The Legacy of Gloria Russell

By Sheri Gilbert

Book Overview

A poignant debut novel about a boy's struggle with the loss of his best friend and the truth about his small town's ostracism of a lonely stranger. From the moment she touched Satan, my best friend Gloria Russell was never the same. Since the sudden death of his best friend, Billy's tiny hometown has never seemed lonelier. Gloria wasn't like anyone else in Kelseyville. Full of curiosity and spunk, she never cared what other people thought. But the day she befriended Satan a hermit every kid in Kelseyville is warned to avoid something happened to Gloria. And a few months later, she was gone. Alone, confused, and struggling to escape conflicts in his own family, Billy sets out to discover what really happened to Gloria. And guided by Gloria's strength, he begins to understand what the truth about Satan means for himself and his town.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375828230
• ISBN13: 9780375828232
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.6" x 0.8" x 5.8"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

A Fabulous book by newcomer Sheri Gilbert

I couldn't begin to say enough just how much I loved this book. From the very first page, I was hooked. I *had* to keep reading to find out what happened next! This is a terrific read that will ring a chord with not only young adult readers, but adult as well.

Mystical and Brilliant

Billy James Wilkins can't forget his best friend Gloria, who died from an aneurysm, and he won't stop digging until he understands the many mysteries of her life. And there are many, indeed!What about the younger boy who turns up in the woods, the boy with Gloria's fiery personality--and an attitude to boot? And Josef Satan, the seemingly cursed man who lives in a cabin high on an Ozark slope? Billy must search his heart and his town's troubled history for truths to help him grasp the meaning of Gloria's life and death, and to help himself heal.This story fascinated me, from the small mysteries to the big ones. The plot kept me guessing, and the payoff was satisfying and moving. The writing was excellent, reminding me of Mark Twain with the tone, lyricism, and humor. I also loved the characters, and I could picture each one of them--especially Billy's pain-in-the-rear big brother. I think people of any age, male or female, would enjoy this story. Highly recommended.