I wasn't looking forward to this one.

All I could recall about having read it as a teenager was that I thought it was both boring and sad.

It might be the sort of book that leads people to claim that the Newbery rewards books that adults favor rather than those that young people truly love.

However, I am simply glad that this poignant and thoughtful book exists.

And the fact that its award compelled me to read it.

Some of these problem books have functioned better in my family when read aloud, allowing for discussions as we progress, rather than being just pleasure reads for the kids.

Not every good book for young people has to be one that most children would independently pick up and appreciate.

There are many different types of books, each with its own value and significance, and this one, despite my initial reservations, has proven to be an important addition to the literary landscape for young readers.

It challenges them to think about difficult topics and emotions, and in doing so, helps them to grow and develop as individuals.

So, while it may not be a book that every child will love at first sight, it is one that has the potential to make a lasting impact on their lives.

I don't precisely recall when I first read this book. However, I had a hunch that it would be a great moment for a reread. And indeed, it has proven to be just as excellent this time around.

On October 29, 2021, I find myself reflecting on my deep affection for the first two books in this series. They have truly captured my heart and imagination. I can't help but yearn for more books that focus solely on the Tillermans. Their story is so engaging and full of depth that I long to explore more of their lives and adventures.

I wonder if there will ever be additional installments in this series that continue to follow the Tillermans. It would be wonderful to see how their characters develop and what new challenges and experiences they encounter. I hope that the author will consider writing more about these beloved characters in the future.

In the meantime, I will continue to cherish the first two books and keep them close as some of my favorite reads.

Siblings Dicey, James, Sammy and Maybeth had to go and live with Grams when their mother was admitted to the hospital.

Grams received some paperwork from the doctors which informed her that the kids' mother, her own daughter, wasn't getting any better.

"Dicey's Song" is a touching story that revolves around these four siblings and their grandmother. It's about how they had to learn to love and care for one another after this tragedy brought them together.

I truly enjoyed reading this story as it made me feel as if I really knew the family. I could sense all of their emotions, the joys, the sorrows, and the frustrations.

Although the ending was sad, it wasn't the kind of sadness that would make you burst into tears. Instead, you knew that there would be a process of healing, acceptance, and eventually, happiness.

It was a story that left a lasting impression on me, making me appreciate the importance of family and the power of love in the face of difficulties.

The 1983 Newbery Medal Winner is a truly remarkable piece of literature.

It is beautifully written, with words that flow like a gentle river, captivating the reader from the very first page.

The story it tells is not only powerful but also deeply moving, touching on themes that resonate with readers of all ages.

It takes the reader on a journey through a world filled with emotions, challenges, and triumphs.

The characters are vividly brought to life, making the reader feel as if they are a part of their lives.

Overall, the 1983 Newbery Medal Winner is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story and appreciates the art of great writing.

"I have the feeling that I know who I am, only I'm not anymore."



3.5 ⭐️



This was a truly wonderful second installment to the Tillerman Cycle. When we last left Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy, they were on the verge of beginning new lives, living on their grandmother's farm. This novel takes a different approach compared to the first one. It has a greater focus on the characters themselves rather than a complex plot. It's quite a change from the adventure-driven storyline in book 1. However, it was still highly enjoyable. I absolutely loved following the kids as they learned to adjust to a life without their mother.



"I'm sorry the world is the way it is and always has been. It's not easy is it?"



Dicey, among the family, finds it the most difficult. As her siblings start to discover who they are and who they aspire to be, Dicey finds herself feeling lost. If her siblings don't need her in the same way they used to, then who is she if she isn't the responsible rock that she has always been for her family? It's a thought-provoking and emotional journey for Dicey.



This is a lovely book 2, and I am eagerly looking forward to continuing the rest of this series.



"Tillerman's have that kind of courage...we have brave spirits."

I didn't manage to complete it. I just felt extremely directionless, and the rather plain writing failed to draw me in. The plot of the first book, "Homecoming", was what carried me through the somewhat lackluster writing. Kids who were abandoned in a parking lot by their mother had to figure out a way to survive on their own. They needed to seek shelter, scrounge up some money and food, and locate long-lost relatives. It was a survival story with a decent basic plot.

This book is the subsequent installment. It's about children living with their grandmother and commencing a new school... and just sort of going about doing things. They are learning the piano, helping out at the store, and doing book reports. It all seems rather mundane.

The stilted dialogues didn't do the book any favors. If I had read this book at a much younger age, I probably would have enjoyed it more. However, I got halfway through and simply didn't feel inclined to read any further.

Audience 12 and up

This well-told story is the winner of the 1983 Newbery Award. My biggest disappointment in reading this novel is that it is the sequel to another novel by Cynthia Voigt, Homecoming. There are several references to the past events from Book One that held significance to those who knew the Homecoming story. It makes me feel a bit left out as I haven't read the first one. However, I still managed to enjoy this book to some extent.

Dicey Tillerman, her two brothers, and one sister have found their way to Gran’s house and begin their lives in the country of the Chesapeake Bay area. All four children are very different and have their own battles to fight in the transition to the rural life of Maryland. Dicey is the eldest and has to take on a lot of responsibilities. Her younger siblings also face their own challenges, such as adjusting to a new school and making new friends.

Music/singing is a common thread throughout the book in bringing joy and relationships into the lives of the children. It gives them a sense of comfort and hope during difficult times. The book begins and ends with the concept of refurbishing and sailing a boat, and so this analogy is the symbolism of the overall novel. It represents the journey of the children as they try to find their place in the world and build a new life for themselves.

The vocabulary reflected the author's aimed at the 12-and-up reader. There were a few coming-of-age elements for Dicey, some learning issues, some school-related tensions and hospital/death events that might be difficult for young children. However, the language was clean and the relationships were sexually pure. Overall, it is a good book that explores the themes of family, friendship, and growing up.

My friend is very certain that Dicey's Song was included on several school suggested reading lists and that she read it during her ninth grade. Otherwise, and let's face it, that along with the shiny Newbery medal on the cover, this book would have been pushed out of this year's YA/MG book bracket. It truly is that outstanding.

This is the classic type of Newbery-winning work. It is absolutely brilliant. It exudes warmth and empathy, yet it also delves into difficult and real-life situations. It is so incredibly good that I find myself at a loss for words to accurately express my sense of awe. There is this particular moment when Dicey's paper is being read aloud, and she gradually realizes where it is leading. That moment is one of those perfect reading experiences where you are completely immersed in the book and simultaneously fully aware of how fortunate you are that such a wonderful piece of literature exists and has been written.

The cast of characters in this book is remarkable. The family is so well-developed and engaging. WHAT A BOOK THIS IS! How on earth could I have missed reading it during high school? It's a question that keeps popping into my mind as I reflect on the beauty and power of this story.

At first, I didn't really like the book at all. It was filled with too much tragedy.

The story is about 4 young siblings. Their father deserts the family even before the book begins. Then, at the start of the previous book, the young and loving mother has a complete mental breakdown, leaving the children on their own.

There are certain parts of the book that I felt really needed a good editor. Also, a few parts seemed unrealistic to me. The children, at times, appeared to have skills that were beyond what was reasonable for their age. Other parts focused unnecessarily on the harsh realities of life.

However, in the end, I actually felt good. The message that came through strongly was that family and people are of utmost importance. This book, in my opinion, had more depth and understanding compared to the first book. It made me think more deeply about the value of family and how we should cherish and support one another through the toughest of times.

Overall, although it had its flaws, the book managed to leave a lasting impression on me and made me appreciate the importance of human connection and family bonds.

Forced to grow up too soon, Dicey discovers that you can learn some things too fast.

She is thrust into a world where she has to take on responsibilities far beyond her years.

As she navigates through this difficult terrain, she realizes that the lessons she is learning are coming at a rapid pace.

Dicey has to make tough decisions, deal with hardships, and face challenges that most children her age would never have to encounter.

But through it all, she remains resilient and determined.

She knows that she has no choice but to grow up quickly and learn from her experiences.

Even though it may be painful and overwhelming at times, Dicey understands that these lessons will shape her into the person she is meant to be.

She is learning to be independent, resourceful, and strong.

And while she may wish for a more carefree childhood, Dicey is coming to terms with the fact that she has been given a different path.

She is ready to embrace the challenges and use them to her advantage as she continues to grow and learn.

This is the second volume in the remarkable story of the Tillermans, one of my favorite fictional families.

The four children have managed to move beyond the improbable circumstances of their mid-Atlantic journey and are now comfortably settled at their Grandma’s Chesapeake Bay home.

This secure foundation provides an opportunity for some strong character development. Gram, for instance, is a traditional cranky old woman who is set in her ways. Beneath all that sandpaper exterior lies a heart of gold. Although she may seem like a stereotype at first glance, her responses are so personal and detailed that it doesn't detract from the story at all. I also have a soft spot for Millie, the downtown store owner, and Mr. Lingerle, Maybeth’s piano teacher.

However, this is Dicey’s Song. She is the rightful center of attention. A 13-year-old who has had to grow up too fast, she must shoulder the responsibility of helping the entire family come to terms with their mother’s continued absence. There are some truly heartbreaking moments in the story, but all the sadness feels genuine and real. The family’s shared love, on the other hand, is like a literary blessing that shines through even in the darkest of times.

The writing in this piece was truly great.

However, there were certain parts that gave the impression of being a bit dated or perhaps not entirely politically correct.

The description of the black girl's experience at school seemed more like a product of wishful thinking. But then again, who am I to judge?

Maybe there are aspects that I'm not fully understanding.

Nonetheless, I would highly recommend that you read the first book in the series.

It might offer a more comprehensive and in-depth look at the story and its characters.

You never know, it could potentially change your perspective on what you initially thought about the writing and the experiences described.

So, give it a try and see for yourself.