Where the Watermelons Grow
Cindy Baldwin, Author
HarperCollins, Fiction, Jul. 3, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Schizophrenia, Mental Illness, Family Relationships, Guilt, Courage, Farm Life, Friendship
Publisher’s Synopsis: When twelve-year-old Della Kelly finds her mother furiously digging black seeds from a watermelon in the middle of the night and talking to people who aren’t there, Della worries that it’s happening again—that the sickness that put her mama in the hospital four years ago is back. That her mama is going to be hospitalized for months like she was last time.
With her daddy struggling to save the farm and her mama in denial about what’s happening, it’s up to Della to heal her mama for good. And she knows just how she’ll do it: with a jar of the Bee Lady’s magic honey, which has mended the wounds and woes of Maryville, North Carolina, for generations.
But when the Bee Lady says that the solution might have less to do with fixing Mama’s brain and more to do with healing her own heart, Della must learn that love means accepting her mama just as she is.
Why I like this book:
Cindy Baldwin has penned a timely and important debut novel that will appeal to a large range of readers, especially teens who cope with a family member who has a mental illness. It will tug at readers’ hearts, but it’s an excellent portrayal of schizophrenia. And it is a good southern read about farm life in North Carolina. It reminds me a bit of The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
Della’s story is timely, realistic and will resonate with teens who have parents or siblings with a mental illness. It will also promote understanding and compassion for other readers who may be their friends. It is nice to see a spotlight shown on schizophrenia and the toll it takes on a family because of its unpredictable nature.
Della’s first-person narrative is powerful and pulls no punches. When dealing with her schizophrenic mother, she never really knows who her mama is going to be. Will she be the loving mama who laughs, sings and tells stories? Or will she be the mama who leaves baby Mylie soaked, soiled and screaming in her crib? As her mother’s illness rapidly declines, Della realizes that no sickness in the world could make her mama’s love for her less real.
Like many youth in Della’s situation, she’s forced to grow up too quickly. She becomes the adult caring for her baby sister, cleaning the house, cooking and helping her father with the family produce stand. She blames herself for her mother’s “sickness.” It is her fault and she wants to fix her mama. She keeps secrets to protect her mother. And Della worries if she will inherit schizophrenia.
Baldwin has created a strong sense of community for Della and her family. There is her best friend Arden, her grandparents and a host of mother figures who love and support Della through the chaos. Other “mamas” appear when she needs them the most.
Where the Watermelons Grow is richly textured, lyrical and impeccably researched. The theme may seem heavy, but it doesn’t overwhelm its targeted audience. I highly recommend this novel for middle grade teens and adults. To learn more about Cindy Baldwin, visit her website.
Resources: There is a Teacher’s Guide available on the publisher’s website that includes classroom discussion questions about mental illness, family relationships, guilt and personal responsibility. There also are extension activities related to things that occur in the book.
Greg Pattridge is the host for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
Children's Books Heal 
I like that this story is told in first person. What better way to reveal the ache and pains of dealing with her mother than through the eyes of Della. The setting amidst the watermelons puts this on the top of my books to read soon. Thanks for another great review.
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I think the only way to really add to the depth of the character was to tell it in first person. The author really gets into Della’s brain.
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Sounds like an exciting, poignant piece. Della sounds like a smart, tough cookie in a rough situation. I love a strong girl character. Great review.
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It does cause you to grow up quickly when you have a parent who is ill! Della is tough, but she’s still a child and wants a mama to love her.
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Schizophrenia is a difficult disease and affects not only the person suffering from it but all those around them. It is also a difficult subject to tackle for this age group. Bravo for Cindy Baldwin and her ability to tell this tale with heart and compassion. Another important book for the school libraries.
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This is my first MG novel on the subject of schizophrenia. The author did her research and does a wonderful job of portraying Della’s life with her mama. My husband, therapist and minister, read my review and was impressed with how well the story was written. I agree, this is an important books for schools. It will help foster empathy for mental illness.
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Sounds like a great read.Many teens now have to deal with friends as well as family battling mental illness. Sounds like a really timely story.
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I was thrilled to see a story about a teen dealing with mental illness/schizophrenia in her family. Hope it readers will feel empathy for Della. And, I think many readers can identify with family members with depression, bi-polar disease etc.
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I agree with everything you said. Great book. Thanks.
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So funny we selected the same book. I agree with all of your comments. It was an important story.
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My first thought was how much I loved the cover, but what a powerful story lies beneath. I do think this is an important story. There are many children living with parents who have a mental illness. As does Della, many consider themselves responsible. Mental illness still seems to be a taboo subject in many areas and people, especially children who fear it is their fault, may be reluctant to talk about it. This book may help them realise they are not alone and that help is available.
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I hope that readers dealing with mental illness in any form with a family member, will realize they aren’t alone.
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I hope so too.
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You know I just adore Cindy, and am so thrilled to see you loved her book! Thoroughly enjoyed reading your thoughts. Thanks for the review, and happy reading!
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I really did love this story! Such an important story for teens. It belongs in every school library.
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This novel’s balance of a heavy topic with lighter elements sounds great! I’ll have to try it. Thanks so much for the review!
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It is a story worth reading! I enjoyed every moment of this important story.
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