When the Bough Breaks

Gregory Bryan is a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Historical fiction is not a particularly popular genre amongst young adult readers. As a devotee of historical fiction, I find this disappointing. One reason for my disappointment is knowing that many young readers will not consider reading Irene N. Watts’ When the Bough Breaks. In choosing not to read the book for no other reason than that they prefer to ready fantasy, science fiction, or contemporary realistic fiction, young adult readers will be denying themselves of exposure to a superbly written tale by a talented storyteller.

Set in Ontario during the Great Depression, I concede that many of today’s readers will find it difficult to relate to much of the backdrop to Watts’ story. When the Bough Breaks is so well written, however, that readers will learn much about the everyday toil and deprivation endured through the Depression Era, thus gaining a greater understanding of this significant chapter in human history. Teachers will do well to recommend Watts’ book to their students. The afflictions suffered by 12-year-old, Millie, and her family will endow readers with an appreciation for the heartbreak and difficulty of the Depression Era in a way that a history textbook is unable to do so.

The death of Millie’s loving mother and the kidnapping of Millie’s baby brother compound the everyday struggles of the Carr family. Only 145 pages in length, I feel this book is ideal for use in middle and high school history classrooms.

Highly Recommended