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The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years
The universal appeal of The Green Coat is due to Mrs. McDunn's mastery of historical events, excellent dialogue, rich characters, and her tribute to the human spirit. Young readers are captivated by the harrowing events in which Tressa and older brother Will find themselves while adults are drawn to the emphasis of such traits as perseverance and loyalty. "The Green Coat" is a wonderful family book as well as a great classroom book.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 11, 2010
I chose to read this book after finding it in a homeschool catalog where it advertised the character's faith and tenacity, but I really chose it because it takes place in my home state of North Dakota, and during the time of the 1920 great dust bowl. I had hoped that this book would add to my students understanding of what it was like to live through the dust bowl, the time of history we are studying. We had just watched the movie "Black Blizzard," a History Channel documentary on the dust bowl. (highly recommended by the way) But I found that this book did not describe living through the dust storms very well, as only one storm was included in the story. It did briefly talk about families loosing their farms to bankruptcy, which did happen to the main character's family, and about children and elderly dying from dust pneumonia, but the topic seems to be glossed over and was more of a sub-theme of the book. I do praise the book for what seemed to be the main theme of a young 12 yr old girl, forced by unfortunate circumstances, to grow up before her time. She realizes throughout the book that life doesn't always turn out the way you want it to, and there are many things out of one's control. One needs to learn to adapt to change, and the main character, Tressa, learns this lesson in the midst of her sufferings and surprise joys. My favorite quote is at the end of the book: "Ma always said that nothing ever stayed the same. Ma seemed to be right about a lot of things. I was beginning to understand with tremendous clarity that success in life comes from the ability to accept change. It holds no promise of being easy. In fact, at times it is downright challenging and painfully hard to bear. But that's what life was all about... change."
At the end of the book there are a few pictures of the dust storms, but again, I found that theme to be small. There is also a chapter by chapter glossary and discussion questions at the end of the book. Each glossary word has a definition and the page number where the word appeared in the story, so it can be seen in context. There's also one page at the end that describes "effective tools of figurative language": metaphors, smilies, and personification. Then, there is a treasure hunt where one can search the story for metaphors, similes, and personification. The page number for each is listed for easy hunting.
At the end of the book there are a few pictures of the dust storms, but again, I found that theme to be small. There is also a chapter by chapter glossary and discussion questions at the end of the book. Each glossary word has a definition and the page number where the word appeared in the story, so it can be seen in context. There's also one page at the end that describes "effective tools of figurative language": metaphors, smilies, and personification. Then, there is a treasure hunt where one can search the story for metaphors, similes, and personification. The page number for each is listed for easy hunting.
February 10, 2014
Rosemary McDunn’s "The Green Coat, A Tale from the Dustbowl Years" is a stunning work of fiction. Aimed at young readers, it is sure to captivate and delight readers of all ages. Set in North Dakota in the 1930’s, it brings to life the hardships and horrors of the farmers whose livelihoods—and the very lives of their families, too—were shattered by a long and relentless drought that turned a huge section of the country into a veritable bowl of dust. McDunn’s fictional character Tressa is based on her late mother, who lived through that harrowing time period and came out of the experience a stronger woman. This novel is a magnificent achievement and a moving homage to the author’s resilient mother.
McDunn is a gifted storyteller and creates characters and situations that feel so real that you will find yourself transported back in time, right along with 12-year-old Tressa and her older brother Will. When their parents lose their farm, Tressa’s Ma and Pa must sell the only home their children have ever known and the family is split apart. No longer able to keep a roof over all of their heads, the devastated couple sends Tressa and Will to live with and work for a man named Doc Heileman--who lives 90 miles away (which at that time, in that place, might as well have been a thousand).
Doc has family troubles of his own; his wife is in a deep depression and is unable to care for her home or her adolescent daughter and toddler son. Tressa starts out missing her parents so terribly that she feels very sorry for herself and can’t help but complain about her plight. But with the help of Will’s loving support, she learns to accept her situation and tries to see the blessings that are sometimes hidden underneath the layer of dust left by the incessant dry winds that torment the region. Doc is very kind, and appreciative of all Tressa does to help his family. Ultimately, instead of crumbling under the weight of all she must endure, she emerges stronger, more grown-up, and more filled with a deep faith in God’s grace than she might have been if she hadn’t had to learn to deal with so much adversity at such a young age.
Although some tough things happen in the course of the novel, "The Green Coat, A Tale from the Dustbowl Years" is at heart a story of love, perseverance, faith, and hope. It shows the good that can be achieved when friends and neighbors help each other out and make sacrifices for each other, simply out of the goodness of their hearts. I believe it should be on the bookshelves of every middle school and junior high classroom in the country, because it tells about a period in our country’s history about which most of us don’t know nearly enough. I count myself as one of those who, though familiar with the terms “Great Depession” and “Dustbowl,” never really understood the magnitude of that soul-crushing era. I was an English major in college, so I am embarrassed to admit that I never read John Steinbeck’s classic novel "The Grapes of Wrath"; but after reading McDunn’s gripping account of the Dustbowl years, I am now inspired to learn more, and I plan to read Steinbeck’s acclaimed take on it as well.
Rosemary McDunn should be applauded for bringing this important piece of American history to light for young readers—and for us older ones, too. In an age when everyone seems to see himself as a victim and the idea of picking yourself up by your bootstraps and succeeding through hard work and determination is an increasingly alien concept, Tressa’s story of hardship and survival—her story of triumph—is an inspiration.
Highly recommended! (And there’s even a handy glossary and study guide in the back of the book, for any teacher out there reading this who’d like to add Rosemary McDunn’s "The Green Coat, A Tale from the Dustbowl Years" to your reading or history curriculum.)
McDunn is a gifted storyteller and creates characters and situations that feel so real that you will find yourself transported back in time, right along with 12-year-old Tressa and her older brother Will. When their parents lose their farm, Tressa’s Ma and Pa must sell the only home their children have ever known and the family is split apart. No longer able to keep a roof over all of their heads, the devastated couple sends Tressa and Will to live with and work for a man named Doc Heileman--who lives 90 miles away (which at that time, in that place, might as well have been a thousand).
Doc has family troubles of his own; his wife is in a deep depression and is unable to care for her home or her adolescent daughter and toddler son. Tressa starts out missing her parents so terribly that she feels very sorry for herself and can’t help but complain about her plight. But with the help of Will’s loving support, she learns to accept her situation and tries to see the blessings that are sometimes hidden underneath the layer of dust left by the incessant dry winds that torment the region. Doc is very kind, and appreciative of all Tressa does to help his family. Ultimately, instead of crumbling under the weight of all she must endure, she emerges stronger, more grown-up, and more filled with a deep faith in God’s grace than she might have been if she hadn’t had to learn to deal with so much adversity at such a young age.
Although some tough things happen in the course of the novel, "The Green Coat, A Tale from the Dustbowl Years" is at heart a story of love, perseverance, faith, and hope. It shows the good that can be achieved when friends and neighbors help each other out and make sacrifices for each other, simply out of the goodness of their hearts. I believe it should be on the bookshelves of every middle school and junior high classroom in the country, because it tells about a period in our country’s history about which most of us don’t know nearly enough. I count myself as one of those who, though familiar with the terms “Great Depession” and “Dustbowl,” never really understood the magnitude of that soul-crushing era. I was an English major in college, so I am embarrassed to admit that I never read John Steinbeck’s classic novel "The Grapes of Wrath"; but after reading McDunn’s gripping account of the Dustbowl years, I am now inspired to learn more, and I plan to read Steinbeck’s acclaimed take on it as well.
Rosemary McDunn should be applauded for bringing this important piece of American history to light for young readers—and for us older ones, too. In an age when everyone seems to see himself as a victim and the idea of picking yourself up by your bootstraps and succeeding through hard work and determination is an increasingly alien concept, Tressa’s story of hardship and survival—her story of triumph—is an inspiration.
Highly recommended! (And there’s even a handy glossary and study guide in the back of the book, for any teacher out there reading this who’d like to add Rosemary McDunn’s "The Green Coat, A Tale from the Dustbowl Years" to your reading or history curriculum.)
