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Rabble Starkey
Many things change for twelve-year-old Rabble Starkey, her mother, and her best friend, Veronica Bigelow, when Veronica's mother becomes mentally incapacitated and the Starkeys move in with the Bigelows.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
9 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Lois Lowry
143 books22.9k followersTaken from Lowry's website:
"I’ve always felt that I was fortunate to have been born the middle child of three. My older sister, Helen, was very much like our mother: gentle, family-oriented, eager to please. Little brother Jon was the only boy and had interests that he shared with Dad; together they were always working on electric trains and erector sets; and later, when Jon was older, they always seemed to have their heads under the raised hood of a car. That left me in-between, and exactly where I wanted most to be: on my own. I was a solitary child who lived in the world of books and my own vivid imagination.
Because my father was a career military officer - an Army dentist - I lived all over the world. I was born in Hawaii, moved from there to New York, spent the years of World War II in my mother’s hometown: Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and from there went to Tokyo when I was eleven. High school was back in New York City, but by the time I went to college (Brown University in Rhode Island), my family was living in Washington, D.C.
I married young. I had just turned nineteen - just finished my sophomore year in college - when I married a Naval officer and continued the odyssey that military life requires. California. Connecticut (a daughter born there). Florida (a son). South Carolina. Finally Cambridge, Massachusetts, when my husband left the service and entered Harvard Law School (another daughter; another son) and then to Maine - by now with four children under the age of five in tow. My children grew up in Maine. So did I. I returned to college at the University of Southern Maine, got my degree, went to graduate school, and finally began to write professionally, the thing I had dreamed of doing since those childhood years when I had endlessly scribbled stories and poems in notebooks.
After my marriage ended in 1977, when I was forty, I settled into the life I have lived ever since. Today I am back in Cambridge, Massachusetts, living and writing in a house dominated by a very shaggy Tibetan Terrier named Bandit. For a change of scenery Martin and I spend time in Maine, where we have an old (it was built in 1768!) farmhouse on top of a hill. In Maine I garden, feed birds, entertain friends, and read...
My books have varied in content and style. Yet it seems that all of them deal, essentially, with the same general theme: the importance of human connections. A Summer to Die, my first book, was a highly fictionalized retelling of the early death of my sister, and of the effect of such a loss on a family. Number the Stars, set in a different culture and era, tells the same story: that of the role that we humans play in the lives of our fellow beings.
The Giver - and Gathering Blue, and the newest in the trilogy: Messenger - take place against the background of very different cultures and times. Though all three are broader in scope than my earlier books, they nonetheless speak to the same concern: the vital need of people to be aware of their interdependence, not only with each other, but with the world and its environment.
My older son was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. His death in the cockpit of a warplane tore away a piece of my world. But it left me, too, with a wish to honor him by joining the many others trying to find a way to end conflict on this very fragile earth.
I am a grandmother now. For my own grandchildren - and for all those of their generation - I try, through writing, to convey my passionate awareness that we live intertwined on this planet and that our future depends upon our caring more, and doing more, for one another."
"I’ve always felt that I was fortunate to have been born the middle child of three. My older sister, Helen, was very much like our mother: gentle, family-oriented, eager to please. Little brother Jon was the only boy and had interests that he shared with Dad; together they were always working on electric trains and erector sets; and later, when Jon was older, they always seemed to have their heads under the raised hood of a car. That left me in-between, and exactly where I wanted most to be: on my own. I was a solitary child who lived in the world of books and my own vivid imagination.
Because my father was a career military officer - an Army dentist - I lived all over the world. I was born in Hawaii, moved from there to New York, spent the years of World War II in my mother’s hometown: Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and from there went to Tokyo when I was eleven. High school was back in New York City, but by the time I went to college (Brown University in Rhode Island), my family was living in Washington, D.C.
I married young. I had just turned nineteen - just finished my sophomore year in college - when I married a Naval officer and continued the odyssey that military life requires. California. Connecticut (a daughter born there). Florida (a son). South Carolina. Finally Cambridge, Massachusetts, when my husband left the service and entered Harvard Law School (another daughter; another son) and then to Maine - by now with four children under the age of five in tow. My children grew up in Maine. So did I. I returned to college at the University of Southern Maine, got my degree, went to graduate school, and finally began to write professionally, the thing I had dreamed of doing since those childhood years when I had endlessly scribbled stories and poems in notebooks.
After my marriage ended in 1977, when I was forty, I settled into the life I have lived ever since. Today I am back in Cambridge, Massachusetts, living and writing in a house dominated by a very shaggy Tibetan Terrier named Bandit. For a change of scenery Martin and I spend time in Maine, where we have an old (it was built in 1768!) farmhouse on top of a hill. In Maine I garden, feed birds, entertain friends, and read...
My books have varied in content and style. Yet it seems that all of them deal, essentially, with the same general theme: the importance of human connections. A Summer to Die, my first book, was a highly fictionalized retelling of the early death of my sister, and of the effect of such a loss on a family. Number the Stars, set in a different culture and era, tells the same story: that of the role that we humans play in the lives of our fellow beings.
The Giver - and Gathering Blue, and the newest in the trilogy: Messenger - take place against the background of very different cultures and times. Though all three are broader in scope than my earlier books, they nonetheless speak to the same concern: the vital need of people to be aware of their interdependence, not only with each other, but with the world and its environment.
My older son was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. His death in the cockpit of a warplane tore away a piece of my world. But it left me, too, with a wish to honor him by joining the many others trying to find a way to end conflict on this very fragile earth.
I am a grandmother now. For my own grandchildren - and for all those of their generation - I try, through writing, to convey my passionate awareness that we live intertwined on this planet and that our future depends upon our caring more, and doing more, for one another."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 20, 2023
When I saw this book on Netgalley I was very excited as Lois Lowry was one of my favorites when I was a kid. I was a little disappointed when I realized it was a re-release but somehow I never found it as a child so I happily dove in. While there are definitely some outdated bits and even just a few things that were a little off putting (like the poor single mother who got pregnant as a teenager being called Sweet-Ho). Overall though it was a sweet story about growing up and about friendship. Veronica and Rabble are best friends and as close as sisters. Rabble and her mom live in Veronica’s garage and help take care of Veronica’s little brother and her mother keeps their house for them. This has never stopped them from being close. Things start to change when Veronica’s mother’s mental illness gets worse. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars, rounded up because it honestly held up better than I was expecting (I’ve been let down by too many books from the 80’s/90’s that are being re-released).
July 28, 2014
Why has this title fallen into obscurity? The writing quality is superb — easily on par with Lowry's better-known books like Number the Stars. I stumbled upon this because it was a free borrow under the Kindle Unlimited program. The story appears to take place in the 1980s, but other than a brief reference to a VCR, it hasn't aged a bit. The characters are strong and their growth satisfying and believable. This thing deserves a reprint.
November 3, 2013
Lois Lowry is absolutely the most talented middle grade/YA author alive. This sweet, ultimately uplifting book is evidence of her gift for honest, engaging stories and likeable but flawed characters -- and its smalltown West Virginia setting was a nice change of pace. I appreciated the lesson that moving on can be painful, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be grateful for what we have.
May 12, 2015
This was one of my favorites as a teen. I found it the other day and decided to try it again, to see if it stood the test of time. As an adult, I understand a lot more of the mother's story, and her sadness. The story is written in such a way that the main character is totally relatable, even though she is twelve years old.
This book definitely stood the test of time for me. Plus, I read it in one afternoon. ☺
This book definitely stood the test of time for me. Plus, I read it in one afternoon. ☺
April 12, 2015
I bought this for 25 cents at the Gold Beach Book Store up in Oregon. I figured I'd give it to my local tiny library box in the neighborhood after I finished, but it's just too good to not keep. It's a rough story and Rabble's had a tough life, but Lowry tells us about it in such an honest (and, again) gentle way that you can't help feeling close to Rabble.
July 10, 2015
I have loved this book since I first read it in 4th grade have re-read it at least 25 times. Rabble is a good kid and Lois Lowry is a fabulous writer.
June 15, 2023
When I saw a Lois Lowry book on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to read what I thought was a new release from her! Upon diving into this book, I realized that this book is actually a re-release of a standalone book that she wrote and published in 1987. I'm not sure what prompted the publisher to do this with this particular book.
Upon diving in, this book reads like it is historical fiction, and I suppose that it is now, given that from a few clues (the character's watch Karate Kid) that this book is set in the Mid to Late 1980's. But remove the few references to television and a specific movie, and this book actually feels much older. The things the characters talk about and do, the way that the Mom's mental health issues are treated, this book just feels more like something from the 1950's to me.
Lois Lowry is a master at getting reader's invested in her characters and immersed into a specific place. It all was such a clear picture in my mind of the 2 main girls as they are going through their life. This is very much a coming of age story. And we do see our characters grow and change over the course of it. However, a lot of it just feels like it almost wouldn't even be relatable to today's children on many levels. Here's some of the reasons why, Rabble's mother's name is Sweet Hosanna, however, throughout the book she is called Sweet-Ho, I can already hear the middle schoolers giggling over that alone. Mrs. Bigelow, the mother of the other FMC in the book seems to be suffering from post-partum depression, the family deals with this mostly by ignoring it and her, and having Sweet-Ho come in and take over everything. Then when the mother has a breakdown she is institutionalized in a hospital for the duration of the novel. The third thing that was off putting for me, was that there is a male character in the book who throws a rock at the female characters on Halloween when they are trick-or-treating and actually hits the 90-something year old woman who owns the house in the head, injuring her! This is explained off, as boy's do things like this to get girl's attention. And while, this boy as a character also grows, he really never has to face any consequences of his negative behavior. Also, that's not how we get people's attention when we like them. There is a weird dynamic between Mr. Bigelow, the dad, and Sweet-Ho, the live-in housekeeper as well, when the mom is in the hospital that just made it all a bit weird.
