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Keeper of the Doves
Amen McBee, the youngest of five sisters, gobbles up words the way other children gobble up sweets. She couldn't be more different from her elder twin sisters Arabella and Annabella-called the Bellas. The mischievous Bellas constantly frighten Amen with stories of Mr. Tominski-the old recluse who lives in the woods nearby and mysteriously tends to a flock of doves. The Bellas insist that Mr. Tominski is a dangerous bogeyman who eats children whole, but Papa vows that the "keeper of the doves" wouldn't hurt a soul. When tragedy strikes the family Amen must decide once and for all who is right.
121 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
15 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Betsy Byars
131 books157 followersBetsy Byars was an American author of children's books. She wrote over sixty books for young people. Her first novel was published in 1962. Her novel Summer of the Swans won the 1971 Newbery Medal. She also received a National Book Award for Young People's Literature for The Night Swimmers and an Edgar Award for Wanted ... Mud Blossom!!
Daughters Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers are also writers.
Daughters Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers are also writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 21, 2023
It’s refreshing to pause now and then and read some quality YA. After all, that’s how we started as kids and young teens. In their simplicity, there is a lot that is fascinating and profound in the YA stories.
The author is a winner of the Newberry Award. The focus in this story is on a man who is a drifter yet is permitted to live on the farm property because he once saved the father’s life. He has tamed a large number of doves and cares for them at the old chapel on the farm.
The children are young when the story opens. The twins spread terrible stories about the drifter who takes care of the doves. Though our narrator Amen, the girl poet, eventually learns to trust him over the years, as everyone grows up, the twins never do. Older but not wiser, they continue to accuse him and degrade him. And so, drive him to his death.
YA never shies away from, for instance, the death of pets and loved ones. That is one of the strengths it gives its young readers. But in this case, it is the mistrusted drifter who loved doves that dies. The twins don’t care. But the father does. And our narrator Amen, the girl poet.
And we do. We feel it. The fragility, and the broken heart of life, we must all experience at one time or another.
The author is a winner of the Newberry Award. The focus in this story is on a man who is a drifter yet is permitted to live on the farm property because he once saved the father’s life. He has tamed a large number of doves and cares for them at the old chapel on the farm.
The children are young when the story opens. The twins spread terrible stories about the drifter who takes care of the doves. Though our narrator Amen, the girl poet, eventually learns to trust him over the years, as everyone grows up, the twins never do. Older but not wiser, they continue to accuse him and degrade him. And so, drive him to his death.
YA never shies away from, for instance, the death of pets and loved ones. That is one of the strengths it gives its young readers. But in this case, it is the mistrusted drifter who loved doves that dies. The twins don’t care. But the father does. And our narrator Amen, the girl poet.
And we do. We feel it. The fragility, and the broken heart of life, we must all experience at one time or another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
Interesting writing style with lyrical, poetic prose and the alphabetical chapters. A quick and pleasing read, but sad and spare. Trigger Warning:
May 15, 2011
Amen McBee, life at the end of the nineteenth century with her four older sisters (Augusta, Abigail, and the "Bellas," twins Annabella and Arabella) is full of fun. There are visits from Grandmama, who teaches them how to use the new Kodak cameras, and there are plenty of places to explore on the family estate, the Willows. There is also a a new baby to look forward to, and everyone hopes it will be a baby boy . The only trouble to Amen's is Mr. Tominski, the strrange old man that keeps doves. The Bellas warn Amen that the dove keeper is not to be trusted but Amen's father insists that Mr. Tominski wouldn't hurt a soul. Who is right?
This book was well written. It was also very sad, but I relly liked this book.
This book was well written. It was also very sad, but I relly liked this book.
February 5, 2024
Betsy Byars is an author whose quiet, thoughtful writing style really should not be missed, particularly not by any young reader.
The happenings in Keeper of the Doves center around Amen (whom they call "Amie") McBee and her sisters, all of whom have names that begin with the letter "A". The sisters are growing up in the last decade of the 1800s, but other than the setting, the quintessence of their life is just like ours today. Amie finds that each of her "A" sisters has their own fully formed personality, and to get to know each one of them is to really find her own family. When a new baby is born to the McBees, this time a son named Adam, Amie's family becomes complete in a way that it never quite was before. Her father finally has the son that he wanted, and the girls have a brother.
Through this all, Amie wonders about the simple-minded man living nearby, Mr. Tominski. His past is inextricably linked with their father's since Mr. Tominski saved his life one day down by the trains. Amie isn't sure whether to be afraid of Mr. Tominski or to like him; she's not even sure whether or not she wants to get to know him.
