The Keening by A. LaFaye

LaFaye, A. The Keening, 184 p. Milkweed, 2010.  Content: G.  Lyza, 14, has been homeschooled since that one ill-fated day that she ventured into the village schoolhouse.  Her Mater and Pater have indulged and challenged her.  Mater has always been the one who has held life and limb together while Pater has been the dreamy one – obsessed with carving the faces of the dead that he says he sees.  The influenza epidemic of 1918 has plans for Lyza.  When Mater dies, Lyza must somehow take control and save herself, her father and her home from the machinations of her angry Uncle.  But in order to save everything, Lyza must step away from her Cliffside home and go out into the world.  With the help of her best friend, Jake, she will take the plunge.  As much as I personally enjoyed reading about Lyza, I don’t think this book will find a wide audience without some help.  I can use it in my collection because of the historical fiction projects we do each year.  LaFaye’s writing is as beautiful as ever, but only a small group of students will fully appreciate her thoughtful work. MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher