Barefoot by Lizann Bassham

Opal spends her childhood in a small town with her mother's family and friends. Her mother died when Opal was only seven years old and Opal feels that it is her fault, because before her mother died, Opal hadn't been following directions. Her father is off traveling and Opal's dearest cousin has gone to war. Opal is always afraid that if she does the slightest thing wrong, her new family will leave her. But as she grows older, Opal learns that through thick and thin, the people who love her will always be there.

The book was intriguing, and, although slow at first, became more and more entrancing as I got deeper into the story. Lizann Bassham, an amazing author, made detailed scenes that were easy to imagine. Opal and her family went through many tragic events, in which the author captured the emotions of the family, especially when Opal's cousin went off to war. This book shows the pros and cons of small-town living in the 1960's. The realization of Opal's that her family will not leave her is built gradually, which makes for an interesting story. It a sweet, yet sometimes tragic page-turner, and I would recommend it to everyone over the age of ten.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Boothwyn, Pennsylvania USA