Amie finds out about the fleeting nature of life when two separate but connected tragedies occur in her family and its periphery. Amie sees that the things and people around her are not clear cut, that they aren't really completely good or bad, but the memory of their existence can be kept alive through our words. In the end, the continuity of our words is the most enduring tool that we possess, and those words can be used to preserve our lives and the lives of those for whom we care...forever, really.
This is a terrifically sensitive story that I wish had been longer, just because Betsy Byars is such an enjoyable writer and I could read her material forever. The characters and thoughts of this story won't be quickly forgotten. I would likely give two and a half stars to Keeper of the Doves.
The happenings in Keeper of the Doves center around Amen (whom they call "Amie") McBee and her sisters, all of whom have names that begin with the letter "A". The sisters are growing up in the last decade of the 1800s, but other than the setting, the quintessence of their life is just like ours today. Amie finds that each of her "A" sisters has their own fully formed personality, and to get to know each one of them is to really find her own family. When a new baby is born to the McBees, this time a son named Adam, Amie's family becomes complete in a way that it never quite was before. Her father finally has the son that he wanted, and the girls have a brother.
Through this all, Amie wonders about the simple-minded man living nearby, Mr. Tominski. His past is inextricably linked with their father's since Mr. Tominski saved his life one day down by the trains. Amie isn't sure whether to be afraid of Mr. Tominski or to like him; she's not even sure whether or not she wants to get to know him.
Amie finds out about the fleeting nature of life when two separate but connected tragedies occur in her family and its periphery. Amie sees that the things and people around her are not clear cut, that they aren't really completely good or bad, but the memory of their existence can be kept alive through our words. In the end, the continuity of our words is the most enduring tool that we possess, and those words can be used to preserve our lives and the lives of those for whom we care...forever, really.
This is a terrifically sensitive story that I wish had been longer, just because Betsy Byars is such an enjoyable writer and I could read her material forever. The characters and thoughts of this story won't be quickly forgotten. I would likely give two and a half stars to Keeper of the Doves.
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September 29, 2013I liked the idea behind the story, but I didn't feel like the story was fleshed out enough. It was hard to feel anything for Mr. Tominski, the strange, elusive man whose presence featured so prominently in the young main character's mind, when there wasn't enough of him in the story. I think that aspect needed to be fleshed out more, and the annoying twin sisters needed to not feature quite so prominently.
October 26, 2009
I gave this book a five because i thought it was a really good book. I felt bad when Mr. Tom died because he didnt do anything wrong. He just helped saved the dads life. He was nice to them he never hurt anyone other then maybe scout the dog. I like how it doesnt jump around because when it does it confusies me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2009
A very good book about a little girl named Amen, called Amie by her family. Amie enjoys her life with her sisters and her well-to-do family in Kentucky. But Papa holds a secret about Mr. Tominski, the strange man who lives on their property and keeps doves.
When tragedy strikes the family, some suspect Mr. Tominski. But Amie isn't so sure.
When tragedy strikes the family, some suspect Mr. Tominski. But Amie isn't so sure.
May 21, 2012
Amen McBee, the youngest of five sisters, gobbles up words the way other children gobble up sweets. She couldn't be more different from her elder twin sisters Arabella and Annabella-called the Bellas. The mischievous Bellas constantly frighten Amen with stories of Mr. Tominski-the old recluse who lives in the woods nearby and mysteriously tends to a flock of doves.
February 26, 2018
Keeper of the Doves, a Historical Fiction book, takes place in the 1800's. During this time, electricity in houses was uncommon and portable Kodak cameras were the new big thing. This story focuses on a family with 5 sisters and their unique personalities. Throughout the book, Amen McBee tells the story from her perspective. As the youngest sister, she sees the different perspectives of their family in innocent ways. Events such as their grandmothers visit and their dogs death lead the family to question and doubt each other and those around them. I would use this book with any grade 3-5. The content is appropriate and on their level.
One way I would use this book is to use during historical time period studies. I would read this book to the students so that they could see the point of view of people from the 1800's. They could imagine how it was with no electricity or going to the doctors. I would also use this book as a read aloud to spark students interests and get them interested in mystery novels. This book has mystery in it but could be on the entire classes level.
This book was a WOW book for me because of how it was a quick read but kept my interest the entire time. It did not take long to read it, but when it was over I wanted more. I wanted to know all the secrets the family was keeping and why Mr. Tominski mattered.
