The Dollar Kids by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. Illustrated by Ryan Andrews. Candlewick, 2018. Children's chapter book, fiction.Lowen, age 12, carries around a lot of guilt about the death of his friend, Abe. Lowen is a budding cartoon illustrator. He has an older brother and sister, a mom and a dad. They live in Flintlock until the family applies to "win" a house for a dollar in Millville. The mill is gone, the houses are in terrible shape, and the town wants families with children who can work there and help revitalize the community. Lowen and his older brother, Clem, are enthusiastic, but their sister does not want to leave her friends. When the family sees the house, they realize what a job lies in store for them in order to get it habitable and make it a true home. Is the family up to it? Can Lower find a new life and friends to help him come to terms with his grief and loneliness?
I read a lot of children's books. It's unusual to find a new plot with captivating characters, distinct setting, and so much heart. This book will win over the most jaded reader! The illustrations, black and white, are marvelous, but few. The narrative is so well written that readers will be able to picture the characters and towns, but some readers will no doubt draw their own accompanying illustrations as they read.
