That Wild Berries Should Grow

by Gloria Whelan

While spending the summer at her grandparents' country cottage on Lake Huron, Elsa, a precocious fifth-grader, learns to find excitement in simple, quiet places.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Poetry, Juvenile, Young Adult

118 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Gloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.

Reviews

[Challice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often ponder that if I should ever be a writer, Gloria Whelan is the kind of author I would want to be.

Elsa is slowly recovering from an illness when is is sent to stay with her grandparents at their country farm during the Great Depression. At first Elsa is against being their but her grandmothers soft and endearing ways provides gentle admonitions and hope for this girl who begins to blossom and thrive.

Each chapter opens with a poem that Elsa writes and they are so whimsical that I found myself trying to commit to memory some of them.

"Land was hard to come by in the old country. If my friends could see this garden and orchard they would think we were kings. Remember, Elsa, if you can own your own little piece of land you will be all right."

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that speaks summer into your heart! Time with grandparents, growing a garden, hiking the gully, reading books, and beach combing treasures from the depths of the lake. Gloria Whelan has crafted a story to bring back all the best memories of childhood and family.

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artful, simple and nostalgic. I wish there was a sequel.

[ejs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! Elsa is a city girl from Detroit. She becomes ill and is sent to the county town of Greenbush on Lake Huron for the summer. Her grandparents are from Germany and Gramma is a "all business". She works hard. Elsa has no idea what to do in this boring area with nothing - no movies or stores or even close neighbors. So she reads and writes poetry. Every chapter begins with one of her poems, which change as she grows to love and appreciate her grandparents and nature...as well as the work (canning, learning the fruit trees, naming the animals and insects as well as all the plants). Lovely story/lovely writing. I'll read more to share with my granddaughters!

[Lorna Alexiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄
♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎

I am a 12-year-old girl. I borrowed this book a month ago in our school library.
Finished it after a few days, and I liked it.
The imagination my mind creates by reading this is beautiful. The paper quality is also great.
And how the chapters were aligned and written. I also liked the poems written by the author.

Overall, I rate this book 4/5 📖
Writing style; 8/10
Plot; 7.1/10
Characters; 9.3/10
Ending; 8/10
Imagination/Views; 10/10

That's all, and thank you💛

[Amrutha Prasad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I technically began this book in the 4th grade but never finished it - something I used to think about often. I happened to find it in the garage yesterday which I took as a sign from the universe that I could finally see it thru. I immediately got lost in the narrative and feeling of being a child again, quickly realizing that I never finished the book because I was annoyed by how bratty the protagonist is, but am still carrying the book back with me because I know I’ll want to read it again.

[Tobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poetic and wholesome read filled with nostalgia. This story gives a strong ghibli vibe, which i love. Glad i picked it up. I'll defo devour anything by this author.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this rather slow moving. There’s not much of plot. The story is simple and enjoyable enough, though, and it is an easy read. I did love the setting on Lake Huron, and the author’s creative description and appreciation for nature. I also found the glimpse into life during the Depression and the mention of Detroit back in its heyday to be interesting. I would probably give this more like 2.5 stars if I could. It was okay, but not really amazing. I think it might be better suited for a younger audience.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the story that the author chose for this book because it is perfect! This book is about a girl over the summer has to go with her aunt and uncle to their summer house. She does not think she will have a good time, but then she ends up having a great time! spending most of her time picking and planting berries. I recommend this book to girls, because it is quite a girly book.

[Lindsey May!:")]

heyyyyyy! i love this book n the poems.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that I've read many times. One of my favorite childhood books.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A down to earth, heart warming 1930's farm story.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have read this book more than any other...my favorite book as a child