The Warden’s Daughter
Jerry Spinelli, Author
Alfred A Knopf, Fiction, Jan. 3, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 9-12
Themes: Growing up in a prison, Motherless, Grief, Coming of age, Courage
Opening: “It’s a BIRDHOUSE NOW. It used to be a jailhouse. The Hancock County Prison…It looks like a fortress from the Middle Ages…The prison was a city block long. It was home to over two hundred inmates, men and women, from shoplifters to murders. And one family. Mine. I was the warden’s daughter.”
Synopsis: Cammie O’Reilly lives in an apartment above the entrance to the Hancock County Jail in Pennsylvania with her father, the warden. She’s twelve years old and motherless. Her mother was killed in a tragic accident when she was a baby. Cammie spends much of her time mad at the world and heaven. She searches for mother figures in the only women she knows — the inmates she spends her mornings hanging out with in the women’s exercise yard. They are not ideal candidates, like the flamboyant shoplifter named Boo Boo. But she settles on trying to make the family’s housekeeper, Eloda Pupko, her mother figure. Eloda understands Cammie better than anyone. She see’s Cammie’s torment, knows she is headed for trouble, and helps her grieve in an unexpected way.
Why I liked this book:
Spinelli’s novel will tug at reader’s heart-strings from the first page. This compelling and emotionally deep novel is a coming of age story about a troubled teen who has never really dealt with the tragic death of her mother — a mother she never had the chance to know. Instead she’s grown up in an odd and cold atmosphere not meant for a child. And she yearns for the warmth of a loving relationship with a mother and family. The subject of grief is realistically tackled with honesty and sensitivity.
Spinelli’s novel is fast-paced, tightly plotted, and the tension palpable. It will keep readers engaged. The story is driven by a cast of colorful characters who are dealing with their own demons. They add for many somber and humorous moments to the story. Cammie’s narrates the story with her strong voice, fiery personality and a determination that earns her the nickname Cannonball. She’s in danger of lighting the fuse, as her anger reaches a boiling point over the summer.
Readers will enjoy exploring the prison fortress and life behind bars, visiting the death tower with its dangling noose and hanging salamis, spending time in the prison exercise yard and meditation area, and walking the forbidden outside deck.
Jerry Spinelli is the author of many books for young readers, including Stargirl; Love, Stargirl; Milkweed; Crash; Maniac Magee, winner of the Newberry Medal; Wringer, winner of a Newbery Honor; Eggs; Jake and Lily; and Knots in my Yo-yo String, his autobiography. Visit Jerry Spinelli at his website.
Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
Children's Books Heal 
This sounds great. A lot like last year’s ALL RISE FOR THE HONORABLE PERRY T COOK who also lived in a prison near his incarcerated mother. A very rare setting in the world of MG. I’ll be reading THE WARDEN’S DAUGHTER for sure. Thanks for your insightful review.
LikeLike
Oh, thanks for the book recommendation. I will want to read it. It is a rare setting. I really enjoyed reading this story.
LikeLike
This book is on my to-read list. I had the chance a few weeks ago to listen to both Jerry Spinelli and Richard Peck talk about their latest books at Books of Wonder. Wonderful review, Pat!
LikeLike
Thank you Robin. Lucky you. I haven’t heard Spinelli speak, have heard Richard Peck. You’d enjoy this book! Many layers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very interesting setting for a novel! I enjoyed this one, mostly because of the out of the ordinary setting and characters.
LikeLike
Yes, I was captivated by the setting. I think of a medieval looking prison we drove past as a child and I always closed my eyes. It was scary. So, I found this story and setting very intriguing! Loved it!
LikeLike
This has gotten so much attention, I know I’ll be reading it this year. Besides, this author can do no wrong. Thanks for the review.
LikeLike
Yes, I agree. Spinelli is such a master storyteller! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Such an unusual read.
LikeLike
Thanks for alerting us to this book. A dear friend was a warden’s son and I was always fascinated by his stories. From what you’ve described , this one will surely be a winner.
LikeLike
You’ll have to tell your friend about the book. I’m sure he has many interesting stories to tell. I really enjoyed Spinelli’s heartfelt story.
LikeLike
This sounds like a unique story for middle readers from a master story teller.
LikeLike
It is a book that is hard to put down. So realistic and filled with the emotions and angst of a girl growing up not knowing her mother — and wanting to find someone to mother her.
LikeLike
Wow, sounds like a tough situation for a little girl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is, but it makes for a very interesting and realistic story.
LikeLike
I also loved this book (and reviewed it in January). Jerry Spinelli is a national treasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you. I knew I learned about this book from someone — it must have been you. I write down titles that intrigue me and I love Spinelli. If you were the inspiration for my reviewing this book, thank you!
LikeLike
I’m such a fan of Jerry Spinelli – can’t wait to get this one! His books have so much heart and are often set in difficult circumstances.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book is filled with heart. And, living in a prison couldn’t with a father and no mother is really a challenge. This book is multi-layered and has a lot of humor to.
LikeLike
Wow! This sounds like a very deep and emotional story. Especially since very few books (at least of the books I’ve read) have depicted prisons as something other than a place for ‘terrible’ people. I also love how the cover seems to reflect the book! Thanks for the fabulous review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I love the cover which speaks to the inner prison Cammie has created for herself. I like this book because it is a period piece — probably around the 50s, which offers a different perspective. I can imagine during that time there being a home for the warden and the family — makes me think of the movie MY GIRL, where she lives in the funeral home. I was taken by the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have about this book a lot, and I haven’t ever really wanted to read it. However, your review sold me! This one is on my TBR and I look forward to reading it. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I felt the same way. But, once I realized that it was a period piece, it made me think about how Cammie’s life wouldn’t be possible today. The story is realistic and I found it both heartbreaking and humorous.
LikeLike
I keep hearing about this book. I hope I can get a chance to read it soon. Thanks for the reminder!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will be interested in your thoughts on Spinelli’s novel. I found it compelling.
LikeLike
I did not like this one. It was bad enough that we had a dead mother (are there any middle grade parents who are alive and functional?), but what happened with Boo Boo was unacceptable. Spinelli is good, but this one… I just don’t understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing you honest thoughts about Spinelli’s novel. It encourages discussions and made me think about your thoughts. This novel is a period piece (50s), which I found compelling. It would not happen today. Again, thank you and I hope I hear from others who may not have enjoyed the novel.
LikeLike
I absolutely loved this book! I’m glad you liked it too! 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so glad you loved the book. I’m getting mixed comments. I enjoyed the book!
LikeLike
Will have to get this one read. Sounds like I would love it and learn from it as well. Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
LikeLike
HELLO Clara! It’s been a while. Hope you’ve been busy writing! Yes, I think you’d enjoy this unique story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been busy and I am sorry to be neglectful of my friends. I hope you’ll stop in and visit me at my website, http://www.clarabowmanjahn.com/ . See you there!
love
Clar! 🙂
LikeLike
Welcome back Clar!
LikeLike