Around the Corner

Around the Corner follows 10-year-old Ted Hansen and his family in a small Utah town during the 1920s. The Hansens operate the town's general store, where Ted helps with deliveries and learns about his community. Ted's world centers on his daily routines delivering groceries, his interactions with town residents, and his close relationship with his sister Annie. His perspective shifts when his family faces changes and he must confront situations beyond his previous experiences. Through Ted's eyes, the story captures life in a Mormon farming community, depicting the rhythms of school, church, work and family relationships. The narrative tracks a year of growth and discovery for Ted as he encounters the complexities of adult life. The novel explores themes of responsibility, faith, and the gradual transition from childhood innocence to greater understanding. It presents an authentic portrait of both the challenges and support found within tight-knit religious communities.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Virginia Sorensen's overall work: Readers connect strongly with Sorensen's depiction of family relationships and rural American life. Many cite the authenticity in her portrayal of historical Mormon communities and coming-of-age experiences. What readers liked: - Accurate portrayal of Mormon culture without proselytizing - Rich historical details about pioneer life - Complex female characters dealing with faith and identity - Warm family dynamics in children's books - Natural dialogue and regional dialect - Descriptions of landscapes and seasonal changes What readers disliked: - Slow pacing in some novels - Dated gender roles and social attitudes - Religious themes too subtle for some, too heavy for others - Some characters lack development - Limited action in plot-driven scenes Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Miracles on Maple Hill: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) - Plain Girl: 3.9/5 (900+ ratings) - Where Nothing Is Long Ago: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: - Miracles on Maple Hill: 4.7/5 (150+ reviews) - Kingdom Come: 4.2/5 (30+ reviews) One reader noted: "She captures Mormon village life with honesty and complexity rather than stereotypes."

Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski A young girl navigates family challenges and rural life in 1940s Florida while learning about friendship and community bonds.

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen A family moves to the countryside during post-war times, where nature and neighbors help them heal and grow together.

Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright A farm girl's summer adventures during the Great Depression reveal the strength of family ties and rural community spirit.

Blue Willow by Doris Gates The daughter of migrant workers holds onto hope through a cherished family heirloom while longing for a permanent home.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink A pioneer girl's experiences on the Wisconsin frontier showcase family relationships and the challenges of rural life in the 1860s.

🌟 Virginia Sorensen won the Newbery Medal in 1957 for her book "Miracles on Maple Hill," though "Around the Corner" was one of her earlier works. 🌿 The book accurately depicts life in a small Utah Mormon community during the 1920s, drawing from Sorensen's own experiences growing up in such an environment. 📚 "Around the Corner" was part of a larger movement in mid-20th century children's literature that focused on realistic portrayals of American family life rather than fantasy or adventure. 🎨 The original 1954 edition featured illustrations by Leonard Weisgard, who was known for his collaborations with Margaret Wise Brown on "The Little Island" and other classics. 🏆 Virginia Sorensen wrote both children's and adult literature, and was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to study in Denmark, which influenced her later works about Danish-American communities.