One way I would use this book is to use during historical time period studies. I would read this book to the students so that they could see the point of view of people from the 1800's. They could imagine how it was with no electricity or going to the doctors. I would also use this book as a read aloud to spark students interests and get them interested in mystery novels. This book has mystery in it but could be on the entire classes level.
This book was a WOW book for me because of how it was a quick read but kept my interest the entire time. It did not take long to read it, but when it was over I wanted more. I wanted to know all the secrets the family was keeping and why Mr. Tominski mattered.
November 2, 2020
The book title is "Keeper of the Doves". The author is a girl, her name is Betsy Byars, she is the acclaimed author of numerous books for young readers, including the Newbery Medal-winning "Summer of the Swans". She lives or lived in Seneca, South Carolina with her husband. Amen and life at the end of the 19th century with her 4 older sisters, Augusta, Abigail, and the Bella's (the twins Annabella, and Arabella) is fun. There Grandmama visits them and she teaches them how to use the new Kodak camera. There is also a new baby coming too! Everyone hopes it will be a baby boy because there are all girls. The only trouble to the Amen's is Mr. Tominski. Mr. Tominski is a weird/strange old man that keeps doves. The Bella's warned Amen that Mr. Tominski (the dove keeper) is not trusted! But Amen's father tells them that Mr. Tominski wouldn't hurt a soul/person.
This book was kind of boring and confusing. I personally didn't really like this book because it wasn't fun to read, it wasn't interesting and I didn't really know what was going on so I would have to go back and reread because the way the book is set up is just weird. I would definitely read something else from a different author next time because this book just wasn't for me.
This book was kind of boring and confusing. I personally didn't really like this book because it wasn't fun to read, it wasn't interesting and I didn't really know what was going on so I would have to go back and reread because the way the book is set up is just weird. I would definitely read something else from a different author next time because this book just wasn't for me.
September 20, 2018
A very sweet story about a wealthy family who seemed to live isolated from the complications of the outside world. Even the name of their home and land, The Willows (somewhere in Kentucky), indicates a little piece of heaven! In 1899, America was just a less complicated place for children who's only worry was who was going to play the bear in their game of "who's going to be it". It seemed perfect for awhile but "perfect" is only an illusion. In the course of only a few months, their worlds would be different and they would be forced to learn the sad life lessons (such as tolerance and grief and death).
I thoroughly enjoyed this little book! My only complaint would be that I feel like the author could have gone into more detail about the important people in the story. I'd love to know more about Mr. Tom and even Albert (Amen's father). There were so many colorful characters I wanted to know more about! The life lessons seemed to barely evoke a feeling from me too. I wonder if there wasn't a more effective way to make the reader FEEL for the people and the issues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this little book! My only complaint would be that I feel like the author could have gone into more detail about the important people in the story. I'd love to know more about Mr. Tom and even Albert (Amen's father). There were so many colorful characters I wanted to know more about! The life lessons seemed to barely evoke a feeling from me too. I wonder if there wasn't a more effective way to make the reader FEEL for the people and the issues.
June 26, 2025
A touching and meaningful novel, this faux late 19th-century book recalls a bygone era to gently communicate timeless truths about love, forgiveness, and the intrinsic value of every human being.
I enjoyed the large, traditional and unbroken immediate family, unlike many of today's literary families, and that the characters were engaging and distinguishable.
The story was simple enough for kids to follow, yet the writing was intelligent enough for adults to enjoy. This would make a great read-aloud book for young grade school kids. I'll be reading more by this author.
[This was one of the books I got for free from a library dumpster in 2024. Long story, many books.]
I enjoyed the large, traditional and unbroken immediate family, unlike many of today's literary families, and that the characters were engaging and distinguishable.
The story was simple enough for kids to follow, yet the writing was intelligent enough for adults to enjoy. This would make a great read-aloud book for young grade school kids. I'll be reading more by this author.
[This was one of the books I got for free from a library dumpster in 2024. Long story, many books.]
November 13, 2018
Written by one of my favorite authors for young people... this book measured up well. I found it amusing to see that the 26 chapter names reflected the alphabet which was a writing technique I'd never seen before or considered for my own writing. Set in 1899, the historical setting was brought out with many of the activities and attitudes consistent with those times. I could feel my own grandparents in some of these experiences, except, of course, in the person of the elusive Mr. Tominski.
October 14, 2020
This historical fiction is a quiet and somewhat melancholy little slice of life. Amen McBee is the youngest of five daughters in a well-to-do family. The quiet and poetic girl loves words, and is alternately fascinated and terrified by her older twin sisters, the fierce and somewhat macabre "Bellas". During the course of this tale, little Amie learns some difficult but valuable messages about kindness, compassion, and the danger of making assumptions.
August 28, 2024
Recommended for intermediate readers. Setting is late 1800s to early 1900s. Tells of 5 girls and their family and their connection to a hermit who is "keeper of the doves." Betsy Byars does an excellent job of showing the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. This book would work well for teaching character development for 4th to 7th graders.
May 15, 2017
A wealthy family at the turn of the 20th century, with the youngest of the five daughters telling the story. Her fear of a reclusive old man who lives nearby is exacerbated by her older sisters' teasing, but a crisis makes her face those fears and reveals his deep connections to the family.
March 29, 2024
This book was read to me in elementary school. I’m 20 now and for some reason this book always stuck in my mind. I think for that reason I love it so much. It’s a comforting read to me, even though it is sad. I love the smart main character.
June 28, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed, Keeper of the Doves. I do wonder if Betsy Byars intentionally borrowed from Harper Lee's, To Kill a Mockingbird, in at least seven different ways. If not, it's uncanny.
May she rest in peace.
May she rest in peace.
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December 4, 2024This book is so precious to me. I loved it as a child, and it apparently still manages to touch me in unexpected ways. It always made me think of my sisters. Rest in peace Betsy Byars, and thank you for writing this wonderful little book.
August 8, 2017
perfecto
loveley
my favorite
loveley
my favorite
February 17, 2020
Such a lovely story. Amen has wisdom beyond her age. I love that her Grandmother perceives her as a wordsmith.
April 10, 2020
This book touched my heart.
November 9, 2023
A touching story. I didn't care much for the twins though. They were very unpleasant.
May 27, 2025
I thought it was fine. Nothing super special. Lots of motifs, which was interesting, but not something I'd read again.
July 28, 2025
such a sweet and adorable read omg!!! im in tears :ccc it feels fitting i read this with one of my favorite cemeteries in the back of my mind
March 13, 2017
Keeper of the doves by Betsy Byars is about a sixth disappointing daughter (Amen McBee) of a wealthy family. Her five older sisters teased her and would be mean. Her father steps up and defends her! At the end, she sees a flock of doves and becomes a dove keeper. This book is a great detailed book, but it has its whacks, it talks place in a lot of places which i didnt really know what i was reading. it taught me that you can always have someone there for you and they will always be by your side to stand up to bullies!
June 15, 2018
What I loved about this book was how the author was able to write such a beautiful, powerful and emotional story geared toward young readers in only 128 pages. Byars uses beautiful, yet simple language so the young readers can understand and enjoy it, but older readers can as well. I mean, I’m almost 32 (gasp!) and I really enjoyed this one. I also liked that it was short, and I probably could have finished it in one sitting, had it not been for baseball practice ending, and the toddler needing some attention :)
What I did not like about this book was that I wish that the author had showed the reader more of Mr. Tominski. Or maybe if a sort of respectful yet meaningful relationship between Mr. Tominski and Amen had formed that would have been great too. I do feel that the author missed the mark in making Mr. Tominski a more prominent character in the book. Also, I would totally change those twin sisters. They were annoying and I feel that the author did a little too much with them. Maybe she could have toned them down a little, or not had them in the story at all -- but then I realize that the end of the book would not have ended the way it did if it wasn’t for those annoying twin sisters :)
All in all, this was a fantastic book. I highly recommend this book to all readers, ages 8 and up. Boys, girls, men, and women are going to really enjoy this one.
You can find my full review of this book at brandysbookshelf.com
What I did not like about this book was that I wish that the author had showed the reader more of Mr. Tominski. Or maybe if a sort of respectful yet meaningful relationship between Mr. Tominski and Amen had formed that would have been great too. I do feel that the author missed the mark in making Mr. Tominski a more prominent character in the book. Also, I would totally change those twin sisters. They were annoying and I feel that the author did a little too much with them. Maybe she could have toned them down a little, or not had them in the story at all -- but then I realize that the end of the book would not have ended the way it did if it wasn’t for those annoying twin sisters :)
All in all, this was a fantastic book. I highly recommend this book to all readers, ages 8 and up. Boys, girls, men, and women are going to really enjoy this one.
You can find my full review of this book at brandysbookshelf.com
January 24, 2018
Who is Mr. Tominski?
That’s what Amen McBee, the youngest of five girls and aspiring writer, wanted to know. Her aunt said he was lurking in the memorial garden and thinks he is a menace; her sisters make fun of him, but her father and mother respect him.
As for a description of this mysterious man: The front teeth were missing, and the eyes beneath low, dark brows had an animal shine, as Amen saw.
