Dear Papa

by Anne Ylvisaker

Heartfelt and funny, this novel-in-letters set during World War II introduces a winning heroine who learns to cope with the loss of her father - with a loyal heart, an independent attitude, and an unforgettable way with words.

Dear Papa,
Mama got a job! I hope you don’t turn over in your grave like she says. We all tried to eat a little less but that doesn’t pay the electric bill, she says. It was expensive for you to go to the hospital, and then to be buried besides really added up. (Not that we blame you!)

Nine-year-old Isabelle and her class are learning how to write letters, and it’s a good thing, too - for she has a lot to write to Papa about after he dies. First of all, her cat ran away; then her older sisters, Irma and Inez, both got boyfriends; little Ida hardly remembers Papa at all; and brother Ian is just plain mad to be left with a house full of females. As for Mama, ever since she sold Papa’s filling station and got a job cleaning houses, she’s always tired with a capital "T."

But there’s something much Mama’s family wants her to ship Isabelle off to live with her none-too-favorite aunt and uncle, to help lighten the load for Mama at home. Now who will be there to stop little Ida from calling Mama’s new boss "Papa"?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favourite quote: "She thought Love was bigger than God. But she found out it isn't and she ended up with a cat instead."

[Gina Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of the letter style of book. It feels like you are looking in to another’s thoughts, ideas, prayers, hopes, dreams… It’s an intimate style of writing to me. I enjoyed “watching” Isabelle grow as she learns to live after the death of her “Papa”. The letter writing was her therapy🙂

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father's Day, 2013

Dear Anne,

Thank you for this beautiful story. What a gift, to transport the reader to another world, especially a child's world.

September 19, 1944 - this entry got me and the tears came pouring.
"September 19 is a big day in this family," I said.
"What!" Ida squealed. "Is it my birthday?"
"No, it is your Papa's birthday," I told her.
"But we just got him a pipe in the summer," Ida said.
"She means your other Papa," Ian said. "The one who's gone."

This took me back to the first vacation after my parent's separation, with my mom and soon-to-be step-father. I subtly suggested a thoughtful gift for my dad. I hadn't forgotten him even though that's exactly what she was trying to do.

So thank you for this gift to all of us. It is a poignant reminder to not only remember our loved ones who've passed but that it is our responsibility to share their legacy with others.

Your fan, Janet

[Hannah Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. This book helps you realize the importance of family, and that you might not have a whole lot of time left with your loved ones, so you should express your gratitude, and thanks to your family members everyday. This book is really a heartwarming story, and I hope that everyone would get the chance to read this wonderful book. You never know when you might have to say goodbye...

[Siobhan Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly captures the child-narrator's voice and her growing awareness of youth transforming into adolescence. I loved this slim novel, loved the humor and the tenderness on every page.

[Dianne Kaucharik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work of fiction, written entirely as letters, captures the enduring love of a young American girl (beginning at 9 years of age) with her deceased father. The letters are convincing as those written by a young girl... with sweetness, naiveté and authenticity. Her letters reflect a young girl's preoccupation with family and friend relationships, largely shielded by adult worries, decision-making and sacrifices.

This short novel (184 pages) would be quite appropriate for young readers while still an enjoyable read for adults.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children’s book that is so heartwarming and funny. Adults would enjoy it as well.

[Antatjera Sepgioers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a very goo book because it really relates to real life

[Lauren Rainey-Borgdorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first book I ever really cried reading

[Estelle Vlieger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing history through the eyes of a child.

[Karen Berndt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read.....delightful!!!

[Jean St.Amand · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really sweet series of letters to many people, including the little girl's deceased father.

[Jeff J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging novel about a young girl in Minnesota during World War II.

[Amanda Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read! I loved the letter writing style and the childish wit of the narrator. It was a quick read that frequently made me smile.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful, heartwearming-yet-heartbreaking story told through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl, writing letters to her dead Papa. It is so affecting to read of her struggles to come to terms with all of the changes in her life and her feelings of guilt about them, in a time when adults often didn't recognize children's feelings as something to be considered or addressed. It took me only two hours to read this book, but I would have happily devoted a week to it - if only it had it been longer!

[Mustang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really good book. A girl named Isabella is writing to her Grandfather who is dead she sends the letters to her Aunt Izzy.I read this book because one day my friend Sydney was reading it. So, I asked her could I read it after her. Then I read it and it was a very good and wonderful book.-DJ

[Rivkah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it. I wish that there were more parts to the book. I like how it shows how a young girl is cooping with family financial struggle, and remarriage, and other struggles. Something that I think a lot of young girls are going through today.

[Florence Primrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful juvenile book written book written as letters, begun as writing lesson to Papa who went to heaven over a year ago. We follow Isabelle's life as she participates in family life as there are major changes.

[Shahna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like reading diaries. And period pieces. But for some reason it felt like a shore reading this book.

Not much really happened and I found myself getting irritated with the child.

This isn't one I would rush out and show all my friends.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabelle deals with her father's death by writing him posthumous letters. The author captures the voice and understanding of a pre-teen girl in the 1940's as well as the period setting-to which I well relate. . The last comment in the book sums up the book: "une jeune fille tres evoluee".

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really great book,but is sad!

[Jasmine W7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love it. so sad, so touching.

[Kelleyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and tender story of a daughter who loved her father and life during war war 2.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. I thought it was non-fiction until about 1/2 way through the book, so I was a little disappointed because I thought it was real.

[Ash Zeptner · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Just · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely quick read about a girl who writes to her father after his death during the war years.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this one three and a half stars, but I did enjoy it.

[Sara Nur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather interesting with a sweet ending.
In this book, a girl writes letters to her dead father, telling of the day's excursions and of things that are happening in her life.

[Patti hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining.

My granddaughter , Tricia, and I loved this book assigned by her 4th grade teacher. Had to download since she left it on her desk :(

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear papa was just about how some children have to live and I loved reading the letters inside the book and how it is telling about the time period.