Keeper of the Doves

Written by Betsy Byars

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

For aspiring writer Amen McBee, life at the end of the nineteenth century with her four older sisters (Augusta, Abigail, and the "Bellas," twins Annabella and Arabella) is full of adventure. The only trouble in Amen's life is Mr. Tominski, the strange old man who lives in the woods and keeps a trained flock of doves. Her sisters warn Amen that the dove keeper is not the be trusted, but Amen's father insists that Mr. Tominski wouldn't hurt a soul. Who is right?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Dec 13, 2005
• ISBN: 9780807216613

Betsy Byars

<p><strong>Betsy Byars</strong> is the author of many award-winning books for children, including <em>The Summer of the Swans</em>, a Newbery Medal winner. <em>The Pinballs </em>was an ALA Notable Book. She is also the author of <em>Goodbye, Chicken Little</em>; <em>The Two-Thousand-Pound Goldfish</em>; and the popular Golly Sisters trilogy.</p>

Reviews for Keeper of the Doves

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I like Byars but this one was too superficial. And the idea of not judging a recluse has been done better, notably in Onion John.

[whisper1_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is sparse, powerful and wonderfully written. Filled with lovely poetic images of life in 1889, it is a tale of impressions seen through the eyes of Amen McBee, the youngest of five sisters.

Mr. Tominski is a secretive man who lives on the McBee property. Long ago he rescued Amen's father. In gratitude, he is allowed to remain on the property and is respected by Amen's father. When Amen's twin sisters weave nasty tales of Mr. Tominski, difficult feelings arise and misunderstanding abounds with dire consequences.

I liked this book. Each word was used wisely and, without pounding the message, the author made a sensitive point about understanding those who are different.

Recommended.