Blue Willow

by Doris Gates

A little girl, who wants most of all to have a real home and to go to a regular school, hopes that the valley her family has come to, which so resembles the pattern on her treasured blue willow plate, will be their permanent home.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Classics, Young Adult, Juvenile

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1940

About the author

Doris Gates, 1901-1987

A lifelong resident of California, Doris Gates was for many years, she was a librarian for the Fresno County Free Library. However, she is remembered for her many beloved children's books. Of these, the best known and most influential was Blue Willow (1940), selected as a Newbery Honor Book in 1941. Many consider Blue Willow to have been the first realistic, problem novel for children, and it was recognized both for its lasting literary merit and for its expansion of the range of subjects which could be explored in books for children. She died in 1987.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Willow symbolizes the heart of all of us: we all seek family, friendship, stability, and to fit in. This is one of my favorite books from childhood.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.The story starts in September, with Janey Larkin sitting on the step of a shack. She has moved once again with her dad and step-mum, although once having a ranch of their own, due to failed harvests through drought, they now have to travel around for seasonal work and barely earn enough to live on. Janey longs for some permanence and finds the only constant thing in her life is nature and the seasons and her treasured willow pattern plate that had once belonged to her biological mother.

Although the start was slow and for us the story lacked the magical qualities of our recent read The Velvet Room, which followed a similar theme, we soon became involved with the characters and storyline. We enjoyed Janey's developing friendship with Lupe, a Mexican girl who's family live in the shack opposite, we enjoyed Janey's relationship with her non biological mum, and of course Bounce Reyburn the baddie of the story livened things up with our desperate hope he will get found out! We did have to stop the book several times to say 'for goodness sake, tell someone!' We really liked the character Miss Peterson, who is teacher at the camp school, we wondered if this was paid for by the government ?

We leave Janey in the spring, her life having changed dramatically from when we first met her on the steps of the shack. The story was predictable but the last minute resolution was extremely enjoyable and had a very satisfying conclusion. This story gave us a good insight into the lives of people who were forced to travel around for work and the impact this had on their families lives.

[Manybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth be told, for a middle grade novel original published immediately or at least pretty soon after the Great Depression (and on which Blue Willow is thematically based) Dorothy Gates' Newbery Honour winning story of hardship, struggle, family perseverance and triumph over the odds reads surprisingly modern (presenting, featuring exceedingly well developed, finely nuanced, both internally and externally rich and intensely realistic both main and supportive characters and with even chief villain Bounce Reyburn appearing as not just typecast and cardboard-like) and with an emotionality of feeling that flows deeply, touchingly and above all believably, realistically. And although Blue Willow does indeed finish up with a very much and perhaps even overly sweet optimism and positivity, it still to and for me presents a believable enough conclusion in so far that while Janey Larkin and her parents have now found a good and worthwhile job opportunity for the father, rest and recovery for the exhausted and often sickly mother and even an actual home so that Janey's treasured Blue Willow plate can and will now be prominently featured and displayed, it is also not a sudden and total reversal of fortunes either, it is not as though the Larkins have for example suddenly become very wealthy and famous, but simply that things are looking up a bit for Janey, her father and her step-mother (that they have finally found a bit of good fortune and ease, that the sweetness and grace promised by Janey's Blue Willow plate and what it symbolises has begun to at least somewhat happen and come to fruition).

Four shining stars for Blue Willow (but rounded up to a very much appreciated five stars with regard to my own personal reading pleasure and enjoyment). For even though there are perhaps some minor issues with time and place oriented and gender stratification scenarios present, I for one oh so much do appreciate especially how with a total lack of paternalism and euro-centric superiority, Doris Gates has managed to describe and depict the Larkins' Mexican American neighbours, the Romeros (something that has made me totally and utterly smile with appreciation and delight, as even in many very much more modern and recent, current novels, it is sadly still often the case that euro-centricity and cloying patronising paternalism seem to reign supreme at times in particular with regard to how ethnic minorities such as for example Hispanic Americans are often depicted and I do absolutely and totally heartfully love and appreciate how in Blue Willow, how in a children's novel originally published in 1940, this has thankfully and wonderful NOT at all been the case, in my opinion).