But none of these facts answer her question…
The characters are very likable. Amen's sister's names all start with A: Annabella and Arabella (the twins - known as "the Bellas"), Augusta, and Abigail, and they all have distinct personalities. Except for the Bellas - they are pretty much alike. XD Amen is sometimes so hilarious that I can’t stand it, like when Amen was thinking back to when she was four:
“If you make ugly faces, children, your face will freeze like that.”
With the sudden insight of a four-year-old, I said, “Is that what happened to your face, Aunt Pauline?”
😂
I really enjoyed this book. It has 26 chapters, but the chapters are super short; the book has only 121 pages. I flew through it. The writing style grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. I can’t wait to read another of her books. (I already have The Summer of the Swans, so I’ll probably be reading it soon.)
That’s what Amen McBee, the youngest of five girls and aspiring writer, wanted to know. Her aunt said he was lurking in the memorial garden and thinks he is a menace; her sisters make fun of him, but her father and mother respect him.
As for a description of this mysterious man: The front teeth were missing, and the eyes beneath low, dark brows had an animal shine, as Amen saw.
But none of these facts answer her question…
The characters are very likable. Amen's sister's names all start with A: Annabella and Arabella (the twins - known as "the Bellas"), Augusta, and Abigail, and they all have distinct personalities. Except for the Bellas - they are pretty much alike. XD Amen is sometimes so hilarious that I can’t stand it, like when Amen was thinking back to when she was four:
“If you make ugly faces, children, your face will freeze like that.”
With the sudden insight of a four-year-old, I said, “Is that what happened to your face, Aunt Pauline?”
😂
I really enjoyed this book. It has 26 chapters, but the chapters are super short; the book has only 121 pages. I flew through it. The writing style grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. I can’t wait to read another of her books. (I already have The Summer of the Swans, so I’ll probably be reading it soon.)
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February 27, 2017Lost interest quickly.
September 13, 2010
I am borrowing a lovely review by Carol Hurst:
Betsy Byars' newest book Keeper of the Doves is the deceptively simple story of one turn of the century family during one summer. Accessible to kids from fourth grade up, it speaks gently but packs a punch. The story revolves around words and their power to wound as well as heal. Chapters in alphabetical order carry the reader through this story. And there is an alphabet of invisible flowers within the book to accent that motif.
All of the children have names beginning with A. The father's name is Albert. Their mother, Lily, spends most of the time in her room, distant in fact as well as in effect, and, of course, she has a name that begins with a different letter. The sisters are all very different, sharing only their dislike of Aunt Pauline who is in charge of them most of the time.
There are six sisters in the McBee family. The youngest sister, Amen, called Amie, is our narrator. In love with words, she writes poems in order to make sense of and to commemorate the world around her. Neither she nor any of the sisters seem to resent the fact that their father desperately wanted a son. He is known to have wept bitter tears at the birth of Amen. He weeps again -- tears of joy this time -- when at last his son Adam is born.
The indistinguishable twins, Arabella and Annabella, are grouped together at all times by a single name, The Bellas. They delight in terrifying Amie with their stories and often cruel games. Many of their games and stories concern Mr. Tominsky, a mysterious man who lives in a chapel at the back of the estate. The tale is dominated by that man who is largely off-stage. He's the Keeper of the Doves.
Betsy Byars' newest book Keeper of the Doves is the deceptively simple story of one turn of the century family during one summer. Accessible to kids from fourth grade up, it speaks gently but packs a punch. The story revolves around words and their power to wound as well as heal. Chapters in alphabetical order carry the reader through this story. And there is an alphabet of invisible flowers within the book to accent that motif.
All of the children have names beginning with A. The father's name is Albert. Their mother, Lily, spends most of the time in her room, distant in fact as well as in effect, and, of course, she has a name that begins with a different letter. The sisters are all very different, sharing only their dislike of Aunt Pauline who is in charge of them most of the time.
There are six sisters in the McBee family. The youngest sister, Amen, called Amie, is our narrator. In love with words, she writes poems in order to make sense of and to commemorate the world around her. Neither she nor any of the sisters seem to resent the fact that their father desperately wanted a son. He is known to have wept bitter tears at the birth of Amen. He weeps again -- tears of joy this time -- when at last his son Adam is born.
The indistinguishable twins, Arabella and Annabella, are grouped together at all times by a single name, The Bellas. They delight in terrifying Amie with their stories and often cruel games. Many of their games and stories concern Mr. Tominsky, a mysterious man who lives in a chapel at the back of the estate. The tale is dominated by that man who is largely off-stage. He's the Keeper of the Doves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews