The Secret of the Stone House

Christina Pike is a member of the Evaluation Division, Department of
Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Emily Bradford’s life has drastically changed in the last few months.
Her parents’ marriage is breaking up, her Grandmother Renfrew has just
died, and the stone house that has been in the family for years has to
be sold. It all seems to be too much for one person to bear. When Emily
finds a passage into the past, she is eager to escape. By travelling to
the past, Emily learns the importance of family and is determined to
keep the old stone house in the family. She wonders how she can convince
her mom and aunt of its importance.

Judith Silverthorne has created a realistic portrait of today’s
world. Her young protagonist faces challenges similar to those that many
other young people are facing and likely want to escape, and travelling
back in time and meeting one’s ancestors is something many would
probably like to do. Silverthorne’s treatment of the time travel is
tastefully done. Emily’s trip to the past reveals important things
that happened and their consequences. It is fitting that by escaping
into the past Emily truly learns about and appreciates the present.
Highly recommended.