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Willow is most definitely a book from my childhood that stuck with me. It was the first time I had to work to read a book: not because the text was difficult, but because it gave rise to feelings inside of me that were sad and despondent, as I began to identify with the main character, a young girl who is living through the Depression.

The title refers to her one and only possession of worth: a Blue Willow plate. As her family moves from place to place she has learned to never expect permanency, and is hesitant to make friends. Ultimately friends are found, but not without difficulties.

This book expresses, in a manner light enough for tweens to enjoy, but heavy enough for them to empathize, the struggles of the Great Depression. Just as I identified with the poverty that I had heard about from my grandmother and experienced myself from time to time (in not nearly a manner as desperate, yet still feeling as if it was paramount to my young life), I was able to identify with the story and emotion of this book.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heart warming and insightful story of an immigrant family who had to travel often...it was also satisfying besides...A special story that was reread several times during my younger years and even during my adult ones ;)

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with Scout, wee Janey held (and holds) a special place in my heart as a young reader. Revisiting her as a grown up has been a delight. I fell in love with her all over again and came to appreciate her mom in a whole new way. A must read!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the dullest book I read in my childhood. I find it ironic that it stuck with me so thoroughly, since I liked it so little. My mom checked it out from the library for me to read because it was recommended in "Honey for a Child's Heart". I was dubious as soon as I read the book blurb on the back cover, but knew that looks could be deceiving, so I started to read. A few chapters into the narrative, I begged my mom to let me drop the book. I complained that it was the most boring thing I had ever read, but she had me persevere to the last page. I still remember the feeling of jubilation I felt when I had finally finished. It was not the wonderful rush of emotion you get when you reach the last page of a book you love. Rather, it was joy over having finally completed a miserable task.

I now see why it was the book was recommended. It was probably well-written, and dealt with issues such as insecurity, displacement, and longing for friends, which children can relate to aside from the specific historical placement for those feelings. However, nine-year-old me felt that the story was depressing and boring, aside from whatever philosophical value adults might place on it.

[Ginny Messina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story set in 1930s California about the young daughter of a migrant farm worker. The extreme poverty of the family makes every possession and every happy experience stand out as something very special, often taking on almost magical proportions. Janey loves her blue willow plate because it is the only beautiful thing she owns (actually the only object she owns at all) but also because it represents home and permanence. Great characters and descriptions of agricultural life in 1930s California, and my older copy had very nice illustrations, too.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janey Larkin wishes for one thing above everything else: a real home. As the daughter of a migrant seasonal worker in California during the Dust Bowl era, she mourns not being able to stay in the same spot more than a few weeks, for her father must move with the work available to earn enough to feed their small family.

But she possesses one treasure that links her to that better life she hopes for: her dead mother's blue willow plate. When they come to a new stopping place, she discovers a place just like the picture on her willow plate.

This book is sad, because Janey's situation is sad and all too real. She wishes and hopes for better, but has a hard time believing that things will ever change.

But sometimes the saddest books have the most satisfying endings. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending is definitely worth the hard times Janey has to go through! I especially love the scene where she gives gratitude for each of the people who helped her.

This is a Newbery Honor book from 1941. It is a true gem and I would highly recommend it! I'm grateful to whoever left it in our local Little Free Library.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
Janey Larkin's migrant family doesn't have much. They live in a shack that belongs to someone else, and they move from place to place as opportunities for work arise and disappear. Janey has never attended a real school, and she doesn't have any friends. What she does have, though, is a blue willow plate. The last remaining reminder of her late biological mother, the plate represents for Janey a sense of normalcy and stability. Someday, her stepmother promises, they will have a proper home in which to display the plate. Janey thinks she may have found that perfect place, but does she dare believe that this time her family might stay?

Published in 1940 and set in the 1930s, Blue Willow is a story about the difficulties faced by many people during the years of the Great Depression. Through the character of Janey, young readers are given a very personal glimpse into the experience of a poor migrant family which helps drive home the hardships real people were up against during that time. Janey's desires to be normal, to fit in, and to feel secure and stable are relevant to every child, regardless of time period, a fact which helps the story continue to hold up 65 years later.

The writing in this book is not difficult to read, but it is filled with evocative images that bring the story to life. Particularly memorable are the moment where Janey first discovers the home of the man who owns her family's shack, and the visit to the fair, where Janey encounters her very first library. This is one of the only children's books I've read where a child's love for the library feels authentic. Janey's poverty makes her truly appreciate the notion of free access to books in a way that can't be read as anything but sincere.

At the start, this book seems like just another depressing historical fiction story, but it turns out to be something much different, and the ending does not take any of the tragic turns I might have expected when I first started reading. The way everything comes together might feel a little too easy to a jaded adult reader, but for a child, the hope presented by the story's resolution will be very pleasing and comforting.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Some day, Janey, perhaps when you're grown up, you'll realize that every day you've been living these last five years has been an adventure. You know, an adventure is just something that comes along that's unexpected and you don't know for sure how it will turn out. Sometimes there may be danger mixed up in it. And it doesn't matter whether it happened a thousand years ago or right this minute. It's still an adventure. Every day that comes along is an adventure to us, and may be dangerous because we don't know for sure what it's going to bring. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I've got a hunch that it takes just about as much courage to live like that without losing your grip on things as ever it took to buckle on armor and go out to fight some fellow who had a grudge against you."

Another surprisingly charming old Newbery. I'm not typically a big fan of these older books, but this one was sweet. Set during the Great Depression, Janey and her family struggle to get by. Janey does her best to find moments of joy even though she knows they'll probably have to pack up and move on as they often do.

This was not the time to be downhearted. She was on her way to the fair! Tomorrow, with whatever it might bring would have to wait until - tomorrow."

Janey and her family are living in a small shack. They know it's on a landowner's property and his employee comes and demands they make payments. Janey loves that she's finally in a place long enough to make a friend and she loves her teacher. She wishes with all her heart they could stay. But, knowing that her dad will have to move with his work she thinks it won't be possible.

I thought this was a tender picture of a family trying to survive the Great Depression. Janey was a likable character full of spunk and life, even though she'd been handed a bum deal.

"Oh, Mom, I do so terribly want Dad to win. Do you think he will?" Mrs. Larkin...said slowly, "Nobody knows, daughter. He'll just have to do the best he can and take his chances with the rest. I guess that's the way our life is, mostly."

[QNPoohBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since the drought and dust storms drove Janey Larkin's dad to give up his Texas ranch, the family has been on the move. Janey longs for a real home where they can stay as long as they want and Janey can place her family heirloom blue willow plate in a place of honor. Janey reveres that plate. To her it's the most beautiful thing in the world and symbolizes home and family. For now Janey's family is settled in the San Joaquin Valley in California in an old shack. Janey worries about how long it will be before they move on and tries to keep her distance from people. Before long, the lively Lupe Romero and her family work their way into Janey's heart. There's also school, not regular school, just camp school, but school with books and a teacher who understands. The mean overseer, Bounce Reyburn threatens Janey's contentment and future dreams. Will the Larkins ever find a place they can stay as long as they want? This is a sweet, charming story told from the point-of-view of a young child. The story is free of any sort of judgement, racism or any sort of prejudice. It is told told with a child's innocence. It reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird in that respect. No matter what happens, Janey keeps on dreaming of a better future. Despite her difficult circumstances she's neither wise beyond her years nor broken down and defeated. It does have elements of a fairy tale at times but that's all right for a children's book. I could relate to Janey and her love for stories and the importance of family heirlooms. This is just the sort of book I liked as a child. I don't know how I missed this one.

[Kathleen Vincenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still have tears in my eyes this morning thinking of what the Blue Willow plate meant to Janey. The ending of the book is perfect. It ties up all the subplots and provides us with a hopeful resolution. Written in 1940, it is surprisingly free of prejudice for the Mexican family that lives next door to Janey. They are treated as equals and even superior because their father has a better job than Janey's and the family doesn't have to move from place to place--they belong.

I read Blue Willow after reading When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, another story about a family with no place in the world. Blue Willow has the same echoes as Pink Rabbit but the problems in Blue Willow are economic, although there are some social issues caused by their migrant status. Ma can't go to the county hospital because they haven't lived in the area long enough and Janey can't go to the local school. I highly suggest you read When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit and Blue Willow together to see the comparisons and the issues of migrant and refugee families and to experience how the writers were able to so beautifully and artfully capture the feelings of young children without a home.

I love illustrations in children's books but I did not care for the illustration on the front, which I suppose was to update the book so young people would still read it. I also didn't care for the original illustrations inside. My Janey and Lupe were so different than those girls. The illustrations were lovely just too languid and lyrical for this book. Perhaps it was the style in 1940.

Another great middle-grade novel. My summer has been blessed with them.

[Almira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in 1940 - some readers might find it difficult to fathom the issues of those times, yet there are some issues that still are current..... Like the Romero family children being afraid of the police. There are some words used that have totally different meanings today - one being "gay" at the time of its writing the definition of the word "gay" meant "cheerful, happy, jolly" among others.

This story is very similar to that of "The Velvet Room", which I reviewed earlier this summer, itinerate farm laborers, and their poor working conditions, living facilities, the treatment they received from those they worked for (hmmm, not much has changed since then) and, of course, the wages they received for what they did.

The Blue Willow plate, prized possession of Janey Larkin has been handed down to her by her late mother, who had it handed down to her...Janey has never been able to attend school, all her "book learning" is from reading passages from the Bible on a daily basis. When Janey's father finally lands a job on a cotton/cattle ranch, the possibility of attending a real school seems very real, and the making of friends, which she has never had, becomes possible. "Evil" presents itself in the person of Bounce Reyburn who works for the owner of the ranch...

[Sharon Ouderkirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Blue Willow when I was a kid, but don't remember loving it. I liked it a lot more this time, and I think that's because many of the themes really require a more mature sensibility to appreciate. Janey Larkin is 10 years old, the daughter of migrant workers during the Depression. She cherishes her one pretty possession - a blue willow plate left to her by her mother - and longs to have a permanent home where she can display it.
The story takes place over several months when the Larkin family (Janey, Dad and step-mom) have taken over an abandoned shack while Janey's father works on the local cotton harvest. Times are tough, and the Larkins are poor, but so is everyone else. They pay rent ($5.00) to a bully who works for the owner of the shack, and it's all that they can do keep their lives together. Janey loses herself in books about knights and adventure, but her father points out that their lives are a daily adventure that she might one day appreciate. Janey's love of the Blue Willow plate ultimately leads her to actions that better the lives of her family.
The book was originally published in 1940, and I think kids in those days were probably able to relate to Janey and hard times in a way that today's kids would not. I don't think the emotional complexities of the book would appeal to most children now, but as an adult, I liked this book, and heartily recommend to others who appreciate well-written children's literature.

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of my sister's library choices long ago. I read much faster than she did, so I was always grabbing "her" library book and reading a chapter or two before she ripped it out of my greedy little fingers. Trouble was that I could never remember the titles she chose. What reminded me of this book was the illustrations, so when I had the chance, I grabbed it for a sleepless-night read.

Janey Larkin's family are victims of the Dust Bowl, a rancher family turned migrant workers. Janey has learned a lot about self-reliance, acceptance of what is, and--well, just not getting your hopes up. People today would wonder why such a fragile thing as a willow ware plate could be (or would be allowed to be) so central to Janey's existence, and yet modern people are as fixated on material objects as she ever could be--though today it seems to be about quantity of "stuff", not quality and provenance. Published in 1940, when the wounds of the Great Depression were just starting to heal. The author at least manages to keep the flag-waving patriotism to a minimum, except for a strange paragraph in the penultimate chapter that really felt shoehorned in. The Bible, prayer, and belief in God are part of the fabric of the Larkins' existence, though there is no mention of attending church or Sunday School.

The happy ending was a bit annoying, and I wondered why. Then I realised that it was because it reminded me so strongly of the end of The Velvet Room; however, since Snyder's book was published nearly 30 years later, it made me wonder if at some time she had read Blue Willow.

My real complaint is that there is minimum interaction between Janey and her age peers. She attended camp school for several weeks, and yet not a scrap of classtime interaction do we see. Even her day out with the Romero family is told in very broad, general strokes.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this from Scholastic book orders in the early 90s, shiny and new in paperback. And clearly did not love it enough to keep it, or at least not more than I loved horse books (ironically, including some by Doris Gates herself), back when I used to let the amount of bookshelf space I had determine the number of books I owned.

But I never forgot it. I think I may have even read it more than once, or at least I read it very thoughtfully, based on how sharp and crisp with familiarity certain lines and scenes rang out after 20+ years of not seeing them. Her awed response to the library booth at the fair, for example (oh look, it me). Also the capturing of a horned toad ("NOT horned lizard"), the young Mexican girl coming over from across the way, to introduce herself "with a baby on her hip," the idea of Janey being given a nickel to spend "any way she likes" at the fair, and even the description of the details in the title willow plate's scenery, after which I remember suddenly noticing similar patterns at a relative's house for the first time.

I can see why I as not enthused enough to keep it as a child, because Janey's life as the daughter of a migrant field worker is really very plain, and as hard as the author works to explain it, it's still hard to understand why the only thing she holds dear is a dumb ol' plate. But reading it again as an adult, I'm impressed by the level of detail about the Great Depression era and the general quality of writing.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 1931 Newbery Honor book, it is quite refreshing to read this tale of a young girl tired and weary of moving with her father and mother from job to job, place to place, with no roots. Janey has one prized possession, a blue willow plate given to her a long time ago.

When I think of all the possessions most American children of today own, I wonder if they an relate to an impoverished girl who is so very proud of just one object.

When the dust bowl hit Texas, Janey's family had to leave. Living in a migrant worker life style, they come upon a shack located in the cotton groves of California. From her travels and loneliness, Janey has a chip on her shoulder. Thus, when a girl whose father also works in the fields befriends Janey, it is difficult for Janey to trust.

Soon the Romero family bonds with Janey and she grows confident, while always knowing the back of her mind that she and her family will be moving along as soon as the cotton crop is finished.

When Janey's mother becomes ill and there is no money for a doctor, Janey seeks a local doctor to help, offering him the willow plate.

This is a tale of poverty, and of making the best of life, a tale of trust and friendship, and a tale of forsaking all when love is involved.

