the 6 hour car ride to West Virginia. Thought it was great, and recommended it to my 4th grade teacher friend to read to her class. A fun and heartwarming book that reminded me of All of a Kind Family.
January 23, 2008
ANother good book by Ruth White. My kids loved it. Not quite as good as Belle Prater's Boy, but a close second!
March 5, 2008
This is a great story. You can really admire the characters as they grow through adversity and learn happiness in the face of tragedy and pain. Really well-written.
September 26, 2008
This is a good book not the best ive read.
February 21, 2009
I just really loved this story and have to thank my sister for recommending it to me.
June 17, 2010
I didn't actually finish this book but I got bored with it.
December 1, 2009
A Cute, simple story about a family- a mother and four girls, and their adventures and experiences with their cousin Tad/pole.
March 31, 2010
I'm only starting this book but so far its soooooooooo good.
June 29, 2010
A feel-good, down home southern bit-o-fluff.
September 5, 2011
I love it! I want to make a movie of it!
March 30, 2016
March 2016 re-read, audiobook.
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January 27, 2014Loved it Loved it Loved it
July 8, 2025
One of those books where I had to force myself to read so slowly as to not miss any single beautiful word.
June 7, 2008
Like looking at a snapshot of a place, but not enough story to be great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews