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Under the Ashes
Elizabeth "Littlebeth" Morgan thinks she is the smartest, bravest eleven-year-old in Paso Robles. She loves sharing stories of the outlaws Frank and Jesse James and shows no fear when she whacks the head off a rattlesnake. But she is not the proper lady her family wants her to be so they send her to live with her maiden Aunt Sally in San Francisco to be tamed and refined. While Aunt Sally's life is unlike anything Littlebeth has experienced in the country, the pain of being sent away runs deep. Then Littlebeth meets Mr. Steinberg, Aunt Sally's Jewish neighbor. He treats her like a person, not just a little girl, and Littlebeth finds a friend in him. Mr. Steinberg is sweet on Aunt Sally and takes the two of them to see the famous opera singer, Enrico Caruso, perform. But Littlebeth doesn't understand the religious differences keeping Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg apart. Before she can meddle in their personal lives, the earthquake hits. Littlebeth is separated from them in the chaos of the streets. She must use her wits and bravery and trust in a few unlikely friends to locate Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg. But will Littlebeth be able to survive the disaster and be reunited with her family?"
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2016
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142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 2, 2016
Read the full review on http://www.talesbetweenthepages.comUnder the Ashes by Cindy Rankin is an engrossing middle-grade historical fiction set during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Elizabeth "Littlebeth" Morgan is a spunky eleven-year-old who breaks all of the "rules" for girls. She runs too fast. She's fearless. She speaks her mind. She's very smart. And her parents just don't know how to deal with her. When she saves her brother from a rattlesnake bite by cutting off the snake's head, it's the last straw for her parents. They ship her off to Aunt Sally in San Francisco, who will whip her into shape in no time. But Aunt Sally isn't quite what Littlebeth expects. She owns and runs her own store and is in love with the Jewish man next door. Littlebeth befriends Mr. Steinberg and sees that he and Aunt Sally are meant for each other, despite their religious differences and Aunt Sally's objections to their relationship. When the San Francisco earthquake hits, Littlebeth uses all of her wit and resources and spunk to survive in the face of terrible adversity.
I read Under the Ashes in one sitting. It is absolutely engrossing. It reminds me of books I used to read when I was young. Nine or ten-year-old me would have adored this book. Cindy Rankin creates a historically accurate narrative of the time period. The characters are so vivid that they jump off the page. I especially love the unlikely relationship Littlebeth forges with Mr. Caruso and the bond she has with Su-Ling and Grace.
She learns a lot about herself during her short time away from home, and that, I think, is one of the great things about this novel. She becomes more aware of other people's feelings. She becomes aware of the political and racial issues of her time period. In some ways, she's still the self-reliant girl she always was, but she becomes more self-reflective and more grateful for her family than ever before.
Under the Ashes is equal parts devastating and heartwarming. Littlebeth finds something good to think about during the most harrowing times and understands that sometimes laughter is the best medicine. I think that's an admirable trait.
Verdict
Under the Ashes is a must-read for kids seven and up and for adults who love historical fiction. The book is great for reading aloud with parents, especially for the younger ages, and for independent readers.This review was originally posted on Tales Between the Pages
I read Under the Ashes in one sitting. It is absolutely engrossing. It reminds me of books I used to read when I was young. Nine or ten-year-old me would have adored this book. Cindy Rankin creates a historically accurate narrative of the time period. The characters are so vivid that they jump off the page. I especially love the unlikely relationship Littlebeth forges with Mr. Caruso and the bond she has with Su-Ling and Grace.
She learns a lot about herself during her short time away from home, and that, I think, is one of the great things about this novel. She becomes more aware of other people's feelings. She becomes aware of the political and racial issues of her time period. In some ways, she's still the self-reliant girl she always was, but she becomes more self-reflective and more grateful for her family than ever before.
Under the Ashes is equal parts devastating and heartwarming. Littlebeth finds something good to think about during the most harrowing times and understands that sometimes laughter is the best medicine. I think that's an admirable trait.
Verdict
Under the Ashes is a must-read for kids seven and up and for adults who love historical fiction. The book is great for reading aloud with parents, especially for the younger ages, and for independent readers.This review was originally posted on Tales Between the Pages
July 3, 2020
"The skunks started it, Frank and Jesse James made it worse, and a rattler finished me off."
See reviews first on my blog
That's pretty much how everything did happen in Beth's mind. Sure all of those things added up without actually knowing why she had done these things make her seem like a problem child. But after we learn why she had done all of these things you really start to feel for this child and wish that the adults had time/patience to listen to her after all of these things had happened.
"The plan for my salvation cut deep. I had to be sent away, had to stop being me."
Sure sending her to live with her prim and proper aunt sounded like an awful idea to beth, but after she got their she had a good time and learned so much in a very short amount of time that without being sent away she wouldn't have known. Yes multiple things that happened were tragic, but in the short time she lived with her aunt she learned quite a bit and saw things differently.. She understood slightly why sometimes two people can't be together even if they want to be.
"Hard truth is, being the bravest, quickest, most interesting girl in town puts me at a disadvantage. Ordinary folks-even my own family-can't seem to tolerate me."
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Sure Beth was full of herself at times, and could be bratty, but that's what being eleven is. Its about learning things, being confident in what you do and thinking your doing what you should be doing even when the adults don't feel the same way. Beth was so brave when the tragedy happened. Her confidence in herself was most likely the only thing that made it possible for her to do what she did and help those around her as well. The ending was incredibly sad, but it was realistic which was nice to see. I feel like I need to read some more middle grade after this because of the ending and how much I enjoyed reading this book.
"Deep inside, I understood there was something else I couldn't do. Bring back the people I'd lost by holding on to Su Ling and Grace."
Thank you to netgalley and AW Teen for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
See reviews first on my blog
That's pretty much how everything did happen in Beth's mind. Sure all of those things added up without actually knowing why she had done these things make her seem like a problem child. But after we learn why she had done all of these things you really start to feel for this child and wish that the adults had time/patience to listen to her after all of these things had happened.
"The plan for my salvation cut deep. I had to be sent away, had to stop being me."
Sure sending her to live with her prim and proper aunt sounded like an awful idea to beth, but after she got their she had a good time and learned so much in a very short amount of time that without being sent away she wouldn't have known. Yes multiple things that happened were tragic, but in the short time she lived with her aunt she learned quite a bit and saw things differently.. She understood slightly why sometimes two people can't be together even if they want to be.
"Hard truth is, being the bravest, quickest, most interesting girl in town puts me at a disadvantage. Ordinary folks-even my own family-can't seem to tolerate me."
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Sure Beth was full of herself at times, and could be bratty, but that's what being eleven is. Its about learning things, being confident in what you do and thinking your doing what you should be doing even when the adults don't feel the same way. Beth was so brave when the tragedy happened. Her confidence in herself was most likely the only thing that made it possible for her to do what she did and help those around her as well. The ending was incredibly sad, but it was realistic which was nice to see. I feel like I need to read some more middle grade after this because of the ending and how much I enjoyed reading this book.
"Deep inside, I understood there was something else I couldn't do. Bring back the people I'd lost by holding on to Su Ling and Grace."
Thank you to netgalley and AW Teen for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2016
Originally posted on You Have Your Hands Full
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Under The Ashes is a middle grade novel written by Cindy Rankin. Littlebeth is a lively and spirited girl whose spirited ways get her into trouble with her family one time too many. She is sent away to San Francisco to live with her Aunt Sally.
Almost immediately, Littlebeth notices that their kind neighbor Mr. Steinberg appears interested in Aunt Sally. But before Littlebeth can come up with a plan to bring her aunt and Mr. Steinberg together, she wakes up to a massive earthquake. Suddenly, Littlebeth must fight for survival. Between the fires that engulf the buildings that weren’t reduced to rubble, and the pandemonium amongst the survivors, this is going to be Littlebeth’s biggest challenge yet.
2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. This is the third book that I have read this year featuring the infamous natural disaster, although the other two books were a young adult novel and a historical mystery. All three of these books provide a unique take on the earthquake, and the ensuing chaos afterward.
Under the Ashes is a good book. Its strongest point is its protagonist. Littlebeth is slightly unrefined, but her heart is always in the right place. She doesn’t try to be naughty; it just seems like trouble finds her no matter what she does. The book is a first person narrative, so the reader has the benefit of hearing Littlebeth’s insights directly from the girl herself.
However, the book feels rushed. There is so much going on, and so much that needs to happen, and it doesn’t seem like there is enough time for the character development that needs to happen in order for the reader to have enough appreciation for the direction the plot takes. I’m not sure if the target audience will even notice this, but as an adult reader, it was a little disappointing that there wasn’t enough book. Let me repeat- there’s nothing wrong with this delightful book other than there was not enough of it.