So while there were things that I liked, there were also things that were a miss for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Upon diving in, this book reads like it is historical fiction, and I suppose that it is now, given that from a few clues (the character's watch Karate Kid) that this book is set in the Mid to Late 1980's. But remove the few references to television and a specific movie, and this book actually feels much older. The things the characters talk about and do, the way that the Mom's mental health issues are treated, this book just feels more like something from the 1950's to me.
Lois Lowry is a master at getting reader's invested in her characters and immersed into a specific place. It all was such a clear picture in my mind of the 2 main girls as they are going through their life. This is very much a coming of age story. And we do see our characters grow and change over the course of it. However, a lot of it just feels like it almost wouldn't even be relatable to today's children on many levels. Here's some of the reasons why, Rabble's mother's name is Sweet Hosanna, however, throughout the book she is called Sweet-Ho, I can already hear the middle schoolers giggling over that alone. Mrs. Bigelow, the mother of the other FMC in the book seems to be suffering from post-partum depression, the family deals with this mostly by ignoring it and her, and having Sweet-Ho come in and take over everything. Then when the mother has a breakdown she is institutionalized in a hospital for the duration of the novel. The third thing that was off putting for me, was that there is a male character in the book who throws a rock at the female characters on Halloween when they are trick-or-treating and actually hits the 90-something year old woman who owns the house in the head, injuring her! This is explained off, as boy's do things like this to get girl's attention. And while, this boy as a character also grows, he really never has to face any consequences of his negative behavior. Also, that's not how we get people's attention when we like them. There is a weird dynamic between Mr. Bigelow, the dad, and Sweet-Ho, the live-in housekeeper as well, when the mom is in the hospital that just made it all a bit weird.
So while there were things that I liked, there were also things that were a miss for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 2, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
Rabble Starkey is geared towards the YA population, which in my opinion, is generally easier for me to read, haha. It's a shorter book about a 12 year old girl named Rabble. Rabble was raised by a teen mom. After her grandma passes, Rabble and her mom move above the Bigelows garage, which is where Rabble meets her friend Veronica, whom is also 12. Rabble has always craved stability, and this story is about how she finally feels like she's found that stability with the Bigelows and her mama.
While this book was originally published in 1987, it's still relevant today. There's no doubt or denying that Lois Lowry was always insanely talented.
Rabble Starkey is geared towards the YA population, which in my opinion, is generally easier for me to read, haha. It's a shorter book about a 12 year old girl named Rabble. Rabble was raised by a teen mom. After her grandma passes, Rabble and her mom move above the Bigelows garage, which is where Rabble meets her friend Veronica, whom is also 12. Rabble has always craved stability, and this story is about how she finally feels like she's found that stability with the Bigelows and her mama.
While this book was originally published in 1987, it's still relevant today. There's no doubt or denying that Lois Lowry was always insanely talented.
March 9, 2023
4.5 Stars
I liked how Lois incorporated a lot of coming-of-age issues into such a short book: friendship, family, mental health, bullying, forgiveness, empathy, consideration, respecting elders, self-improvement, new beginnings, and death/loss.
One part that stood out to me was when Rabble and Veronica were at a friend's birthday party (a boy-girl birthday party, gasp! lol) and they were all playing a game where they all had to tell a secret about someone else. Rabble knows that Veronica likes a boy named Norman, who is quite the bully, but he has been making better choices and changing his behavior. It comes to Rabble's turn to tell a secret and she has the chance to tell a bad secret about Norman. She contemplates whether or not to tell this bad secret about Norman because 1) it could adversely affect her friendship with Veronica, and 2) she knows that Norman has been doing good things/making better choices and trying to be a better person, so she would feel regret exposing Norman's secret.
Today's 12-year-olds would find Rabble's grammar terrible! i.e. "All the kids in town was out." Rabble does struggle with her grammar, but Veronica helps her to correct her grammar and Rabble actively works to correct herself and improve her grammar towards the end of the book.
One thing I didn't like was Rabble's mom's name! Sweet-Ho. Even Rabble called her Sweet-Ho. I had to say a different name in my head when I came across her name. I just couldn't do it. LOL
Some excerpts that stood out to me were:
"...the best way to get people to change their ways, or change their minds, is to treat them nice about it."
"No matter where a home might be, feelings are the vital thing."
Referring to two books, The Red Pony and The Yearling, "About all kinds of loving, and about saying goodbye. And about moving on to where more things are in store."
I liked how Lois incorporated a lot of coming-of-age issues into such a short book: friendship, family, mental health, bullying, forgiveness, empathy, consideration, respecting elders, self-improvement, new beginnings, and death/loss.
