Back Yard Angel

Angel O'Leary #1

by Judy Delton

Although Angel loves her little brother, Rags, dearly, the constant responsibility of caring for him weighs heavily on her young shoulders. These tales of the trials and tribulations of ten-year-old Angel O'Leary are guaranteed to win many fans. A master at creating short, amusing episodes, Judy Delton writes about ordinary children in a manner often compared to Beverly Cleary, and Carolyn Haywood. Booklist described Angel as, "a flesh-and-blood child whom readers will take to their hearts. Each little jewel of a chapter is an episode unto itself, and Delton's handling of this format is reminiscent of Eleanor Estes' fine work."

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Born on May 6th in St. Paul, Minnesota, Judy Delton lived in her hometown for most of her life. She wrote more than one hundred books for children, including the popular Pee Wee Scouts series, which sold more than seven million copies. Her writing was often compared to Beverly Cleary or Carolyn Haywood for her ability to capture the essence of childhood.

For many years, Ms. Delton taught writing classes in her home. Today, those writers are having their own books published and remember her forthright instruction and critique with appreciation. Many writers have benefited from her handbook, The 29 Most Common Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

Ms. Delton had four children and decided to quit teaching so she could stay home and raise them. Writing prolifically was her way of supporting her family. She died very suddenly of a blood infection in December of 2001. Her legions of friends and all those she taught were greatly saddened.

Reviews

[Kat!e Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my "Happy Place" books. I read it when I was very young, and I now reread it whenever I want to reenter the more simple world that was my childhood. If I'm sick or upset, I like to curl up with this book and feel like a ten year old again. It's beautiful, fun, and sweet and reminds you what the world was like when you were ten.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

LFL find. Well-loved copy. Mostly funny, episodic, a bit like a Ramona Quimby book. Lighter than the blurb implies. But still, it takes mom too long to realize that age 10 is too young to be alone and responsible for an active boy age 4.

[Susannah]

This was my favorite book when I was really little. I envied the ending, where the other
girl passes by her house and invites her to come along to play. Angel makes excuses, but the other girl doesn't give up and she does indeed go along to play. I always wished that would happen to me. Making friends is hard, and it didn't get easier as an adult!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read from 1983 editon.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't particularly love Back Yard Angel, but it's a book that will always have a place in my library. It's mostly sentimental; I received my copy from my second grade teacher, Ms. Copping. I think there was some kind of competition involved because there is a sticker on the inside cover. Back Yard Angel is your typical generic children's fiction fare. Can't say I would recommend it.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Angel feels responsible for her younger brother Rags. She keeps trying to keep him out of trouble but it seems all her good intentions turn awry. She is bored and wishes she good have a friend her own age.

[Molly Schoder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it was ok, some parts were funny. And some were confusing!!

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of the funny Angel books, in which Angel is finally old enough to babysit her younger brother "Rags" but is restricted to the backyard where they try to think of exciting things to do.

[Anyawilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book twice in 4th grade !!!!@home reading it again

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first "novel" I ever read!

[Anyawilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

DO YOU REALLY WANNA KNOW WHAT I THINK ABOUT THIS BOOK .ONE WORD AWESOME.THAT'S RIGHT AWESOME