Moving Mama to Town

By Ronder Thomas Young

Book Overview

Freddy James Johnson becomes the man of the family when his daddy Big Kenny runs off. Freddy James knows he must keep his family together, and moves his Mama and little brother Kenneth Lee to town. He... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0531300250
• ISBN13: 9780531300251
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Orchard Books
• Length: 219 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.0" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 8

Customer Reviews

Freddy James, the main character, will 'tug' at your heart.

Believable characters, setting, and plot for Georgia in 1947. Main characters are Freddy James Johnson, age 13; his mother-Elenora; and younger brother, Kenny Lee. Supporting characters are 'Big Kenny' - Freddy's father who deserts his family; Ms. Priddy (the town's owner & overseer of all); Theodora, the cook at the saloon; and Ms. Suzanna Doolittle, who gives French lessons to the more elite ladies of their society. It is humorous at times and oddly sad at others. Language & dialect are pure 'Southern'. The main plot consists of the fact that 'Big Kenny' Johnson leaves home one day and never returns. His oldest son, Freddy James-age 13, takes on the responsibility of keeping his family together and providing shelter and food. The best way he sees to do this is to move his Mother and brother to town. They all would rather stay on the family farm - after all its been in their family for generations; however, Freddy knows thats impossible. So, he goes off to town one day - not telling anyone where he is going - and finds a job at the local saloon doing odd jobs. As luck would have it, he finds a room to rent at Ms. Priddy's. To find out what lies ahead for Freddy James and his family, you'll need to read the book. I promise you won't be disappointed.

believable characters, setting, and plot

I loved this book! There are several reasons for my enthusiasm. It's setting is 1947 on a Georgia farm. I am a history 'buff' and have a rural background. I felt I could relate to Freddy James Johnson (age 13-Protagionist) situation. Freddy's father, Big Kenny, deserts his family and it is up to 13-year old Freddy James to try to keep his family together. Although they would all prefer to stay on the family farm - it is impossible. Freddy James goes into the local town on his own. He finds a job and a place to rent where he, his Mama and younger brother, Kenny Lee, can live. I can't tell you all the 'life situations' Freddy James faces as he tries to keep his family together. I will tell you, however, that he matures throughtout the story. It is a 'must read' for an English class or a History class focusing on this period of time. It will make you cry, laugh, and gain respect for Freddy James Johnson. In my opinion, it is realistic historical fiction at its best. Also, I forgot to mention - I read this book by audiocassette. If you've not tried a recorded book yet, then, it's time you gave it a try.