One part that stood out to me was when Rabble and Veronica were at a friend's birthday party (a boy-girl birthday party, gasp! lol) and they were all playing a game where they all had to tell a secret about someone else. Rabble knows that Veronica likes a boy named Norman, who is quite the bully, but he has been making better choices and changing his behavior. It comes to Rabble's turn to tell a secret and she has the chance to tell a bad secret about Norman. She contemplates whether or not to tell this bad secret about Norman because 1) it could adversely affect her friendship with Veronica, and 2) she knows that Norman has been doing good things/making better choices and trying to be a better person, so she would feel regret exposing Norman's secret.
Today's 12-year-olds would find Rabble's grammar terrible! i.e. "All the kids in town was out." Rabble does struggle with her grammar, but Veronica helps her to correct her grammar and Rabble actively works to correct herself and improve her grammar towards the end of the book.
One thing I didn't like was Rabble's mom's name! Sweet-Ho. Even Rabble called her Sweet-Ho. I had to say a different name in my head when I came across her name. I just couldn't do it. LOL
Some excerpts that stood out to me were:
"...the best way to get people to change their ways, or change their minds, is to treat them nice about it."
"No matter where a home might be, feelings are the vital thing."
Referring to two books, The Red Pony and The Yearling, "About all kinds of loving, and about saying goodbye. And about moving on to where more things are in store."
February 8, 2023
Rabble Starkey by Lois Lowry
Originally published in 1987
I am so glad this gem of a book is being re-released. It does have an old-fashioned feel to it, as it’s written in the first person by a thirteen-year-old girl from a small rural town, and even she admits that her grammar isn’t all that good. But the layers upon layers of emotion can be peeled away slowly, or completely, by any age group reading this short novel, so that, as an adult, I felt that perhaps I was seeing more depth than my grandchild might. Rabble has had a rocky childhood, as has her loving young mother. They both have also made some good choices and had some lucky breaks. The best of these is working for and living with a family that provides not only wages, but a best friend for Rabble, and love and stability, too, as they navigate their futures together. The rockiness is shared by many of the characters in this story, not in specific detail but certainly in complexity. I think readers will enjoy the common sense, practicality, and good advice Rabble shares in abundance with her unseen audience. She is wise beyond her years. But, sharing her wisdom, that’s Lois Lowry’s gift to all of us.
Originally published in 1987
I am so glad this gem of a book is being re-released. It does have an old-fashioned feel to it, as it’s written in the first person by a thirteen-year-old girl from a small rural town, and even she admits that her grammar isn’t all that good. But the layers upon layers of emotion can be peeled away slowly, or completely, by any age group reading this short novel, so that, as an adult, I felt that perhaps I was seeing more depth than my grandchild might. Rabble has had a rocky childhood, as has her loving young mother. They both have also made some good choices and had some lucky breaks. The best of these is working for and living with a family that provides not only wages, but a best friend for Rabble, and love and stability, too, as they navigate their futures together. The rockiness is shared by many of the characters in this story, not in specific detail but certainly in complexity. I think readers will enjoy the common sense, practicality, and good advice Rabble shares in abundance with her unseen audience. She is wise beyond her years. But, sharing her wisdom, that’s Lois Lowry’s gift to all of us.
December 17, 2016
Enjoyable read. Outdated? Yes, but still a viable story of friendship, family and life changes....some storylines transcend time. I read this because I love Lois Lowry as an author and hadn't read this book of hers from 1987.
March 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up because I love Lois Lowry books and knew it would be well written. I wasn't disappointed.
June 13, 2010
I did not like this book as much because I didn't really understand the dialect they spoke in. Rabble had a really strong southern accent and poor grammar. She talked in a 'hillbilly' voice. The setting of the book was in West Virginia, so I'm guessing maybe that’s why the tone of the story was written this way. I tried researching about the author, Lois Lowry, but nothing ever mentioned her living in rural places talking like Rabble. But in the book, Rabble and her mom, Sweet- Ho had a good relationship. This book is told in Rabble's perspective when she is 12 yrs old.
In this book, love was a common theme. Veronica and Rabble were great friends, to a point that Rabble borrowed her cousins for Veronica's family tree for school. This showed a friendship love. Family love was between Rabble and Sweet Ho, Mr. Bigelow and Veronica.
Another theme that was shown in the book was single parenting, Rabble didn't have a father since he left and Veronica didn't have her mom b/c she’s in the hospital. It makes me question their emotions about that. But through the book, you can see that they are too young to know about single parents.
This book was written in the 1990, which explains the language. BUT, something that interested me was how you can see common themes in books today. ESPECIALLY single parenting. In our world today, a lot of kids are raised by single parents. It's just interesting to see this issue in a book writing about 20 years ago.
I would not recommend this book, but you can give it a try.
In this book, love was a common theme. Veronica and Rabble were great friends, to a point that Rabble borrowed her cousins for Veronica's family tree for school. This showed a friendship love. Family love was between Rabble and Sweet Ho, Mr. Bigelow and Veronica.
