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53 pages 1 hour read

Cindy Baldwin

Where The Watermelons Grow

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin follows 12-year-old Della Kelly as she navigates the challenges posed by her mother's schizophrenia while managing the family farm and maintaining friendships. As Della searches for a way to alleviate her family's struggles, she learns valuable lessons about love, acceptance, and resilience. This novel contains depictions of a person with mental health challenges and a child in emotional distress.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Cindy Baldwin's Where the Watermelons Grow writes a heartfelt, lyrical middle-grade novel that deeply resonates with readers through its exploration of family and mental illness. The book's vivid, evocative prose and realistic portrayal of its young protagonist evoke empathy. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow at times and the ending somewhat predictable. Overall, it is a moving and thoughtfully crafted narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Where The Watermelons Grow?

Readers who enjoy Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin are typically preteens and young adults who appreciate heartfelt stories about family, resilience, and personal growth. Fans of Bridge to Terabithia or Because of Winn-Dixie will likely find similar emotional depth and relatable characters in Baldwin's work.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

1020L

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