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[Abigail Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a treat to re-read this childhood favorite to my kids. I can see far more clearly now why I loved this book growing up...so much rings true to my own experiences. Janey's wistful love for beauty in the midst of uncertainty and poverty, her desire for friends and a place to belong, her vivid imagination that is tempered by the limitations and realities of life, and her passionate nature that peeks out only to defend her family - all are beautifully portrayed in this little story set in California during the 30s. It's because of Janey that I bought my very own first few Blue Willow dishes at a thrift store in my teens, and later placed them on display in the first "real" kitchen our family moved into. They have followed me through every move since then, the collection slowly growing until we now have enough to use for everyday meals. To me, as to Janey, they symbolize beauty and hope, and the stability of HOME. This book is superbly written and deserves to be a better-known classic, read by all kids.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Janey is travelling with her parents from Texas to California while her dad searches for work. They squat in a shack near Fresno during the cotton harvest. Janey wishes more than anything to stay in one place, attend a "regular school" and have a home in which to display her most prized possession, a Blue Willow plate.
Janey's family is very poor, but generally happy. The meagerness of her possessions forces her to take joy in small things like a trip to a free fair, catching catfish by a river, and being able to borrow a library book. The book is old and has some outdated notions about society (and particularly a girl or woman's place in it), but that can be overlooked in such a simple, straightforward tale for young children. In fact, I believe it would be beneficial for some of our more materialistic children to read this and have it pointed out to them how much they take for granted.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this book a 2.5 star rating if I could have. It is a children's book describing the struggles of a young girl who's family moved a lot so her father could find work during the depression. The plot was predictable. I think the author tried to communicate the girl's feelings and thoughts, but the effect it had on me was that she was moody, proud and very changeable. At one point she doesn't know whether to pray to God or the willow plate for their famil's good fortune, so she prays to both! I was not impressed. There are also a number of places where the Lord's name is taken in vain. I would think twice about reading this book to my grandkids and if I did, I would edit heavily.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that I bought it for
Elizabeth as a gift when she was young with a
real place setting of Blue Willow China.
My sister in-law, Jane Ann had a full service for 12 -the real stuff
from England..... I know she never used it once before she died.
I think of her though for some reason when I think of this book

[Latika Deo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply moving book that stays with you for years or even decades. It is a simple book which teaches you to have hope even though the situation is working against you. Little Janet is everything that symbolises the childhood innocence. It's been a while since I have read this book and I would love to read it again.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember first reading this book in the 1950s - it opened my city girl eyes to the realities of rural poverty. Although it’s set during the dust bowl, there are just a few references to that - the rest of the story is pretty timeless, realistic, and profoundly moving.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many times. Set in California, 1930s. Life without lots of "stuff." Attention to nature. Love of books and libraries.

[Anne Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book answers something deep inside us that wants the security of home, protection of our mothers, and justice for the sneering bullies in our lives. If adding beauty to the world and being full of hope are the two most important qualities of a children’s book, then this one is one of the best there is. I LOVED this book as a child and just recently accidentally found it again while looking for books on my son’s summer reading list. What a happy surprise! This book is a wonderful old friend you will want to introduce to your children.

[Heather Tully · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of longing to belong and learning to belong. A picture of life for an itinerant family during the Depression. Pre-read for 2023-2024 edu year (my girls plan to read aloud together at night.)

Note: a few minor comments of other's skin color but not the main point of the story.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a child and reread out of sentimentality. It's a sweet story about poverty and hope and goodness. Written in 1940, there is some language that should be updated or explained to children regarding the use of "negro" and "colored".

[Stella_bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the setting and vibes of the story drive me to give it *****
I don't really like the protagonist through (Janey), I'll prefer Lupe 😅

[KelceyTheLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Willow is a stunningly vivid work of historical fiction. As Janey went about her day, I could visualize the people she was interacting with and the things that she was seeing. When she describes the experience of going to the fair, the reader feels like they are beside her, seeing and hearing the same things. For the audience of older elementary age children, this type of storytelling is perfect! They can really feel like they are involved. As an adult reading this book, I really appreciated the excellent setting Gates created. I really felt as though I could see the California Central Valley as it was many decades ago. Descriptions of going to town, how special it was to eat out and the experience of Janey buying a coat all did an excellent job of helping me visualize the era.
The symbol of the blue willow plate is incredibly well-developed. Not only is it something Janey uses as a physical touchstone, its placement signifies the Larkins' stability. Throughout the novel, it is noted that the plate will not be brought out and displayed until the Larkins have a stable home to display it in. The images on the plate signify Janey's hopes and dreams, the kind of home she hopes to have one day, near a willow tree and a little bridge. Giving up the plate to pay their rent shows Janey's fortitude and willingness to do what is necessary to survive, as her parents have always done as well. In the end, the blue willow plate finds its way back to Janey as she finally has a stable home to display it in, for as long as she wants.