December 9, 2013
I feltl sad to have the story end; it was that enjoyable! Rosemary McDunn's main character, twelve-year-old Tressa, is real and engaging; a true role model for young girls. The descriptions of the treacherous weather conditions in North Dakota were so real that I felt I was right there with Tressa, battling the heat and drought, as well being inisde the cozy kitchen in the middle of a raging blizzard. The bravery of this young heroine who was forced to leave her childhood abruptly behind during the Dust Bowl years is remarkable. McDunn's writing talent shines on every page with true-to-life dialogue and exquisite details of the pain and hardship people had to endure during this time in American history.
"I was beginning to understand with tremendous clarity that success in life comes from the ability to accept change," says young Tressa. A poignant sentiment, and one for all ages.
I highly recommend this novel for classrooms and libraries, and encourage educators to consider this fine work of historical fiction for their students. There are even lessons in the back of the book for teachers and parents.
Well done!
"I was beginning to understand with tremendous clarity that success in life comes from the ability to accept change," says young Tressa. A poignant sentiment, and one for all ages.
I highly recommend this novel for classrooms and libraries, and encourage educators to consider this fine work of historical fiction for their students. There are even lessons in the back of the book for teachers and parents.
Well done!
January 25, 2009
I was really surprised by this book since it is an easier read. I love to read historical fiction and non-fiction and this was a wonderful tale of 2 young kids during the Dust Bowl Era. It showed their struggle and the hardships that are unimaginable to us in our time. I related a lot to the young girl with her struggles with herself, her surroundings and her faith. I almost feel guilty giving it a full rating because it was such a simple book but I cannot stop thinking about the lessons that were taught in it. While reading it, it also made me think of the stories that my grandparents had told me about their struggle and what objects were special and important to them at this time of such hardship. In all, a wonderful book!
July 23, 2016
Experience the monumental trials of a close knit North Dakota farming family as they make heartbreaking choices to survive drought and dust storms. The Green Coat, thoughtfully written by Rosemary McDunn, is a beautiful story of faith, perserverance and forgiveness.
Though bombarded with widespread devastation from the dust storms, the responses to the resultant death and financial loss are primarily sacrifice and compassion. Interactions between the characters and descriptions of the drought and storms are vivid without overdramatization. This hope filled story will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Though bombarded with widespread devastation from the dust storms, the responses to the resultant death and financial loss are primarily sacrifice and compassion. Interactions between the characters and descriptions of the drought and storms are vivid without overdramatization. This hope filled story will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
August 5, 2013
I saw a category "Books that everyone should read at least once" and this is one of those books! I had my students read this book and found parents writing me notes that they had to read it when they saw how much their children loved it--and that they loved it too!
McDunn is a gifted storyteller and this book is bound to be a classic for years to come.
There is no age limit to who will enjoy this book but the bonus is that the author has made it perfect for classrooms with questions and activities in the back for the students.
I can't say enough about this amazing book!
McDunn is a gifted storyteller and this book is bound to be a classic for years to come.
There is no age limit to who will enjoy this book but the bonus is that the author has made it perfect for classrooms with questions and activities in the back for the students.
I can't say enough about this amazing book!
April 28, 2009
Written for younger readers but enjoyable at any age. Set in the 1930's--history provides the setting but does not take first place over the telling of a good story. Tressa and her older brother, Will, are sent to a doctor's home to earn their keep when their parents lose the family farm in the dustbowl years. How these two young people make the most of a heartbreaking situation was a very quick but satisfying read.
January 1, 2009
It reminded me of "Little House on the Prairie." I had to keep reminding myself this true story took place in the 1930s. It struck home because the girl in the book is the same age as my daughter. I felt for every member of the family. Each person in the book was trying to do the best he or she could under extremely difficult circumstances; there were hard decisions to make.
February 11, 2016
Good lessons to learn!
I read this book with my twelve year old son for his history class. We definitely enjoyed the story. It kept us reading. I appreciated the lesson of not letting life's hardships get you down. We need to have faith that God will guide us through. The author kept us interested and we liked her descriptions of life during the dust bowl.
I read this book with my twelve year old son for his history class. We definitely enjoyed the story. It kept us reading. I appreciated the lesson of not letting life's hardships get you down. We need to have faith that God will guide us through. The author kept us interested and we liked her descriptions of life during the dust bowl.
September 9, 2009
Lots of American History softly tucked into this story of a young girl and her life during the dustbowl years.
July 15, 2011
Such a sweet book!
December 21, 2013
I didn't want the book to end.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews