Rising Above Shepherdsville

(Paperback, Reprint)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In the tradition of The Higher Power of Lucky and Because of Winn Dixie, a young girl deals with her mothers suicide in this riveting debut novel that explores love, loss, family, friendship, and redemption.

In the summer of 1977, twelve-year-old Dulcie Louise Dixon arrives on the doorstep of her Aunt Bernies farmhouse in Shepherdsville, Ohio, with no voice, a spelling bee trophy, a Websters Dictionary, and a box full of ashes. She tries to adjust to her new situation, but cant forget the words she left behind or the mother shes lost to suicide.

One day, Dulcie discovers a secret place: a swans nest in the woods where at last, her broken world begins to mend. With the help of her surprising new friendsa guitar-playing runaway, a poetry-loving preacher, a one-armed gas station attendant, a singing seamstress, a chained-up hunting dog, and a family of swansDulcie is finally able to rise out of her sadness and grief to find her voice once again.

Reviews

Schoenbohm takes chances in her debut, weaving themes of spirituality and religion into a narrative about runaways and suicide. The story, set in the 1970s, is a superb balancing act, shifting effortlessly between Dulcie's heartfelt hurt, descriptions of her new environment, and her awe in the presence of swans. The book's many expressions of grace, despite the drama, are never over-the-top and always feel natural. Sensitive readers who enjoy tales of overcoming hardship will take Dulcie's plight to heart. A stunning debut, highly recommended for all libraries.
--Booklist, Starred Review "May 1, 2019 "

Author Bio

Ann Schoenbohm lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband and two children. She holds an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a BFA in acting from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She currently volunteers with several organizations as a literary tutor and teaches writing in Minneapolis community education programs.Rising Above Shepherdsvilleis her debut novel.