It is 1957 in Athens, Missouri, and eight year old Ruth Ann Carver has lots of rules to follow. Finish all the food on your plate. Don't interrupt when adults are talking. Do what adults tell you to do. Don't talk about nasty things. Don't tell lies. Don't be a tattle tale. But what happens when Ruth sees something she shouldn't, something she knows her parents don't want to hear?
Cathy Worthington pulled me right into the secret world of 1950's children, a world that doesn't really exist today. Ruth Ann had many rules, but she also had a lot of freedom. I grew up much the same way in the 60's. We stayed out all day and rode our bikes everywhere (sans helmets), and it was OK as long as we were home by dark. I walked home from school alone as early as 3rd grade, and it was considered normal! There were no cell phones, GPS devices, or even answering machines, there was just a network of neighbors who kept an eye on everyone. There was a lot of trust, but trust can be broken.
Watch Over Thy Child is much more than the story of a murder, it is the story of a brave little girl and a town that loses its innocence. So, read this book, and I promise I won't make you eat all your brussel sprouts.
*REALLY COOL FACT ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Cathy Worthington is a San Diego native and my friend! You can get her books through her website www.cathyworthingtonbooks.com.
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