Storyteller

Storyteller, by Patricia Reilly Giff, is actually two stories in one. One takes place in the 21st century, the other during the 18th century. At the beginning of the story, the main character, Elizabeth, finds out that she has to stay with her Aunt Libby while her father goes on a business trip to Australia. Elizabeth hardly knows her late mother’s sister and dreads going. Once she is at her Aunt Libby’s, she notices an old, faded picture of a girl who resembles her. Her Aunt Libby begins to share stories about this girl named Zee. Elizabeth and her aunt make a connection through her storytelling. Thus, the story alternates between Elizabeth’s new relationship with her aunt and the hard times that Zee endured during the American Revolution. Readers will appreciate Giff’s honest description of the adversity many families faced in a country divided between Loyalists and Patriots. My favorite part of the book was the poetic ending. Giff gives a positive message to her readers. Other great books by this talented author include Wild Girl, Water Street, Maggie’s Door, Pictures of Hollis Woods (one of my favorites, Newbery Honor Book), All the Way Home, Nory Ryan’s Song, and Lily’s Crossing (Newbery Honor Book).