I would recommend Under the Ashes to middle grade readers. It’s always nice to see spirited female protagonists. Littlebeth demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. I am looking forward to reading more from Cindy Rankin.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Under The Ashes is a middle grade novel written by Cindy Rankin. Littlebeth is a lively and spirited girl whose spirited ways get her into trouble with her family one time too many. She is sent away to San Francisco to live with her Aunt Sally.
Almost immediately, Littlebeth notices that their kind neighbor Mr. Steinberg appears interested in Aunt Sally. But before Littlebeth can come up with a plan to bring her aunt and Mr. Steinberg together, she wakes up to a massive earthquake. Suddenly, Littlebeth must fight for survival. Between the fires that engulf the buildings that weren’t reduced to rubble, and the pandemonium amongst the survivors, this is going to be Littlebeth’s biggest challenge yet.
2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. This is the third book that I have read this year featuring the infamous natural disaster, although the other two books were a young adult novel and a historical mystery. All three of these books provide a unique take on the earthquake, and the ensuing chaos afterward.
Under the Ashes is a good book. Its strongest point is its protagonist. Littlebeth is slightly unrefined, but her heart is always in the right place. She doesn’t try to be naughty; it just seems like trouble finds her no matter what she does. The book is a first person narrative, so the reader has the benefit of hearing Littlebeth’s insights directly from the girl herself.
However, the book feels rushed. There is so much going on, and so much that needs to happen, and it doesn’t seem like there is enough time for the character development that needs to happen in order for the reader to have enough appreciation for the direction the plot takes. I’m not sure if the target audience will even notice this, but as an adult reader, it was a little disappointing that there wasn’t enough book. Let me repeat- there’s nothing wrong with this delightful book other than there was not enough of it.
I would recommend Under the Ashes to middle grade readers. It’s always nice to see spirited female protagonists. Littlebeth demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. I am looking forward to reading more from Cindy Rankin.
September 29, 2016
It all began with the skunks. Littlebeth wanted to chase the skunks out of her grandma's yard and instead chased them right into the middle of the quilting bee. She also wanted to help out her teacher by showing the class where the famous outlaw Jesse James once stayed. So she didn't have permission to take the class or the wagon on a field trip. The final straw was the rattlesnake. Littlebeth should have been a hero for saving her baby brother from a rattlesnake. Instead she gets sent to her aunt Sally in San Francisco to attend finishing school.
Littlebeth, now Beth, isn't thrilled with being sent to San Francisco, but she does like Aunt Sally's neighbor Mr. Steinberg, who is sweet on Sally. Her timing is terrible however as she arrives just days before the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg are both injured and sent to a hospital. Beth gets separated from them, but meets Mr. Caruso, a famous opera singer, who helps her.
I think the most powerful scenes were the ones of the actual earthquake. You could almost feel the building collapse under you as the earth trembled. I thought Rankin did a fairly good job of describing the horror of the earthquake and subsequent fires without making it too horrible for young readers. Beth was very relatable in her determination first to go home and then to survive and find her aunt.
I received this book from Netgalley.
Littlebeth, now Beth, isn't thrilled with being sent to San Francisco, but she does like Aunt Sally's neighbor Mr. Steinberg, who is sweet on Sally. Her timing is terrible however as she arrives just days before the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg are both injured and sent to a hospital. Beth gets separated from them, but meets Mr. Caruso, a famous opera singer, who helps her.
I think the most powerful scenes were the ones of the actual earthquake. You could almost feel the building collapse under you as the earth trembled. I thought Rankin did a fairly good job of describing the horror of the earthquake and subsequent fires without making it too horrible for young readers. Beth was very relatable in her determination first to go home and then to survive and find her aunt.
I received this book from Netgalley.
July 26, 2016
Wow. Wonderful middle school historical novel. Well researched and what a great spunky protagonist as well as a guest appearance of Caruso. Truly captures the feeling of being in San Francisco on the morning of April 18th 1906.
I have not been on such a huge disaster as the 1906 earthquake though I have lived through two major ones in my lifetime. The author has caught the feel and comradely and fear that comes with it.
Would highly recommend it.
Thanks to netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I have not been on such a huge disaster as the 1906 earthquake though I have lived through two major ones in my lifetime. The author has caught the feel and comradely and fear that comes with it.
Would highly recommend it.
Thanks to netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
January 3, 2017
Thought I would just read a little but the book was so good I couldn't put it down until finished. You will love the feisty Littlebeth and how she survives the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.
Read
June 7, 2022I really enjoyed this engaging, well-researched account of the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 from the eyes of a spunky 12-year-old girl!
February 11, 2017
Under the Ashes by Cindy Rankin is a middle grade work of historical fiction. Elizabeth "Littlebeth" Morgan thinks she is the smartest, bravest eleven-year-old in Paso Robles. She loves sharing stories of the outlaws Frank and Jesse James and shows no fear when she whacks the head off a rattlesnake. But she is not the proper lady her family wants her to be so they send her to live with her maiden Aunt Sally in San Francisco to be tamed and refined. While Aunt Sally's life is unlike anything Littlebeth has experienced in the country, the pain of being sent away runs deep. Then Littlebeth meets Mr. Steinberg, Aunt Sally's Jewish neighbor. He treats her like a person, not just a little girl, and Littlebeth finds a friend in him. Mr. Steinberg is sweet on Aunt Sally and takes the two of them to see the famous opera singer, Enrico Caruso, perform. But Littlebeth doesn't understand the religious differences keeping Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg apart. Before she can meddle in their personal lives, the earthquake hits. Littlebeth is separated from them in the chaos of the streets. She must use her wits and bravery and trust in a few unlikely friends to locate Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg. But will Littlebeth be able to survive the disaster and be reunited with her family?
Under the Ashes is a touching story about a young girl that feels disconnected and unwanted by her family. I like that Beth is an adventurous girl, as quick to help others as she is to speak her mind. I think that her family is shown to really love her and what what is best for her, and while I think readers can relate to how they make Beth feel, they can also see that underlying love. I did find that the book took awhile to get to the action. By the time the earthquake hit, I felt like the book was already more than half over, although that information we read in the first part of the book was important it just felt like we took too long to get there, and then the action was a bit crammed together. I think the portrayal of human nature, both before and after the quake, was sadly accurate. The ugliness of selfish people, prejudice, and fear were well exhibited, but so were the kindness and innocence that can be found. I think acknowledging that that sort of attitude existed (and still does) and how pointless it is, is extremely important.
Under the Ashes is a solid work of historical fiction for middle grade readers. I think it is a good book for encouraging empathy and understanding the fears and actions of adults.
Under the Ashes is a touching story about a young girl that feels disconnected and unwanted by her family. I like that Beth is an adventurous girl, as quick to help others as she is to speak her mind. I think that her family is shown to really love her and what what is best for her, and while I think readers can relate to how they make Beth feel, they can also see that underlying love. I did find that the book took awhile to get to the action. By the time the earthquake hit, I felt like the book was already more than half over, although that information we read in the first part of the book was important it just felt like we took too long to get there, and then the action was a bit crammed together. I think the portrayal of human nature, both before and after the quake, was sadly accurate. The ugliness of selfish people, prejudice, and fear were well exhibited, but so were the kindness and innocence that can be found. I think acknowledging that that sort of attitude existed (and still does) and how pointless it is, is extremely important.
Under the Ashes is a solid work of historical fiction for middle grade readers. I think it is a good book for encouraging empathy and understanding the fears and actions of adults.
December 3, 2017
I would give this four stars except for the way the author intentionally left the initial pronoun off almost every sentence spoken by the main character (as in...”Saved my little brother’s life today.”) A little of this is OK and tends to make it seem like an informal journal, but it was used so often that it was very distracting to me. Other than this, the writing was very friendly, descriptive, and clearly conveyed the personality of the characters.
The story follows 11 year old Elisabeth (Littlebeth) who is sent away to her aunt in San Francisco hoping to cure her of her unladylike ways. Unfortunately, two days after her arrival she is awakened by the famous 1906 earthquake that destroyed most of San Francisco. This book gave an excellent account of that catastrophic event in an age-appropriate way that focused on the chaos, heroism, and resourcefulness of the people rather than death or suffering.
I liked the tie-in with the great Italian opera singer, Caruso, and how he and many others helped each other without regard to class or age. There was also a good discussion of prejudice against the Chinese immigrants. Littlebeth was outspoken against such prejudice.
The story follows 11 year old Elisabeth (Littlebeth) who is sent away to her aunt in San Francisco hoping to cure her of her unladylike ways. Unfortunately, two days after her arrival she is awakened by the famous 1906 earthquake that destroyed most of San Francisco. This book gave an excellent account of that catastrophic event in an age-appropriate way that focused on the chaos, heroism, and resourcefulness of the people rather than death or suffering.
I liked the tie-in with the great Italian opera singer, Caruso, and how he and many others helped each other without regard to class or age. There was also a good discussion of prejudice against the Chinese immigrants. Littlebeth was outspoken against such prejudice.
January 24, 2017
Beth leaves Paso Robles for San Francisco, to attend a girls' school and live with her aunt, because her parents feel she is too undisciplined. She arrives the day before the 1906 earthquake, and when that occurs the story shifts for a humorous historical novel to a serious adventure tale. The story is dynamic and compelling even when it is not always believable, giving it that page-turning quality that is important to tween fiction. Caruso is an important supporting character, and there are some details about the quake that are authentic. A good book to offer all tweens, with a strong female main character.
December 21, 2023
Elizabeth's (Littlebeth) grandmother and parents believe she needs to learn how to be a lady and so is sent to her aunt in San Francisco for training. They meet the opera singer, Enrico Caruso, at a rehearsal that evening. The next day an earthquake rocks the city and Mr. Caruso helps Littlebeth deal with the chaos.
What started out as a humorous story, ended up being serious. I don't recall reading any stories about the San Francisco earthquake and this one put me in the scene. I'm curious now if Mr. Caruso really had a role helping others during the earthquake.
What started out as a humorous story, ended up being serious. I don't recall reading any stories about the San Francisco earthquake and this one put me in the scene. I'm curious now if Mr. Caruso really had a role helping others during the earthquake.
October 22, 2017
Littlebeth is being shipped off to 1906 San Francisco so her aunt can turn her into a "lady." But she is only there a short time when the earthquake hits, forcing her to grow up more quickly than ever anticipated. This story was so fast-paced and heartbreaking that I could not put it down.
April 22, 2024
I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially when it includes disasters, and even more when it is somewhat local. This book fit all three: a spunky girl surviving a disaster and learning what truly matters.
January 2, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this! Historical fiction with a spunky main character and wonderful supportive characters. Littlebeth reminds me a bit of Mo in Three Times Lucky.
January 12, 2017
Well written characters. I laughed, I cried. Completely enjoyable middle grades book. Give it a try.
August 4, 2017
Wonderful historical fiction debut with great voice. I highly recommend it.
December 11, 2017
Good book with interesting history
May 12, 2018
This was a fun, short read about the San Francisco earthquake. I read it for book club and it was written by a local author. I enjoyed reading this little piece of fluff, but it was quite short.
March 15, 2017
Interesting historical fiction on the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Also offers insight into how girls and women were viewed during this time period. Would be a good companion to "The Earth Dragon Awakes" by Laurence Yep. Found myself rooting for Littlebeth to just be true to herself. I will be adding this to our school library!
Want to read
February 24, 2017I received a copy of this book from Albert Whitman & Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2017
Set in the mid 1800s, Littlebeth is a head strong girl, whose parents and grandmother have given up on her. They send her to live with her single aunt in San Fransisco. While there, Littlebeth becomes fascinated by the city, the people, and the things she finds there. A shocking earthquake sets off a tragic chain of events in San Fransisco and Littlebeth must use her head to survive.
I loved this book. Littlebeth was a fascinating character. The people she meets and the things she sees are compelling. I love the history mixed with survival mixed with a strong female protagonist. This novel can be intense for sensitive readers. I would certainly recommend it to those who can handle it.
I loved this book. Littlebeth was a fascinating character. The people she meets and the things she sees are compelling. I love the history mixed with survival mixed with a strong female protagonist. This novel can be intense for sensitive readers. I would certainly recommend it to those who can handle it.
November 19, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, set in 1906 in Paso Robles & San Francisco. Well-developed main character, 11-year-old Littlebeth. The other characters had stories of their own. Aunt Sally, in love with Mr. Steinberg--separated by their different religions. Su Ling and Grace, Chinese immigrants facing opposition, even during the earthquake.
Ms. Rankin has a gift for prose that creates vivid images.
"Then the tenor's voice captured me. It unfurled like a bolt of rich silk floating over the stage..."
"They looked like a daisy chain of ghosts."
"Yes," I squeaked, my throat too full of dust and tears to get it out proper."
"Those wooden shafts scratched the pavement like fingernails on a blackboard."
"Sparks swirled through the air and fell like red rain in Lucifer's kingdom."
"It might have been like a regular campout if the firelight wasn't an entire city burning and if we'd been able to see stars in the smoke-choked heavens."
"Like a curtain, my auntie's hair separated me from them--protected their privacy."
"I dragged the crutch, like an anchor pulled from its mooring."
Ms. Rankin has a gift for prose that creates vivid images.
"Then the tenor's voice captured me. It unfurled like a bolt of rich silk floating over the stage..."
"They looked like a daisy chain of ghosts."
"Yes," I squeaked, my throat too full of dust and tears to get it out proper."
"Those wooden shafts scratched the pavement like fingernails on a blackboard."
"Sparks swirled through the air and fell like red rain in Lucifer's kingdom."
"It might have been like a regular campout if the firelight wasn't an entire city burning and if we'd been able to see stars in the smoke-choked heavens."
"Like a curtain, my auntie's hair separated me from them--protected their privacy."
"I dragged the crutch, like an anchor pulled from its mooring."
Read
December 21, 2016AR Level: None as of 12-20-16
AR Points: None as of 12-20-16
Lexile: 690
NML
AR Points: None as of 12-20-16
Lexile: 690
NML
November 16, 2016
This wasn't what I thought it was going to be. A spunky 11 year old girl is sent off to live with her aunt in San Francisco in the 1900s. She's sassy and smart and has no tolerance for illogical thoughts; which unfortunately gets her into trouble. Sent off to stay with her aunt in San Francisco which is an eye-opening experience for her. Slowish start that you don't really mind because of Beth's antics. Halfway through the book is when the earthquake takes place and it is devastating. She tries hard to find her aunt in the turmoil that follows the earthquake. Tearjerker towards the end of the book and I didn't stop crying until the last page.
February 3, 2017
This YA novel introduces us to "Littlebeth" [Elizabeth] Morgan, a spunky girl of 11 from Paso Robles, California. Her parents send her off to live with a maiden Aunt in San Francisco to settle her down, make her a lady. That doesn't happen because the great earthquake of 1906 hits and plunges Beth, her Aunt and Mr. Steinberg their neighbor into crisis. The three are separated and Beth ends up with Enrico Caruso. Rankin keeps us tightly in Beth's point of view and describes the earthquake and its aftermath in telling detail. It's a tense ride for Beth and Rankin handles the ups and downs with great skill. Enormously enjoyable. A great character.
January 28, 2017
An entertaining, engaging historical fiction book for the middle school crowd. This story follows a strong-willed 12 year old girl, Littlebeth, who is sent to San Francisco to live with her aunt and learn to be more refined. Unfortunately, just a few days after she arrives, the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 strikes.
I loved Littlebeth's spunky, sassy personality as well as her determination as she struggles to survive after the earthquake.
I loved Littlebeth's spunky, sassy personality as well as her determination as she struggles to survive after the earthquake.
October 29, 2016
Littlebeth Morgan is a rambunctious 11 year old growing up in the early 1900's. When her family decides that they can no longer control her behavior, they send her to San Francisco to live with her prim aunt Sally. Within a week of arrival, the San Francisco earthquake hits. Interesting descriptions of the period. Story is a little too predictable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2016
The highest praise I have for a book is that it makes me stay up late to finish it. Under the Ashes did just that. The story is compelling with page turning chapter endings, drama, humor and history all mixed together in an engaging story about a sassy young lady who refuses to bend her will to the adults around her. I highly recommend this book.
July 10, 2017
gr 4-6 232pgs
1906 California. 11 year old Littlebeth has been exiled from her family to San Francisco where her grandmother hopes her aunt will finally teach Littlebeth how to behave like a lady. Littlebeth vows to not change a bit and find a way to sneak back home. Her plans are disrupted when the earthquake occurs destroying the city.
Fast paced read
1906 California. 11 year old Littlebeth has been exiled from her family to San Francisco where her grandmother hopes her aunt will finally teach Littlebeth how to behave like a lady. Littlebeth vows to not change a bit and find a way to sneak back home. Her plans are disrupted when the earthquake occurs destroying the city.
Fast paced read
September 26, 2016
Enjoyed the setting and time period, but the plot development fell short for me.
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