Rose's Journal: The Story of a Girl in the Great Depression

Young American Voices #4

by Marissa Moss

On January 1, 1935, Rose Samuels bids good riddance to a dry, desolate year and begins a new one. The severe drought has left the fields too dry for crops and the farms are all failing. Times are tough, but with hope, love, and determination, Rose and her family manage to turn the year around.
Includes fun new book-related activities!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Journal

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Marissa Moss has written more than seventy books, from picture books to middle-grade and young adult novels. Best known for the Amelia's Notebook series, her books are popular with teachers and children alike. Her picture book Barbed Wire Baseball won the California Book Award gold medal. Moss is also the founder of Creston Books, an independent children's publishing house.

Reviews

[Eva Dugas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written in a Journal style, which connects students to a character that is their age. This book is prefect for elementary students to learn about the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in America. Teachers can use this book as a resource to help student investigate these two, very influential events in America.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have to say that the art/comic style in this book reminded me of another book I read back in 4th grade, which ended up being the "Amelia's Notebook" series....which just also happens to be written by Marissa Moss.

I love the journal style format, and the stories that Rose tells about her family and her life in the Great Depression/Dust Bowl.

This would be a great resource to use in the classroom.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute historical novel for young readers that uses historical photos and drawings to illustrate a "journal" from the dust bowl.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good telling (based on true stories) of living through the Depression and the Dust Bowl, though the format (handwritten on pink background) made it a bit of a challenge to read.

[Kaitlin Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Really loved the imagery

[Mairin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this book had humor and excitement added into a historical fiction. It's a good story and book... for younger kids. However, I did enjoy it at age 10. You wouldn't necessarily want to read this book for solid information on the Great Depression or Dust Bowl, because it's more of a fun story. "Rose’s Journal" by Marissa Moss gives a 1/2 year story of a girl living in the Dust Bowl, her experiences, and feelings. One problem about this book is that you can tell that the author got tired of writing and ended it suddenly. I expected more of the story when it abruptly came to a stop. Overall, with one inappropriate exception, this was a fun book to read. I give it 4 stars.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journal entries from a girl growing up during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. This perspective really interests the students because they can relate.

Students can posts responses to the entries, place themselves in her life, or the teacher can use the activities in the journals as wonderful ideas to incorporate throughout the unit.

[Anna Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would definitely recommend this book to 2nd to 5th grade students wanting to better understand the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The text touched on many difficult topics without being so heavy as to be undigestible. I am now curious to read other books in this series. It makes historical events easily relatable.

[Saphira · Rating 2 out of 5]

it takes place in the the dirty 30s. a sad family is basically living in a sand storm. at the end they have to sell their house at the end, and the last "man group" bought everything for $7... read the book to find out more!

[Meadow Frisbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The severe drought is taking it's tole on the country, and in Rose's family.

This diary is very interesting in the way that it is put together, many illistrations and addition make it seam more personal and beliveable.

[Jayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute diary of a child growing up in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. It accounts most of the major events that took place and even has pictures she ‘begged’ Ms. Lange to borrow.

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children's book I just shared with my class. It was a great tool for teaching them about the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The kids really took it to heart.

[Jazmyne edwards]

it was great

[maddykorneychuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is truly about the times of the great depression and how people lived and what they had to go through.

[Rachel]

Book about the great depression.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old childhood favourite. I used to read it over and over again.