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This sequel is a companion to Peck's A Long Way From Chicago, but now Joey is serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps and his sister, Mary Alice, must stay with Grandma Dowdel for a year while her family attempts to recover from the Depression. When Mary Alice first steps off the train she doesn't know how she'll survive in this hick town, but she is soon an accomplice to some of Grandma's shenanigans. She even invents a few of her own that are sure to entertain readers. Most heart-warming is Mary Alice's own growth as she comes to understand that Grandma Dowdel is quite the role model. As Mary Alice shares: "She had eyes in the back of her heart."

Reviewed by Nancy S., Morrison Regional

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Reader's comments about this book

This brilliant, amazingly funny story will capture ANY reader - boy or girl, young or old, child or parent. I recommend it to everyone! This story will remain as one of your favorites, as it has for me.
-Abby, Charlotte, NC

I am absolutely crazy about this book!
-Jasmin, Huntersville, NC

I loved A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder. I'm in 6th grade and I read the first book in 3 days and the second in only two. These books are extremely funny but serious also.
-Sara, Illinois

I absolutely love this book and A Long Way From Chicago. They both are hillarious and touching. I LOVE it. I reccomend it to any teacher to have their students read it.
-Amanda H., Minnesota

This book is the best! i recommend it to any child or adult.
-rana sweat, hoover alabama

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