Another theme that was shown in the book was single parenting, Rabble didn't have a father since he left and Veronica didn't have her mom b/c she’s in the hospital. It makes me question their emotions about that. But through the book, you can see that they are too young to know about single parents.
This book was written in the 1990, which explains the language. BUT, something that interested me was how you can see common themes in books today. ESPECIALLY single parenting. In our world today, a lot of kids are raised by single parents. It's just interesting to see this issue in a book writing about 20 years ago.
I would not recommend this book, but you can give it a try.
May 4, 2023
I love Lois Lowry. As a reader, I find her books transport me and make me think, they resonate for a long time and I often go back and reread them. As a teacher, I find her books speak to my middle and high school students, and I am often told, excitedly, "This is the first time I've actually finished a whole book." We can identify with her characters and their situations, if not directly, then by some sort of shared experience or memory.
I had not read this book before but found it when searching for Lowry's new release, so, of course, I submitted my request. I'm giving this information because perhaps if I had read the original release I'd have some nostalgia tinting my review. But, as a first time reader, the book just didn't work for me. I am not sure I understand why THIS book, of all her books, would be chosen for "re-release," especially without some sort of update. The fact that the 14-year old who gives birth to the title character is named "Sweet Ho" should have been a clue that, perhaps, the book was a bit tone deaf for 2023. And, if that didn't do the trick, the entire handling of the mental illness storyline should have.
I'm sorry, but I just can't see myself recommending Rabble Starkey to students, no matter how. much pre-teen Amy might have loved the story, back in the late 70's.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
I had not read this book before but found it when searching for Lowry's new release, so, of course, I submitted my request. I'm giving this information because perhaps if I had read the original release I'd have some nostalgia tinting my review. But, as a first time reader, the book just didn't work for me. I am not sure I understand why THIS book, of all her books, would be chosen for "re-release," especially without some sort of update. The fact that the 14-year old who gives birth to the title character is named "Sweet Ho" should have been a clue that, perhaps, the book was a bit tone deaf for 2023. And, if that didn't do the trick, the entire handling of the mental illness storyline should have.
I'm sorry, but I just can't see myself recommending Rabble Starkey to students, no matter how. much pre-teen Amy might have loved the story, back in the late 70's.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
June 10, 2023
I received an ARC from Harper and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Theme: Coming-of-age, Growing Up, Love
Previously published in 1987.
The writing immediately drew me in. Rabble's and Veronica's voice are authentic kid and made me remember my childhood. The setting is in the 70s, and mental illness is represented as it would have been perceived in that time period. I think for this re-do, the mother: Sweet-Hosanna, who is nicknamed Sweet-Ho maybe should've been updated to Sweet-Ann. That's going to get to many snickers with a young audience.
Rabble and Veronica see themselves as sisters, and we get to see how their relationship changes. The entire book is about relationships and the different ways we see people. Characters range from their 90s to Gunther who is about four-years-old. The kids are a bit clueless that strikes true to form for being twelve-years-old.
*Rabble Starkey* received Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee (1989), Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature Nominee (1988), Best Children's Books of the Year (Bank Street College of Education) (1987)
The themes are as poignant today as they were when it was originally published.
I recommend this book for all readers.
Happy reading!
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Theme: Coming-of-age, Growing Up, Love
Previously published in 1987.
The writing immediately drew me in. Rabble's and Veronica's voice are authentic kid and made me remember my childhood. The setting is in the 70s, and mental illness is represented as it would have been perceived in that time period. I think for this re-do, the mother: Sweet-Hosanna, who is nicknamed Sweet-Ho maybe should've been updated to Sweet-Ann. That's going to get to many snickers with a young audience.
Rabble and Veronica see themselves as sisters, and we get to see how their relationship changes. The entire book is about relationships and the different ways we see people. Characters range from their 90s to Gunther who is about four-years-old. The kids are a bit clueless that strikes true to form for being twelve-years-old.
*Rabble Starkey* received Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee (1989), Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature Nominee (1988), Best Children's Books of the Year (Bank Street College of Education) (1987)
The themes are as poignant today as they were when it was originally published.
I recommend this book for all readers.
Happy reading!
May 26, 2023
Rabble is twelve years old and has endured a lot in her short life. Her mom left her to live with her grandmother until her grandmother died. Now she lives with her mother and although it isn’t an easy life, she has a great friend to brighten her days. Rabble wants a stable life and starts to get that, but then her mom’s boss has a mental breakdown and leaves for the hospital, Rabble and her mom move into the big house to help out more. As time passes, Rabble begins to feel a part of a family she never had … but will this last? What will happen when the woman of the house returns?
Rabble Starkey is a stand-alone realistic fiction story that is written for young readers and will leave them thinking hard about some serious issues. The original story was written in 1987, yet the story could easily be taking place in the present day. Lowry has created a small cast of characters with their own strengths and flaws and most readers will be able to relate to one if not many characters. The ending is kind of anticlimactic, but sometimes that is what life is like. Readers will have mixed feelings about the ending, though.
Rabble Starkey is a stand-alone realistic fiction story that is written for young readers and will leave them thinking hard about some serious issues. The original story was written in 1987, yet the story could easily be taking place in the present day. Lowry has created a small cast of characters with their own strengths and flaws and most readers will be able to relate to one if not many characters. The ending is kind of anticlimactic, but sometimes that is what life is like. Readers will have mixed feelings about the ending, though.
August 5, 2023
Rabble Starkey
by Lois Lowry
Pub Date 13 Jun 2023
HarperCollins Children's Books,Clarion Books
Romance| Teens & YA
Netgalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and Clarion Books sent me a copy of Rabble Starkey for review:
By the time she is twelve, Parable Ann Starkey, better known as Rabble, has seen her share of trouble. One month after Rabble was born, her father abandoned her and her teenage mother, and she went to live with her grandmother, Gnomie.
Rabble craves stability more than anything else, and she may have found it now, living with her mother and the Bigelows. For the past four years, Rabble has lived with her mother, Sweet Hosanna, in the Bigelows' garage. Veronica Bigelow is twelve, too, and she's more than Rabble's best friend; she's like a sister to her.
When Veronica's mother is hospitalized due to mental illness, the Starkeys move into the larger house to help Mr. Bigelow take care of Gunther, Veronica's younger brother. Rabble feels more at home as the two families grow closer. The feeling of being part of a family has been formed. This feels like forever for Rabble, but can it last?
I give Rabble Starkey five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Lois Lowry
Pub Date 13 Jun 2023
HarperCollins Children's Books,Clarion Books
Romance| Teens & YA
Netgalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and Clarion Books sent me a copy of Rabble Starkey for review:
By the time she is twelve, Parable Ann Starkey, better known as Rabble, has seen her share of trouble. One month after Rabble was born, her father abandoned her and her teenage mother, and she went to live with her grandmother, Gnomie.
Rabble craves stability more than anything else, and she may have found it now, living with her mother and the Bigelows. For the past four years, Rabble has lived with her mother, Sweet Hosanna, in the Bigelows' garage. Veronica Bigelow is twelve, too, and she's more than Rabble's best friend; she's like a sister to her.
When Veronica's mother is hospitalized due to mental illness, the Starkeys move into the larger house to help Mr. Bigelow take care of Gunther, Veronica's younger brother. Rabble feels more at home as the two families grow closer. The feeling of being part of a family has been formed. This feels like forever for Rabble, but can it last?
I give Rabble Starkey five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
March 11, 2023
Rabble Starkey is a 12-year-old girl living with her mother, Sweet Hosanna at the Bigelow's house. Sweet Hosanna acts as a live-in nanny and housekeeper since Mrs. Bigelow is suffering from mental illness that prevents her from taking care of the house and her children.The Bigelow house becomes a home for Rabble and her mother, especially when Mrs. Bigelow goes to the hospital for an extended period of time. As time goes on, things change…and change can be hard.
I’m a Lois Lowry fan. I’ve never heard of this book before and I thought it was interesting it was being rereleased later this year. This is a coming of age novel with topics of family, friendships, depression, loss, and life changes. It’s obvious this book is somewhat dated but I thought it held up quite well and it gave me a sense nostalgia because this is the exact type of book I would have enjoyed in middle school.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I’m a Lois Lowry fan. I’ve never heard of this book before and I thought it was interesting it was being rereleased later this year. This is a coming of age novel with topics of family, friendships, depression, loss, and life changes. It’s obvious this book is somewhat dated but I thought it held up quite well and it gave me a sense nostalgia because this is the exact type of book I would have enjoyed in middle school.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 16, 2023
I loved this story of Parable "Rabble" Starkey, a twelve-year-old girl growing up in a small town.
Rabble's mother has been hired as a housekeeper and babysitter by a man whose wife is mentally ill and is taken for care in a mental hospital. During the years that she is away, Rabble and her mother become a part of the family: twelve-year-old Victoria is Rabble's best friend, and they become as close as sisters; and young Gunther, who is taken care of by Rabble and her mother from his birth till age four.
There are twists and turns in their "family" life with lots of growth seen in both girls, Gunther, and especially Rabble's mother who wants a better life for herself and Rabble.
It is a lovely story told in first person, in a very straight forward manner, by Rabble herself. It is a very enjoyable tale and would be good for ages twelve to adult. I highly recommend it!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Lois Lowry, and Harper Collins for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
Rabble's mother has been hired as a housekeeper and babysitter by a man whose wife is mentally ill and is taken for care in a mental hospital. During the years that she is away, Rabble and her mother become a part of the family: twelve-year-old Victoria is Rabble's best friend, and they become as close as sisters; and young Gunther, who is taken care of by Rabble and her mother from his birth till age four.
There are twists and turns in their "family" life with lots of growth seen in both girls, Gunther, and especially Rabble's mother who wants a better life for herself and Rabble.
It is a lovely story told in first person, in a very straight forward manner, by Rabble herself. It is a very enjoyable tale and would be good for ages twelve to adult. I highly recommend it!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Lois Lowry, and Harper Collins for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
February 11, 2023
Thank you to Clarion Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on June 13th, 2023
It’s not easy to write good (as opposed to entertaining or easily marketable) children’s fiction. Lois Lowry is simply the best. This story — originally published in 1987 and about to be reissued — is about 12-year old Rabble (short for Parable) Starkey and her single mother (a mere 26 — you do the math) and how they both “grow up” while living with Rabble’s best friend, Virginia, when Virginia’s mother becomes mentally incapacitated and is taken away.
Lowry’s messages are foundational — not particularly humorous or designed to artificially raise self-esteem — but to help characters and readers alike understand life. She writes about what is important, what is valuable, and what each person can do to move forward successfully. Loved every minute of reading.
It’s not easy to write good (as opposed to entertaining or easily marketable) children’s fiction. Lois Lowry is simply the best. This story — originally published in 1987 and about to be reissued — is about 12-year old Rabble (short for Parable) Starkey and her single mother (a mere 26 — you do the math) and how they both “grow up” while living with Rabble’s best friend, Virginia, when Virginia’s mother becomes mentally incapacitated and is taken away.
Lowry’s messages are foundational — not particularly humorous or designed to artificially raise self-esteem — but to help characters and readers alike understand life. She writes about what is important, what is valuable, and what each person can do to move forward successfully. Loved every minute of reading.
January 30, 2022
This book was sent to me by mistake when I ordered another Lois Lowry book. But they told me I could keep it so I read it, and I’m so glad I did! This author has such a range. All of her young adult characters are complex and lovable and they face everyday situations and grow from them. Parable Starkey is no exception- she is raised by her single mother who works as a live-in housekeeper for the Bigelow family. The mother of the Bigelow family struggles with mental health issues that keep her from caring for her children, and lead her to do dangerous things until she’s sent away to a hospital. Seeing everything unfold from Rabble’s 12-year-old perspective is innocent, yet as an adult reader I know what else is happening underneath the surface. I imagine this could have been a very progressive and shocking book when it came out.
February 20, 2023
Lowry, Lois
Rabble Starkey by Lois Lowry
Love, loss, facing fears, accepting flaws, aiming for more . . . there is so much to ponder in this little book, so many lessons. I confess that I was slow to warm up to this story, but I came to care for these people. I found myself unwilling to put the book down as I read of problems sorted, people growing and reforming, and new goals set.
We learn the power of the dictionary and thesaurus, and the pitfalls of a family tree assignment. Home, we are reminded, is not only a place, but more importantly, the people, memories, and feelings. A worthy book, in some ways reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird.
(Still, I’d wish for a different nickname for Sweet Hosanna if I were reading this with a middle school group).
Rabble Starkey by Lois Lowry
Love, loss, facing fears, accepting flaws, aiming for more . . . there is so much to ponder in this little book, so many lessons. I confess that I was slow to warm up to this story, but I came to care for these people. I found myself unwilling to put the book down as I read of problems sorted, people growing and reforming, and new goals set.
We learn the power of the dictionary and thesaurus, and the pitfalls of a family tree assignment. Home, we are reminded, is not only a place, but more importantly, the people, memories, and feelings. A worthy book, in some ways reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird.
(Still, I’d wish for a different nickname for Sweet Hosanna if I were reading this with a middle school group).
May 25, 2023
Veronica Bigelow and Rabble Starkey are best friends. Rabble and her mom Sweet Hosanna (Sweet-Ho) live above the Bigelow’s garage. Sweet-Ho helps take care of Veronica’s little brother Gunther as well as keeping the house. When Veronica’s mother’s mental illness gets worse, Veronica and Rabble grow closer, as close as sisters.
Lois Lowry was one of my favorite authors growing up, but somehow, I never read this book as a kid. This sweet coming-of-age story focuses on friendship, family, depression, and loss. While it reads as a somewhat dated book, it seems to have stood the test of time. I believe the topics are still relevant today and many young readers will be able to relate to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Lois Lowry was one of my favorite authors growing up, but somehow, I never read this book as a kid. This sweet coming-of-age story focuses on friendship, family, depression, and loss. While it reads as a somewhat dated book, it seems to have stood the test of time. I believe the topics are still relevant today and many young readers will be able to relate to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 15, 2023
Veronica Bigelow and Rabble Starkey are best friends. Rabble and her mom Sweet Hosanna (Sweet-Ho) live above the Bigelow’s garage. Sweet-Ho helps take care of Veronica’s little brother Gunther as well as keeping the house. When Veronica’s mother’s mental illness gets worse, Veronica and Rabble grow closer, as close as sisters.
Lois Lowry was one of my favorite authors growing up, but somehow, I never read this book as a kid. This sweet coming-of-age story focuses on friendship, family, depression, and loss. While it reads as a somewhat dated book, it seems to have stood the test of time. I believe the topics are still relevant today and many young readers will be able to relate to the story.
Lois Lowry was one of my favorite authors growing up, but somehow, I never read this book as a kid. This sweet coming-of-age story focuses on friendship, family, depression, and loss. While it reads as a somewhat dated book, it seems to have stood the test of time. I believe the topics are still relevant today and many young readers will be able to relate to the story.
January 2, 2024
When I saw this title come up on NetGalley, I immediately requested an eARC. Lois Lowry’s books were an integral part of my life as a young reader. As I started reading, the story felt familiar. After some researching I realized I likely read this when it came out in 1987.
I’m not sure what prompted Doubleday to rerelease this particular title. There are some questionable references (a young single mother nicknamed Sweet-Ho?!?) I missed as a child, but I promise today’s middle grade readers will NOT.
The friendship between Rabble and Veronica is tender and sweet. I enjoyed the overall story, but I’m disappointed this wasn’t revised a bit before its rerelease.
Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for an eARC of Rabble Starkey in exchange for my honest review.
I’m not sure what prompted Doubleday to rerelease this particular title. There are some questionable references (a young single mother nicknamed Sweet-Ho?!?) I missed as a child, but I promise today’s middle grade readers will NOT.
The friendship between Rabble and Veronica is tender and sweet. I enjoyed the overall story, but I’m disappointed this wasn’t revised a bit before its rerelease.
Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for an eARC of Rabble Starkey in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Clarion Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my first Lois Lowry book, and every time I pick up another book by her that I somehow missed growing up, I’m always taken back to being a tween/teen many moons ago.
Rabble Starkey is a coming of age story of Rabble, her single mother who had Rabble as a teenager, and their made family in a small town in West Virginia in the 1980’s.
Overall, Rabble is a very mature and sweet tween, who has grown up with her best friend, Veronica, whose family her mother, Sweet Hosanna works for as a caretaker and housekeeper.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I enjoyed this story very much and if you’re a fan of Lois Lowry’s writing, you will too.
This is not my first Lois Lowry book, and every time I pick up another book by her that I somehow missed growing up, I’m always taken back to being a tween/teen many moons ago.
Rabble Starkey is a coming of age story of Rabble, her single mother who had Rabble as a teenager, and their made family in a small town in West Virginia in the 1980’s.
Overall, Rabble is a very mature and sweet tween, who has grown up with her best friend, Veronica, whose family her mother, Sweet Hosanna works for as a caretaker and housekeeper.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I enjoyed this story very much and if you’re a fan of Lois Lowry’s writing, you will too.
March 6, 2023
In this rerelease, I discovered Rabble for the first time. She is disadvantaged in many ways. Yet, she is surrounded by people that love her. She learns to love the people who are more difficult to love. She and other people in her world grow despite the difficult times they face. I found some outrageously funny parts. I don't know it was culturally accepted at the time. Her mother had been a teen mother and was nicked named "Sweet Ho.". I thought it was a little tongue-in-cheek until I learned her full name. Overall, I really enjoyed the book! Even though it was dated in some ways, I think some kids will connect with her circumstances.
April 20, 2023
Parable Starkey, aka Rabble, lives with her mother (Sweet Ho) and the Bigelow family whom Sweet Ho works for. When Mrs. Bigelow needs in-patient treatment for mental illness, Rabble and Sweet Ho move into the main house to help take care of the baby.
There is, of course, much more to this story- about finding family and what discovering your roots means for who you are.
I am surprised though to see this as a re-release on NetGalley. The story feels incredibly dated. From a character named Sweet Ho to the way mental illness is discussed, I cannot imagine this book resonating with young readers of today.
There is, of course, much more to this story- about finding family and what discovering your roots means for who you are.
I am surprised though to see this as a re-release on NetGalley. The story feels incredibly dated. From a character named Sweet Ho to the way mental illness is discussed, I cannot imagine this book resonating with young readers of today.
June 19, 2023
It's a quick and short story-- a book Lowry wrote in 1987 that's being republished, but it feels too much like it was written in 1987 with the character development and sentiments to be accessible for a middle grade audience to appreciate now in 2023.
I get where it's coming from and Rabble's family situation is indicative of family situations today where she was wholly abandoned by both parents only to live with grandma who died and now back living a meager existence with her mom. It doesn't have broad appeal.
I get where it's coming from and Rabble's family situation is indicative of family situations today where she was wholly abandoned by both parents only to live with grandma who died and now back living a meager existence with her mom. It doesn't have broad appeal.
April 6, 2024
I've said it before and I'll say it, again: Lois Lowry is SO much more than The Giver. This book made me laugh and cry and everything in between, and I just love how she is able to write for kids but never talks down to them. It's got so much emotion and depth and it's beautiful. The themes of longing for a traditional, nuclear family and also of mental health really resonated with me. I read this book in one sitting, and as soon as I closed it, I wanted to read it all over again. If you can find this gem of a book, please read it.
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