Book Review: Here Today

Martin, Ann M. Here Today. New York: Scholastic, 2004.

In 1960s era New York State, Ellie's life is far from perfect. Her dad works all the time. Her mom, who insists her children call her Doris, is always scheming to make something of herself. Doris' scheming and discontent with her current situation leads her to leave her family for the glamour of New York City. On top of these family problems, Ellie and her best friend Holly are being teased unmercifully and cruelly at school.

What I thought: Here Today is another great book by Ann M. Martin. She effortlessly captures the feel of the 1960s. Watching Ellie struggle was heart wrenching. Teasing is something to which most everyone can relate whether they were the teaser or the object of the teasing. The book is quite long (308 pages), but it kept my interest throughout. I was anxious to see what Doris would do next and how Ellie would deal with the newest problem.